To questions earlier about the APU and the RAT. Yes the APU is that annoying loud engine type sound you here on the ground. It has a generator and provide cabin air while parked on the ground. Usually it is shut off after take off. Not sure if they did shut it down, but it would have provided sufficient electrical power and the RAT would not deploy. If it was already turned off, then the RAT deployed. Although there is a lever to pull to deploy the RAT, it is suppose to deploy automatically when you have a total loss of electrical power. It will power the battery and some of the hydraulics to have control.
Hey saxman, thanks for that info. I'd always kind of assumed that the APU was shut down once the main engines were cranked up, as opposed to waiting until after takeoff.
So I have a question: Why is the APU kept running until after takeoff? A safety thing?
Pardon my ignorance. My direct experience is limited to A-4, A-6, and A-7 attack jets from the 1970s (no APUs), and I know next to nothing about airliners.