Hi Folks,I found this real nice topic: http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/2010/12/10/winter-chaos-schnee-deutschland/warum-kriegen-wir-es-nicht-in-den-griff.htmlWhat you see is a cabin crew member, who clears part of the outer cockpit off snow in Dresden, Germany.What may have happen first when she opend the window? Snow is falling inward the cockpit, wetting the floor and more.So, what happens if this melted snow faults any gauges or fuses or alike?I realy wonder if she was allowed to do such snow cleaning ... the airport may have been closed or a ice-cleaning truck or shower portal may be active for preparing aircrafts...Is it allowed for cabin crew to do so? What may happen to them if it's not?

You'd be surprised what cabin crew can turn their hands to,one event I remember was helping our station engineer somewhere in Germany many many years ago(can't remember where)change a very hot wheel on a Trident 3.regards Jim

well, I'm thinking about what can go defective by melted snow within the cockpit. It's not this snow clearing action, but that snow can fall into the cockpit while she opens the side window. She herself gets wet closeth while clearing the snow and dripping water all over the gauges....Don't know about Air Berlin, but I guess no one will be allowed to clear snow off the cockpit windows working for Lufthansa or United ....

It seems obvious that should have been done outside the aircraft with the proper de-icing trucks. I would even clear snow off my car like that.

Cannon plugs are waterproof and gauges are sealed too from what I remember. We used to use fire hoses to wash helicopters with when I was in the military and water never hurt anything.

Clearing off snow/ice by crew can be common depending on the amount of coverage and base location. Services might not be available to clear the windscreen and inlets for you prior to boarding so it is the crews job to clear these locations before push/start. Unfortunately the best way to clear snow from the windscreen is a broom and a skinny person to lean out the cockpit window. Normally it was the most junior cockpit crew member. Small amounts of snow/water won't hurt the panel or pedestal. I always thought the engineers took into acount the amount of coffee consumed up front which always lead to a spill or two. ;)De-ice trucks normally don't enter the area's around the gate or cargo ramp since they are busy getting aircraft ready in the staging area. Plus the PG or EG sprayed is a hazard to those on the ground. Also it makes a cool photo op!John

He guys,I can't see except this:Do not speak German either.Cheers,MAB

Me too.JimCYWG

well, sorry, they deleted the photo. So this link does not work any longer. Its from a news paper taht does not even deserve this name. A blind person can feel the text printed and as well feel the realy big pictures they use...