Pave: Air France Thrill Ride Redux

Le jour 361 de Sarko

The two crew members sitting in front of me had terror written across their faces and were gripping their chairs.

Shaun Robinson,
Air France passenger describing his recent flight
May 7, 2008 (Telegraph)

We take these allegations extremely seriously. We are investigating.

AF spokesman,
reassuring Mr. Robinson and other terror-stricken passengers
(ibid.)

Air France confirms that the crew of the flight linking Manchester to Paris-Charles de Gaulle interrupted its descent on Saturday as it was about to land...a very simple and normal manoeuvre for a pilot.

AF spokesman,
dismissing complaints from fraidy-cats
(infra)

AIR FRANCE 'NO SHOW-OFF'

May 8, 2008 (iafrica.com/AFP) - Air France has denied reports that one of its pilots had a near-collision during a flight from Manchester to Paris after showing off his flight skills to a young passenger.

British media quoted passengers on the flight as saying the plane started rocking and rolling as it was about to land at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, and suddenly climbed sharply to avoid crashing into the aircraft in front.

One passenger was quoted in The Times as saying he saw the pilot shake hands with a French boy in the cockpit, and that he appeared to be giving him a flight demonstration.

JOEY, YOU LIKE MOVIES ABOUT GLADIATORS?
Everyone Is Welcome In The AF Cockpit

AF:

Air France wishes to clarify that, contrary to what has been reported in the press, no passenger was in the cockpit either during the landing phase or the interruption of the approach.

Pitched climbs, excessive yawing, and alarms sounding -- all quite normal on an Air France flight. Of course any other commerical carrier would consider such occurrences extraordinary. But Air France believes flights to France should have a bit of excitement and passengers are best delivered with the adrenal glands charged.

To suggest recklessness -- or any other defect on the part of the French -- is simply to miss the fun of an AF flight.

PFFT (What is this?): Fun flight 0 | Faire du ciel le plus bel endroit de la terre 0 | Rayonnement français 0