In 1970,Continental Airlines Agreed to Buy a Number of DC-10

question 30

Essay

In 1970,Continental Airlines agreed to buy a number of DC-10 airplanes from McDonnell Douglas Corporation (MDC).Their contract included a limited warranty in which MDC undertook certain servicing obligations and an exculpatory clause in which Continental waived "all other remedies" against MDC.On March 1,1978,one of these DC-10s was nearing takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport when the two front tires of its left-side landing gear blew out.The pilot aborted the takeoff,but the uncushioned landing gear tore through the tarmac and broke away from the plane.This ruptured the left wing fuel tank,which burst into flames.The emergency escape slides failed,apparently due to the heat of the fire.Some passengers evacuated through the copilot's window,others jumped from the exits.Four passengers died,and over 70 suffered injuries.The plane was destroyed.It should be noted that the exculpatory clause did not prevent the passengers from suing Continental and/or MDC.Continental sued MDC and MDC defended based on the exculpatory clause.Is this type of clause enforceable? Discuss exculpatory clauses,particularly the one involved here.

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Definitions:

Psychotics

Individuals suffering from psychosis, a mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality.

Neurotics

Individuals who experience emotional distress and mental instability, but have a strong grip on reality.

Kelly's 11 Constructs

A reference to the 11 core constructs outlined by psychologist George Kelly to categorize an individual's personal system of viewing the world, part of his theory of personality.

Erikson's 8 Lifespan Phases

A psychoanalytic theory proposed by Erik Erikson that outlines eight stages of psychosocial development, each characterized by a central conflict that individuals must resolve to develop a healthy personality.