BLOW OUT PANEL

[REPUS]

have you guys at your Stations had any issues with the BLOW OUT PANELS in the BINS? Do you know what this is?

We have had over 4 incidents now where the PANEL comes in with damage and the LCL MNTC is called. They look at it and BLOCK the Compatment with MEL. All the bags then have to be loaded in in either the Front or the AFT(depending where the damage is).... WHAT does this PANEL DO?????And why do other stations not reported. Last week we had one come in that we had reported the week before and same drama.... offload and BULK out BIN?....

 

[JAFA]

IIRC the blow out panels allow for pressure equalization between the cargo bins and the cabin in case of a pressurization failure, be it from structural failure or mechincal failure of the pressuriaztion system itself. If memory serves right the design is to prevent excessive streeses being placed on the structure due to unequal pressurization. That being said the inherrent design reuqires that if the pannel is hit with enough force it can be "blown out" manually. I myself have "blown out" a few just with my butt cheeks in my career just trying to shove a stuck can around in the belly of a widebody. On the narrows not hooking up the nets right (or not at all) can allow loose bags to hit one during flight. Also some of our bretheren are little sloppy in their "bag tossing" and have hit them during the loading process. Unfortunately not everyone respects the importance of ALWAYS reporting EVERY damage or possible damage.

 

[DalMD88]

IIRC the blow out panels allow for pressure equalization between the cargo bins and the cabin in case of a pressurization failure, be it from structural failure or mechincal failure of the pressuriaztion system itself. If memory serves right the design is to prevent excessive streeses being placed on the structure due to unequal pressurization. That being said the inherrent design reuqires that if the pannel is hit with enough force it can be "blown out" manually. I myself have "blown out" a few just with my butt cheeks in my career just trying to shove a stuck can around in the belly of a widebody. On the narrows not hooking up the nets right (or not at all) can allow loose bags to hit one during flight. Also some of our bretheren are little sloppy in their "bag tossing" and have hit them during the loading process. Unfortunately not everyone respects the importance of ALWAYS reporting EVERY damage or possible damage.

Your correct about the fuction of the panel and how easy they can be damaged. They have to be intact for fire and smoke in case of a bin fire. Sometimes they can just be reinstalled, but other times a new panel must be made from stock material. So they get MEL'd on a turn and get fixed at thenext layover that has the material. Amazing how such a simple item can be a pain when it is broken.