Originally Posted by
jpdx
What I really worry about: Are the 737s capable of safely handling the flights to Hawaii under these circumstances? I realize that other airlines don't send planes with tons of excess fuel, but I can't help but thinking that a NW 753 would have flown this particular trip with a much greater margin. What would AS have done, for instance, if the headwinds had averaged 120 instead of 86 mph?
I think the computers on modern planes and the pilots trained to use them are enough to calculate whether they've reached the point of no return based on wind speed, fuel consumption, weight etc. The FAA regulates ETOPS and Alaska Airlines has to follow those rules in order to offer that service. Like
celtics2004 said, if you run into stronger than expected headwinds, you turn around and get a nice tailwind. I'm flying to OGG next Friday and I have confidence in Alaska Airlines to get me there and back safely and with the Alaska service I have come to expect. ^
I must add, I was at the local 24 hr fitness when I saw the news coverage of AS261 and I will never forget it as I'm sure a majority of the people on this forum remember where they were when they heard the terrible news. It was a shock to everyone and was definitely a shock to the AAG since there was a large number of off duty Alaska personnel on board the aircraft. I firmly believe AAG has learned from the incident and has become one of the safest airlines to fly. Saying "kerplunk" was absolutely, positively the most callous thing someone could have said regarding AS261 and I think there should be an apology from the person who said it. It is your choice what airline to fly. I ALWAYS fly Alaska or Horizon when I have the choice.