Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure
During take-off out of ZZZ when aircraft initiated thrust; oxygen masks dropped abruptly from AFT Left Galley ceiling compartment above Flight Attendant (B&C) jump-seat. Flight Attendant(C) called forward Flight Attendant (A) under 10;000 immediately when air-born to alert her of the situation and a call to Captain would take place after sterile cockpit. Flight Attendant(C) contacted Captain at 10;000 ft. and explained the situation. Captain advised that he would call back with more information; for now we would 'push on'.Captain called Flight Attendant(C) requesting additional information. Flight Attendant(C) took pictures and asked if she could enter the flight deck for further explanation to severity of the situation. While Flight Attendant(C) spoke to Captain in the flight deck; Captain stated that he would have to call for a [precautionary] landing and would have to dump fuel; we are too fuel heavy to land.' Flight Attendant(C) stated that she didn't feel comfortable with the situation prior to leaving flight deck.Later Captain called to inform that he and Dispatch deemed the situation safe to continue and he would come move the masks out of the way.Flight Deck called for a bathroom break. While First Officer took first break; Captain asked Flight Attendant(A) if we had tape. The pilots change positions Captain out of flight deck; Flight Attendant(A) asked First Officer 'are one of you guys going to fix the oxygen?' First Officer responded 'we haven't talked about it'Meanwhile; Captain finished break and before returning to flight deck; spoke with Flight Attendant(D) guarding. Captain told Flight Attendant(D) she could tape up the masks out of the way. Flight Attendant(D) expressed that she didn't feel comfortable because our manual states that we cannot. Captain called flight deck informing that he would be out in cabin longer.Captain came to aft galley; asked Flight Attendant's(B&C) for Tape; then proceeded to blue tape O2 door and masks back up to the ceiling. Captain stated to Flight Attendant(B&C) that masks were still good and functioning and Dispatch determined this was a safe fix. Flight Attendant(B&C) asked how was this safe if there is a rapid decompression and the mask is not able to drop because it is blue taped shut. Captain declared ' I will leave the inflation handle out so you can reach up and pull it.' Flight Attendant(B&C) expressed concern that the handle would not be reachable from a seated position. Captain again stated that there was nothing wrong with the oxygen and we would debrief on the ground. This was the end of conversation; Captain then returned to the flight deck.With no plan set forth by Captain. Flight Attendant(B&C) were then worried about potential factors in a decompression. If 3 flight attendants are in the aft galley during a decompression there would not be enough oxygen masks to don while securely fastened in jump-seats. Although the Captain declared the taped masks were functioning and usable. None of the Flight Attendants wanted to be the test subject of a mask that had already malfunctioned. Flight Attendant(B&C)Set up a plan in the event of a decompression one Flight Attendant would use the FWD AFT Galley lavatory oxygen locked due to inop trash flap. The other two Flight Attendant's would take Right Jump-seats and don available masks.Upon deplaning in ZZZ; Flight Attendant(C) reached First Class cabin heard Captain tell ZZZ mechanic 'you'll see it back there...I don't remember what side of the plane; but you'll see it; its obvious.'Captain held Flight Attendant(B&C) back in the jetway to conduct a debrief regarding incident. Captain defended previous reason for continuation stating clearance and there was nothing wrong with function of masks. Flight Attendant (B&C) tried to explain the stress and lack of direction provided during flight. No action plan provided or concern.Next crew approached; Captain then focused attention to new crew....the conversation terminated without recognition of crews concerns. Plan could have been made by Captain with crew. Formal debrief with entire crew allowing input from everyone. All crew members should have a chance to state concerns. Explanation as to why a Flight Attendant's Jump-seat oxygen was determined safe when the masks dropped? Would we have 'pushed on' if this was a passengers seat? Would we have tapped the door shut leaving the passenger oxygen strap hanging in case oxygen needed inflight?
Flight Attendant reported misgivings about continuing flight to destination after cabin crew O2 masks deployed on takeoff.