Breaking the Dams

USA Approach Episode 6

Episode 6

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Episode 6 recap

Flight PC1722 finishes its checks, gets clearance, and starts rolling down runway 24R. In the tower, Jack Reynolds pushes another controller out of the way and yells into the microphone to abort. He warns that the right engine will fail if they keep going. Allison Blake and Chris Miller dismiss his authority. Allison cites federal law, pulls back on the yoke, and forces the aircraft into the air.

Episodes

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  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
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Episode 6 Scene by Scene

  1. 00:00: Cleared for Takeoff on Runway 24R

    Inside the cockpit, Allison Blake and Chris Miller run through their final pre-takeoff checklist. They request departure clearance and receive an official go-ahead from the tower. Allison increases power and accelerates Flight PC1722 straight down runway 24R.

  2. 00:24: Jack Intervenes at the Console

    Up in the LAX control tower, Jack Reynolds sprints over to the active console. He shoves the on-duty controller out of the way, grabs the radio headset, and barks an urgent command ordering Flight PC1722 to abort takeoff right away.

  3. 00:35: Warning of Impending Engine Failure

    Jack radios that continuing this takeoff will trigger an immediate failure in the right engine. Both Allison and Chris openly scoff at his warning over the radio. They dismiss his jurisdiction and refuse to pull back on the throttles.

  4. 01:04: Allison Lifts Off the Ground

    Allison reminds the controller that federal regulations place total command of the flight in her hands. She grabs the flight yoke, pulls it firmly back into her chest, and forces Flight PC1722 into the air as the wheels lift off.

Key Lines from Episode 6

“PC1722, Tower. Abort takeoff now! I repeat, abort now!”

Jack Reynolds · Jack grabs the tower microphone after shoving the on-duty controller aside.

“Force this takeoff, and you'll have to shut down the right engine—then pray.”

Jack Reynolds · Jack warns Allison over the radio about the dangerous right engine.

“Who do you think you are? You're a controller. Don't tell me how to fly my plane.”

Allison Blake · Allison talks back to Jack over the cockpit radio during takeoff.

“A controller is ordering me?! I'm the captain. Federal law puts this aircraft under my command! We're taking off!”

Allison Blake · Allison pulls back on the flight yoke to begin the climb.

How Episode 6 Ends

Allison flashes a smug smile as she pulls back on the flight yoke and sends Flight PC1722 climbing into the sky. Jack watches helplessly from the tower knowing the right engine is about to blow. Will the aircraft survive the climb, or will the engine tear itself apart?