Originally Posted by
UrBear
On my first flight post 9/11, the pilot did the usual welcome speech, then reassured everyone that another terrorist attack was VERY unlikely... but just in case, he pointed out that seat cushions could be used to shield against knife attacks and that a full beverage can makes a great projectile weapon when thrown at the head of a terrorist. I felt less than comforted.
You don't say
... I mean on one hand good to keep in mind, just like the closest exit may be behind you... on the other, I'd be a little freaked out hearing that today -- immediately after 9/11 when tensions were that much higher I'd probably make my way to the nearest exit pronto.
Kind of like my mother reminding me each time she flies that she has her knitting needles ready "just in case terrorists, you know"
Originally Posted by
honest_abe
That quickly calmed down everyone and many of us laughed. Then the captain got on to the intercom and announced that a small plane had started to take off using this runway from the opposite end towards us apparently due to confusion and that "While we are much bigger than he is, I decided that discretion is the better part of Valor". Shortly afterwards, we returned to the runway and resumed our takeoff
Love the FA's composure there. Reminds me -- I've been on a handful of high-speed rejected takeoffs -- the first two on the same aircraft, a E145 doing CLE-DTW for CO -- after we got to a stop the second time, captain announced it was the same "indication issue", we were going to reset and try again but "If the 3rd try isn't a charm we'll just drive this thing down I-80 to Detroit"