FEDEX problem at KLAX

[Hardy Heinlin]

Right or wrong, we were taught that the reels don't have a fixed rate of descent, but rather the initial part of the descent is closer to free-fall, followed by an increasing deceleration rate on the second part. Look at the videos. Does it look like the descent rate is constant throughout?

Jon

OK, it may be non-linear. But if the sinkrate is reduced enough at around half-way, the remaining descent can't be more dangerous -- no matter where the impact point is(?)


|-|ardy

[FreightDog767]

So do you guys think the inertial reel stops one inch above the ground?

How does the reel know how tall you are? :-)

How does the reel know whether the nose wheel tires are deflated, or whether there's a pickup truck under your feet?

How does the reel know whether or not you're wearing Gene-Simmons-platform-boots?


]-[ardy

Maybe I *am* wearing Gene Simmons boots when I fly; you don't know! 

I echo emerydc8 on this one. Good conversation, though.

[emerydc8]

Hardy,
I was never given enough information about the reels to know their true design limits. I do recall sitting in classes listening to instructors tell us not to use the reels if the nose wheel is collapsed. Maybe they're under a misguided impression too. I just don't know, so I'll go for what I do know -- the rope. As a former gymnast - and continuing at 55 -- I am pretty confident I can get out using the rope.
Jon

[Hardy Heinlin]

Here's another gymnast on the rope; his last comment was: "I know what I'm doing" ...

https://youtu.be/d18pm13G38I?t=55

[emerydc8]

Classic movie!

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

Wild guess.

If the inertial reels work sort of like a parachute, they need a certain distance to spool up enough to pull the brakes on.

Who can smuggle one of these out and videotape an experiment with a few bags of sand? (or a crash test dummy)?