Originally Posted by
MacLeanBarrier
The congressional press release only references the cost ineffective "wire mesh" 12-cable barrier systems. They are cheap because they put an exceptional burden on the constant maintenance they will require from 2 difference contractors who need to repair it and take the jet out of service.
This was no "elephant" who simply vaulted over a drink-cart. Not sure why you're so confident in 20 to 80-year-old FAs with a drink-cart saving your life...
https://youtu.be/keKf2un03wI
Yes, the "FAA hurdles" are minimal in order to clear.
A rehearsed movie scene where everyone knows their steps doesn't represent reality. The airlines will balk at any system taking space from available storage, there's no additional storage that can be created. The number of flight attendants are specified per FAA regulations. I doubt the airlines make a habit of flying excess crew just for the heck of it.
14 CFR § 121.391 - Flight attendants.
(a) Except as specified in
§ 121.393 and
§ 121.394, each certificate holder must provide at least the following
flight attendants on board each passenger-carrying
airplane when passengers are on board:
(1) For
airplanes having a
maximum payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds and having a seating capacity of more than 9 but less than 51 passengers - one
flight attendant.
(2) For
airplanes having a
maximum payload capacity of 7,500 pounds or less and having a seating capacity of more than 19 but less than 51 passengers - one
flight attendant.
(3) For
airplanes having a seating capacity of more than 50 but less than 101 passengers - two flight attendants.
(4) For
airplanes having a seating capacity of more than 100 passengers - two
flight attendants plus one additional
flight attendant for each unit (or part of a unit) of 50 passenger seats above a seating capacity of 100 passengers.