Flight attendants provided a detailed description of the actions taken after being advised of an inflight emergency by the Captain.
Synopsis
Flight attendants provided a detailed description of the actions taken after being advised of an inflight emergency by the Captain.
Narrative
While in-flight the Captain called the cabin. Both the Lead Flight Attendant and I were in the aft galley. We both picked up the phones. The Captain told us we had an in-flight emergency. They had shut down the left engine due to an oil pressure problem. He had advised ATC and we were flying direct to ZZZ. He started giving us our standardized briefing. I knew where the briefing worksheet was located in our announcement book. I turned to that page and followed along as he was giving us information. He told us to prepare for a planned emergency but to expect a normal landing. I asked if fire and rescue would meet the aircraft? He told us 'yes' and that we had 20 minutes to prepare. He made an announcement to the passengers immediately after informing us of the situation. I asked the Lead Flight Attendant if he wanted me to make the announcement and he agreed that I should do so. We both had our manuals out and available. In the economy cabin there were 5 uniformed crewmembers I knew we could use as ABPs [Able Bodied Passengers]; if needed. We secured the cabin. Approximately 30 minutes later we talked to the Captain again; reconfirming that we were preparing for a normal landing. He said yes; and to expect to taxi to the gate after landing. If there had been a change in plans we still had time to move ABPs and brief the cabin. I asked for the electronic devices sign to be turned on so we could take our jumpseats. The sign was turned on and we did our compliance check and took our seats. In my jumpseat I was mentally preparing for evacuation. I had picked out my ABPs and knew where my emergency equipment was (Megaphone; Halon; etc). I did my 60 second review going over my commands; listening to the sounds inside and outside of the aircraft. The aircraft had a normal landing and was met by rescue personnel then taxied near the gate area. On arrival at the gate it was a normal deplaning for the passengers. We were met and debriefed by In-flight Supervisors.We had worked as a team throughout the four day trip and during this emergency. Because I had the announcement book in my hand it was easy for me to ask the appropriate questions of ABPs; which is usually the duty of the lead. Having previous airline experience in abnormal operations along with my in-flight training here; and knowing what page the emergency preparation briefing information is on in our announcement book helped to quickly get the information we needed to prepare the cabin. All company flight attendants should keep the announcement book in their apron pocket you never know when you have to access it and; if needed; you can write down information given to you by the Captain.
Second reporter narrative
The flight was scheduled to leave in the early afternoon. There were two ATC delays before we left while at the gate and prior to boarding. An hour after scheduled departure doors were closed and everyone in their seats but we incurred two more ATC delays. Passengers were allowed to use electronic devices and lavatories while aircraft was park in a remote area. The fasten belt sign and electronic devices signs were off. Flight attendants provided full beverage service while on the ground. The pilots gave us notice and we prepared the cabin for departure; again. No incidents occurred from that point on until we received a call from the Captain. He mentioned the type of problem encountered was an oil pressure gauge reading had caused to shutdown engine one and that we were able to fly with no problem with just one engine. We had not noticed any change on the aircraft attitude when this happened. Only after landing did I hear someone say that it was quieter in the back. He continued to say that he had declared an emergency because of the engine shutdown. It's normal to declare emergency but added that it will be like a normal landing. We would see fire engines waiting for us as we land. He mentioned that he will make the announcement to the passengers; and asked flight attendants to prepare the cabin for emergency with a normal landing. We would receive any further information from the Captain as we approach descent. He mentioned that we had approximately 15 minutes before landing. After the Captain finished this briefing with the other Flight Attendant and I on the phone; we proceeded to prepare the cabin. The Captain gave the announcement; and some people were upset (angry or disbelief) after the announcement. We then proceeded to collect all service items and trash through the cabin. Flight attendants got our manuals close at hand. Briefings were made to prepare for landing; though the sterile light was not on yet. We then received a second call from the Captain. We clarified what type of landing; and he said it will be a normal landing. What type of evacuation? He mentioned we will be powered by the one engine to the gate. We asked if he would give us more instructions. He said that after landing he would give any more instructions if needed and he confirmed that were to prepare for landing. Some passengers were upset and showed it on their faces; but others were conversing about different things regarding the flight. Flight attendants took their seats after the cleanup and securing of all galleys; lavatories and making sure all passengers were in their seats with the seat belts on and bins closed and personal belongings put away. We landed and passengers noticed the fire engines waiting at beginning of the runway. Then we stopped in an area where another fire engine checked around the aircraft to make sure there was not smoking or with visible problems. It took a few minutes for us to know which gate to go between 23 and 45. Then we proceeded to park at a gate. Once at the gate it took close to twenty minutes for the jetbridge to get close to the aircraft. This certainly exasperated the passengers on top of all delays and the emergency landing. Finally the jetbridge was brought close to the aircraft with a gap of four to six inches. We made sure all the passengers were aware of the gap and assisted those who need assistance during deplaning. Not much can be done about ATC delays and engine problems when these happened; but it helps for the customers to know what is happing; how much time is left of flight and what to expect; then; to know what gate we are going after landing; and that the jetbridge is in working condition. When facing the customers on the Jumpseat 1L it is important to stay cool; show serenity in the events happening and be professional at all times. Always keep the announcement booklet at hand for briefings and TEST questions to be ready. Keep open communication with the other flight attendant and the crew at all times during the event. I commend the Captain and First Officer for a great landing and clear messages to the passengers. I also complimented the [other] Flight Attendant for her professional attitude through the event and her insights and suggestions.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.