disalex

Flying CMH to BOS and they realized after takeoff that the cockpit door wouldn’t latch so diverted to PIT. Not sure how that makes any sense. Wouldn’t it have made more sense to just quietly continue to BOS?

Mountain Explorer

My question is, when did you find out? Surely they didn't announce in flight that they were diverting because the cockpit is not secure?

disalex

They noticed after takeoff. They said it was “maintenance issues” A lot of us saw the door open up on takeoff though

sbrower

My guess is that a locking door is on the MEL (Minimum Equipment List), or something like that, and that it is "unlawful" to continue flight beyond the minimum necessary for safe landing. Am I defending the decision? No, just trying to speculate on the explanation.

Gig103

It does, until you have to plan for the scenario where it wasn't an accident, but sabotage to give an onboard terrorist access to the cockpit. It sucks that's the world we live in.

Spanish

Absolutely lousy indeed!

Duke787

Why couldn’t they have blocked access like they do when pilots use the restroom?

disalex

This was a big topic of conversation. The problem I have with it is they took no other action that would indicate it was a problem This occurred right at takeoff so if you were worried about the cockpit being breached you would immediately turn the plane and bring it down in Columbus. Failing that, for example if corporate made the decision you would do things like say the forward lav was out of order, have an FA ready to block the access etc. Instead at cruising altitude they announced there was a maintenance problem and began a leisurely decent into PIT. If you were truly concerned why not do a leisurely descent until it became obvious then put it down fast.
If it was intentional sabotage they gave the attacker every opportunity to complete the task.
The good news is I just got 7500 bonus points

DLATL777

I wouldn't consider this news of any kind, 7500 skypiles are worth less than the keyboard you used to type this.

WyomingBound

If I remember correctly Republic has a maintenance base in PIT as I have had an issue on the ground in PIT before where the crew came over from the maintenance base to fix an issue.

disalex

I know but I was trying to be positive! According to the points guy chart it's $105.00

LoungeLizardHugo

It's the world that you live in. Not me.

SOBE ER DOC

Simply blocking access to the cockpit with a beverage cart does not meet minimum FAA requirements for cockpit security. Plus, you would have to keep the beverage cart out during approach and landing, which is a safety hazard and would block access to two exit doors on the aircraft.

What surprises me is that they didnt just turn around and head back to CMH. I will never understand how airlines make these decisions.

enviroian

Yen, not dollars.

diburning

At least they had a spare plane at PIT to swap you onto!