[Blindtlk] The Unfriendly Skies -- What happened?

Fri Apr 5 20:16:41 UTC 2013

All the more reason not to have a guide creature, doncha think?At 
04:58 PM 4/3/2013, David Evans wrote:

>Dear All,
>
>I totally agree.Also if you need to exit the aircraft out the 
>emergency exit, you must not have your cane extended as it could put 
>a hole in the slide or life raft.
>I use a "D-ring" clip on the handle of my cane so I can clip it to a 
>belt loop on my side and leave my hands free and to make it easier 
>to handle my guide dog.
>By the way, the policy for exiting the plane in an emergency with 
>your guide dog is to go to the exit, pick up your guide dog in your 
>arms and then jumpand land in a sitting position, on to the slide, 
>with your dog in your arms.
>I can tell you right now and that is not going to happen with my 
>guide dog as he weights 120 pounds.
>I plan on distracting him and pushing him out ahead of me or have 
>someone push him out right after I go and I pull on his leash and harness.
>You should think about this as you may not have time to figure it 
>out in an emergency.
>
>You have a right to keep your cane, but do not push it as the Air 
>Carriers Safety Act gives the support to the airline crew and not you.
>You can be arrested and put on the " can not fly list."
>I use a guide dog now, but was a cane driver for some 25 years and 
>flew very often.
>I still carry my cane with me, dog and all, but I place it in the 
>pocket in front of me, clip it to my dog's harness, which I put 
>between the seat and the side wall of the aircraft so it is not loose.
>I even worked on the design and development of the valve that 
>inflates the 90 foot slides and am very famillur with the operation 
>of the doors and window exits, but I am still not allowed to sit in 
>an exit row.
>Those who do must be able to see and read the operation instructions 
>and able to see out the window to ensure that there is no fire on 
>that side of the aircraft or some other reason that the port should 
>not be opened at that exit.
>
>You can get someone from the airlines or TSA to come to your chapter 
>or state meetings or convention to speak about this subject.
>David Evans, NFBF and GD Jack.
>Retired Nuclear/Aerospace Materials Engineer
>Builder of the Lunar Rovers and the F-117 Stealth Fighter
>david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us>
>To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 10:44 AM
>Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Unfriendly Skies -- What happened?
>
>
>>It means along the side of the plane, against the wall. If you use 
>>a telescoping or folding cane, I have always put those in the seat 
>>pocket. I generally carry a spare in my carry-on luggage.
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
>>Daniel Garcia
>>Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 9:33 AM
>>To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
>>Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Unfriendly Skies -- What happened?
>>
>>Well, I am sure a blind pilot could be instrument verified if the 
>>cokpit was accessible. I am sure there could even be a way to land the thing.
>>
>>When you say I can have my cane stored in fuselage, does that mean 
>>next to me in my seat? If these people are so concerned about 
>>safety, I feel safer with my cane at all times. My cane is like an 
>>American Express Card, I never leave home without it.
>>
>>Daniel
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
>>Hyde, David W. (ESC)
>>Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 10:24 AM
>>To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
>>Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Unfriendly Skies -- What happened?
>>
>>Your rights are the same as they were as a non-blind person. 
>>Airlines now have rules dealing with exit rows, and being able to 
>>see is one of those essential functions. You may not sit in an exit 
>>row. Those of us who were involved in the airline fight are happy 
>>that the airlines are no longer assigning us exit row seats. Some 
>>of us can tell stories.
>>
>>You may keep your cane with you, stored along the fuselage. You may 
>>refuse help, under the ADA. On the other hand, under air travel 
>>rules, you must comply with all crew instructions. I am not a 
>>lawyer, and have no opinion as to which law controls. Rule of 
>>thumb, if you look like you know what you're doing, they will 
>>probably believe you. Get help when you need it.
>>
>>They will take your cane for scanning at security. There is nothing 
>>you can do about it. Even though it is demeaning to hold someone's 
>>hand and be pulled through the detection device, you won't beat 
>>this one. One other thing that seems to get checked at security is 
>>your dignity.
>>
>>Don't worry about flying as a blind person, unless, of course, you 
>>plan to fly the plane. Then, please practice.
>>
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>>
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>
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