V-Flyer

Am I just very unlucky or is there a widespread problem with auxiliary power on the 346s? I mentioned an issue on arriving at JFK earlier this year, and now It affected both my inbound and outbound Dubai holiday flights (VS400 on 1 June and VS401 on the 9th).

In both cases, it resulted in a very uncomfortable and sticky hour sitting in near 100 degree temperatures because of the lack of AC.

Combined with IFE failures on both legs, there is certainly going to be a letter to crawley towers off the back of this (my first in fact and I hope that this doesn't mark my transition to 'middle aged grumpy old man')

RC

The APU failures on A346s are legion so yes, I'd say there is a problem and it's either to difficult to fix or not high enough on VS's priorities. Others have commented before ...

Had exactly the same on my return from ORD last Monday! Roasting hot for an hour or so with no drinks etc

Mark

I'd guess until it becomes a safety issue, they'll get fixed as and when.

I'd argue that sitting for an extended period in those sweltering temperatures, without access to water, should be considered a safety issue! Certainly on the return flight there were some very unhappy babies and toddlers making their feelings known...

I'd say it is a health risk. When it happened on my flight in February, someone in Y fainted probably due to the heat. What probably helped in W and J were the welcome drinks.

And yes it's probably a common problem as it has happened on 2 flights I've been on in the space of 9 months

I've also boarded a very hot 747 in Orlando too. All the window-blinds on one side [the sunny side] of the cabin were closed & the cabin crew were fanning themselves with safety cards in the gallies.

The Captain did apologise for the lack of air-conditioning before push-back. And true to the Captain's words, once the engines started the cabin cooled down very fast.

Darren Wheeler wrote:I'd guess until it becomes a safety issue, they'll get fixed as and when.

Which sounds incredibly complacent - safety issue or not, it's obviously a customer issue nor a case of fixing as and when, I don't believe they ever do!

This doesn't sound too clever.

However, it's probably worth noting that such issues aren't exclusive to Virgin. Looking at the BA page on Flyertalk, their aging 747 fleet seems to suffer a fair few glitches.

Erm... as this is my 1st letter to VA... does anyone have an appropriate address for them (everything seems to be email/phone driven on the website).

I'm sure many of you are a lot more experienced with this sort of thing than I am!

As a follow up to this one... I did end up sending the letter, and can see that 15k miles have been credited to my account today. Which is always nice... obviously... but will be more interesting to see what their response is in terms of the underlying issue.

Basically all I want is to be persuaded that VS are not taking the view that it's easier/cheaper to lob a few miles at the minority that complain, rather than fix the problem itself. I've already passed the AU renewal point for this year, so it's just possible that the dark side could be calling me soon...

RC

ratechaser wrote:Am I just very unlucky or is there a widespread problem with auxiliary power on the 346s? I mentioned an issue on arriving at JFK earlier this year, and now It affected both my inbound and outbound Dubai holiday flights (VS400 on 1 June and VS401 on the 9th).

In both cases, it resulted in a very uncomfortable and sticky hour sitting in near 100 degree temperatures because of the lack of AC.

Combined with IFE failures on both legs, there is certainly going to be a letter to crawley towers off the back of this (my first in fact and I hope that this doesn't mark my transition to 'middle aged grumpy old man')

RC

They should be on FEGP at the stand, but I guess it was either not available or working. No one really wants to use an APU while on stand if at all possible.

simonallardice wrote:They should be on FEGP at the stand, but I guess it was either not available or working. No one really wants to use an APU while on stand if at all possible.

That's a new one, what the heck is a FEGP? Whatever it is, I've heard the captain informing passengers that it's too hot on the plane because APU isn't working to many times for it to be classified as rare ... so either VS doesn't buy FEGP's or it does have a problem with functioning APUs ...

That's a new one, what the heck is a FEGP? Whatever it is, I've heard the captain informing passengers that it's too hot on the plane because APU isn't working to many times for it to be classified as rare ... so either VS doesn't buy FEGP's or it does have a problem with functioning APUs ...

Ha, sorry. It stands for 'Fixed Electrical Ground Power', many airports are really strict about APU use on stand, i.e they don't allow it until close to push back or something similar, different rules at different airports. Essentially, FEGP is simply being plugged into the airports power supply whilst on stand. It's in everyone's interest for it to happen, Aircraft isn't burning fuel and the airport is aided in meeting ground noise limits as APU's are really noisy.

If you look at some airports, there'll be signs at the stand saying "APU OFF!"

slinky09 wrote:

simonallardice wrote:They should be on FEGP at the stand, but I guess it was either not available or working. No one really wants to use an APU while on stand if at all possible.

That's a new one, what the heck is a FEGP? Whatever it is, I've heard the captain informing passengers that it's too hot on the plane because APU isn't working to many times for it to be classified as rare ... so either VS doesn't buy FEGP's or it does have a problem with functioning APUs ...

I'm with you Slinky y) I've only heard the pilot refering to an APU as well - so someone please enlighten us as to what FEGP stands for i) i)

Thanks Simon oo) oo) oo)

I should add, that FEGP isn't always working/available.

Petmadness wrote:Thanks Simon oo) oo) oo)

You're very welcome. I occasionally know something, though I do know that there's different rules regarding FEGP depending on what type of aircraft it is.

Call my cynical, but I wouldn't be surprised if Virgin were just saying the APU isn't working to avoid turning it on.

Petmadness wrote:
I'm with you Slinky y) I've only heard the pilot refering to an APU as well - so someone please enlighten us as to what FEGP stands for i) i)

According to Mr Google it stands for Fixed Electric(al) Ground Power

clarkeysntfc wrote:This doesn't sound too clever.

However, it's probably worth noting that such issues aren't exclusive to Virgin. Looking at the BA page on Flyertalk, their aging 747 fleet seems to suffer a fair few glitches.

Dear god they do. Ba16 from Syd to lhr was a 1976 747 .... It smelled like an old person's house! No air before take off and dusty seats!! Will never again fly BA long haul.

samfarmer wrote:Dear god they do. Ba16 from Syd to lhr was a 1976 747 .... It smelled like an old person's house! No air before take off and dusty seats!! Will never again fly BA long haul.

I assume you refer to a past flight? BA's current 744 fleet dates from 1989 at the earliest.