BAe.146 Vid

[Garry Russell]

This is said to be well buying
http://www.dftenterprises.com/index.php ... cts_id=209

[FlyTexas]

Interesting. Is this for real or just hype to sell DVD's? The only "contaminated air" I've ever experienced while flying is after I've had a curry.

Brian

[Garry Russell]

There was a supposed problem and some health issues and even alleged early deaths of crew form poisoning

I'm not sure of the details though and how much was actually proven

[FlyTexas]

Wow, that's sad.

Brian

[Garry Russell]

TBH I'd forgotten all about it until this afternoon

[Chris558]

And to think the Queen still uses them!

[TobyV]

The problem relates to organophosphate compounds released from the engine oil, possibly due to poor sealing in the engine as the pressurised air for the cabin is bled from the engines' compressors. It seemed to be a particular issue on the 146 with its Lycoming LF502 engines and was allegedly resolved in the LF507 on the Avro RJ.

I have seen another documentary on TV a few years back where not only the 146/RJ, but also other aircraft with a fast rate of initial climb, for example the Boeing 757 have come in for similar criticism. Doing a quick bit of research, if this website is in any way accurate, then it would seem to corroborate the documentary I saw.

My uncle used to fly 146s for DAN Air and then TNT and then moved on to the 757 and as far as I know suffered no ill health affects from the aircraft. I have flown a number of times in both types and can never remember noticing anything, but others seemingly have and some people have suffered prolonged ill health as a result.

This film does appear to portray the aircraft in a very negative light. It does after all boast a number of significant achievements relating to noise, short field operation, simplicity of construction/manufacture and of course with 392 airframes completed, was the most successful all-British pure jet airliner in terms of numbers.

[Garry Russell]

Thanks for that Toby

It doesn't surprise me that any problem was maybe not unique to the 146 and perhaps not as big an isue as made out.

As always, it depends on the leaning of the reporting.