No More Door All-Call

From: July 15-31, 2003 Bi-Monthly Briefing Packet

Effective immediately, the 'All Call' procedure has been discontinued.  Apparently it seems that the test provided 'disappointing results' and 11 slides were still popped.

Below is the text from the announcement in the Briefing Packet:

We implemented the Door Status All Call in an effort to eliminate inadvertent slide deployments. However, the test has yielded disappointing results as Onboard Service has been charged with 11 inadvertent slide deployments this year. Feedback from flight attendants concerning the test indicated that the All Call, particularly on arrival, caused additional distraction for the purser at a time when many arrival activities are taking place.

The All Call test has now concluded and you should discontinue the practice. Please review existing departure/arrival procedures in the Flight Attendant Operations Manual.

Later this month, Onboard Service will initiate a test of a Door Status Confirmation, to occur after passenger deplaning. It is intended to address the issue of doors being left in the armed position when flight attendants depart the airplane.

Onboard Service continues to consider procedural changes that will eliminate the dangerous and costly problem of inadvertent slide deployments. As procedures are developed, please continue to prepare for your trips by reviewing the FAOM, discuss arming/disarming procedures in briefing and conducting a silent review of your duties before you activate any handles.

Good point in the last paragraph; being that a silent review is always the way to go to be sure you don't cause big problems with the wrong handle.

While they are considering 'procedural changes' that will eliminate inadvertent slide deployments, I hope they factor in fatigue.  Some, well okay, lots of the new ID's have crews so wrecked it's amazing we're not trying to disarm the lavatory door.