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Jumpseat: Let It Snow

JFK International in the midst of the first major
snowstorm of the season. There's no difference
between the parkways and the taxiways.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A special qualification flight from JFK faced significant operational challenges, including rapidly worsening snow conditions and initial mechanical problems like stuck flaps and a low landing gear strut.
  • The author, acting as a check airman, noted the captain's insufficient preparation for the special mountain airport procedures and had to provide guidance throughout the escalating mechanical and weather-related issues.
  • Despite initial deicing efforts, heavy and continuous snowfall at JFK quickly recontaminated the aircraft's wings while waiting for takeoff, compromising the anti-ice fluid's effectiveness.
  • Ultimately, the combination of mechanical delays, severe weather, and rapid recontamination forced the flight's cancellation before departure, preventing the captain from completing his qualification.
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I glanced out the windows in JFK International Operations. The white stuff had already started to fall. Although the intensity was adding only a dashed contrast to the darkening sky, the snow was beginning to swirl around the airplanes parked at the gate. The silver fuselages gave the impression that the airplanes would shiver if they were capable.

A pair of deicing trucks were poised on opposite sides of a 767 that was positioned at a ramp taxiway exit. The long insect arms of the deicing booms extended upward above the big Boeing. A stream of sherbet-orange spray flowed from the nozzles of the hoses that were held by the thickly dressed men perched in the buckets.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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