What percentage of idiots travel by air?

Apparently the defect was slightly different than that embraced in the AD.

The basic problem is always SCHEDULING maintenance to comply with an AD. It takes time, not all planes can be worked on at one time, if a plane is already scheduled for some sort of overhaul, defering the maintenance until then is simply efficient. Letting too much time elapse extends this period of slight vulnerability unwisely. Its a judgement call of risk/reward and economic burden on the carrier.

Quote: Ayecarumba

As I understand it, the folks were able to grab their carry on bags while waiting in the queue to get out the door.

There's still a risk of injury from luggage on the slides. And of slowing down once you are down. The plane was carrying a substantial fuel load. If that caught fire it could explode. Granted the emergency services available at the airport make it unlikely, it's still a possibility.

Quote:

The entire plane was emptied in under 5 minutes.

I wonder what the optimal evacuation time is. I'd be surprised to learn it was over 2 minutes.

Quote: Nareed

I wonder what the optimal evacuation time is. I'd be surprised to learn it was over 2 minutes.

The FAA requirement is 90 seconds.

Quote: Ayecarumba

The FAA requirement is 90 seconds.

Instead it took around 3 1/3 times as much.

Now, I don' really expect passengers to evacuate in 90 seconds. even those of us who "know" what we're supposed to do, lack any training or practice in the actual doing. With help from the cabin crew, who are trained and can more easily open the doors, especially over the wing, I expect 2 1/2 to 3 minutes to be more realistic.

That still makes 5 minutes too long.

This time nothing happened. Next time the people reaching overhead for their carry on may not be so lucky.

Slick Boeing safety information, including some behind the scenes details, is available in their AERO magazine.

actual injuries in practice evacuations makes the use of software desireable for testing.

Young healthy people familiar with the airplane generally get out, particularly if they know to hop up and walk on the seat handles bracing the aisle. You always risk some dope who wants to get down and crawl so everyone can trip over him and he can delay everyone, or someone who insists on the front entrance when he is nearer to other exits.