Today’s story isn’t about serial killers or gruesome details of murders, oh no, no... but... instead it’s a terrifying true story that involves poor maintenance requirements with proper surveillance, repair procedures, training and qualifications of mechanics and inspectors, extraordinary service, a gold medal heroism, and airman recognition.

If you were flying and noticed something unusual with the aircraft, what would you do?

Do you know why a FA’s position was created?

You know those warning labels we see on basically everything? Have you ever asked yourself, or said, well duh, of course I wouldn’t do that? Well for every action is a reaction, someone didn’t know, and things went wrong. Causing the need for a warning label or cautionary procedures to be present to prevent people from getting hurt. Such as, needing cabin crew to assist with pax and any emergencies that may arise.

Well... This is the story of Aloha Airlines Flight 243!



Resources:

- NTSB – (National Transportation of Safety Board) https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR8903.pdf#search=aloha%20airlines%20flight%20243

- Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii - 27 Apr 1989
https://www.newspapers.com/image/272635701

- Miracle landing of Aloha Airlines Flight 243 – CBS evening News
https://youtu.be/POXjwIJk14U

- Miracle Landing (1990) - Movie
https://youtu.be/vEdJyYXOCN8

- National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

- By Daniel Martínez Garbuno
https://simpleflying.com/aircraft-maintenance-checks/

- By Nicoleta Gherman, Founder, and Trainer
https://worldclasscrew.com/cabin-crew-lifestyle/the-wonderful-history-of-cabin-crew/

- Timeline of Women in Aviation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_women_in_aviation

- The History of Pre-flight checklists
https://www.aerocrewnews.com/monthly-features/special-features/the-history-of-the-pre-flight-checklist/

- By Larry Greenemeier on April 5, 2011
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/southwest-airplane-aluminum-cracks/