BA15 LHR -SIN 5th May left with empty water tanks
#91
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,065
The Captain would certainly not have made the decision to depart with little or no potable water. When the situation became clear, in flight, the Captain would have made a determination, after consultation with the IFM as to the health and safety requirements. The weight issue is important but would not have been critical, less weight is not normally an issue, too much weight or weight in the wrong place is more of a problem.
#92
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,065
The company would not "tell" the captain to continue or return, that is not how it works. It is always the captain's decision, the company will advise with technical information and preferred options, however, the company does not have all the information and is not on the spot. The Captain will make their decision based on factors including the company's preferences but there is never an instruction issued.
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
It puts potable water back into proper perspective.
#94
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 592
#95
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,065
The aircraft can fly perfectly safely without potable water; the crew cannot look after passengers without the potable water, but, dependent on the length of flight alternative arrangements can be made for no potable water, such as sanitary wipes for the sinks and bottled water to drink.