Exactly.... I am declaring an emergency, people are trapped I need firemen to bring stairs to the a/c. This isn't rocket science, these CA's just need to take charge and get some balls!

That's a bit over simplistic...

Always remember when you blow the slides people WILL get hurt. The pax have to be in more danger inside the plane than outside to justify blowing the slides.

Rolling over to the FBO certainly is a viable option. I imagine that option was explored.

To the poster that wondered why the airport authority wasn't taking some of the blame - I agree. I think they should shoulder some of the blame, though I can also see where an airport's ability to handle a large diversion of aircraft might overwhelm their resources - but 7 hours?! I agree with the declaring an emergency part too after hearing of the medical situations in back.

USMCFLYR

You must be a real treat to fly with:rolleyes:

I would hold back armchair quarterbacking this CA. Did the FBO even have stairs? If so, were they available or in use?
And to echo others, blowing the slides is a very bad idea unless there was greater danger inside the plane. You will injure people when you send them down the slides. Especially considering that one of the medical concerns was a paraplegic.
B6 certainly should've done a better job than 7 hours, and may well get fined, but as for the crew, sometimes you're just stuck

I'm betting jetBlue will not get fined.
And if they do, it will be a trivial amount.

.....................

AA also had a CDG-JFK flight in BDL... But will probly get off the hook because.... "American Airlines said its diverted flight from Paris waited on the tarmac for seven hours before U.S. Customs officers arrived and allowed the passengers to depart.... So far under the latest rules, the DOT has not charged or fined any airline for exceeding tarmac- waiting times, an agency representative said. There have been some excessive waiting times due to customs in the past,...
...The DOT declined to comment further on the investigation."


There is an exemption for security in the DOT rule... and I bet no customs would be a national security issue. Unless you are running across the border, then security is no big deal... :rolleyes: you are free to do as you please!!!:eek:

Anyone ever attempt to tow airstairs behind the dilapidated FBO vehicle with over a foot of uncleared snow from across the airport?

Been there. Easier said than done.

A difficult situation that I've never had (thankfully). At least the CA was recorded as fervently asking for help. That is good for him.

I didn't know that Jet Blue had 747's!:rolleyes:
fbh