Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Hi Captain Lim,

Having experienced severe air turbulence over Holland (Netherlands) myself almost 20 years ago, and having read of the 777 that went through it just a few days back, made me write you to let you know of a pet peeve

Passengers who want to roam about the aircraft (while the FASTEN SEAT BELT LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED, AND COUNTER TO DIRECT INSTRUCTION FROM THE CREW!), open overhead luggage compartments, and start rummaging through their belongings as if they were standing in their closet at home.

I could care less if these non-complying passengers only risk injury to themselves, however, since a majority are elderly, (sometimes frail and of questionable muscle and body strength, as well as unbalanced), they risk injury and potential problems for those passengers WHO ALWAYS REMAIN BUCKLED AND SEATED, unless absolutely necessary!

I would be the first to tell you that more passengers are likely roam on a 15-hour flight to Tokyo, but just as many do it on a 45-minute flight from Houston to New Orleans!

I would leave the reader with the following impression, to simplify the understanding of turbulence: Imagine yourself on a 12 foot aluminum fishing boat, running with a trolling motor, traveling at a leisurely pace over calm water. Then, all of a sudden, a 65-foot twin-engine yacht screams across your bow 50 feet away at full throttle. The resulting wake is horrendous, and nearly throws you out of your boat! You actually cling to the hull for dear life. Under no circumstances would you ever stand up in your fishing boat while it is moving, right?

Now tell me why any passenger would do it in any air (boat) craft, traveling over a "pond" of air, with those blindsiding (gale force) Yachts ready to cross you anytime, anywhere? I thought so---sit down, buckle in, and let the crew do their job. A traveling airplane is a guided Intercontinental Ballistic Passenger Craft! Respect crew instructions AT ALL TIMES, and have the courtesy, for both your safety, and those passengers around you TO STAY SEATED, PERIOD!

Tom

The guy sitting under your 35-pound carry-on, and your wobbling 175-pound body, while you disregard safety advice of the crew!

Hi Tom,

I agree with you that passengers who totally disregard the Fasten Seat Belt signs are also a hazard to others.

Thank you for your concern. I wish there are more law-abiding passengers like you who respect crew instructions at all times :-)

Have a good day!

Display 2 of 2 comments