AFA Council 66 eCommunication - Monday, June 25, 2012

Hot Aircraft and Heat Exhaustion

Summer is here, are so are our hot aircraft!  Attached is a flyer you can print out on heat related illness. Please read and re-familiarize yourself with the early signs of heat related illnesses. If the aircraft is too hot let the Pilots know.

Measures are in place to try to keep our aircraft cool:

• FA/s will make our Warm Weather Cabin Announcement to lower window shades, open air vents and turn off reading lamps
• Jet bridge way air hooked up to all aircraft upon arrival
• All A/C at the Hanger will have air supplied to prevent heat soaked aircraft events
• Flight Deck window shade installation at gate by Ramp Agents
• A/C Cooling Team (2 Ground Agents with temp guns) to monitor all RON, long ground time, hanger A/C temps.
• Acquire additional portable air units to bring us to 6 portable units. We also have an agreement with US Airways Express to borrow units if needed.
• Aircraft temperature monitoring by Gate Manager (temp laser guns) to prevent passenger/crew discomfort prior to boarding. Temperatures will be taken in the forward and aft in the aircraft.
• Lower the roller doors on all jet bridges to try to trap the cool air in.
• If it becomes hot on board the aircraft, you may ask the Pilots to turn on the APU. According to Pilot policies and procedures, they are allowed to turn on the APU prior to the 15 minute target time.

If you get to an aircraft that is sweltering and there is no Flight Deck, call Inflight and tell the gate agent. They will inform our Operations Tower. Operations can call the ramp to ensure all systems are functioning. If it is too hot on the aircraft, wait in the boarding area. If its cooler in the jet bridge, wait there. Don't assume that anyone will know it is too hot on the aircraft. You must report it! Remember, as a First Responder review signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, and be prepared. A review of heat related illnesses can be found in the FAM in the First Aid Chapter and on the Air Safety Homepage. As always please submit a Safety Event Report and send a copy to safety@afa66.org

Fly Safe and Hydrated, Dauna Slater Association of Flight Attendants Committee Chair: Air Safety, Health and Security US Airways/West Safety@afa66.org AFA Council 66 Website www.afa66.org