Airline Passengers Are Being Warned To Buckle-Up Or Risk Serious Injury

It's a rather unusual statement of the obvious. But airline passengers, anxious to be first out of the aircraft door (for whatever reason) aren't waiting for the captain to turn off the "fasten seatbelt" sign. That's why Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority says it's concerned about passengers not wearing sea

tbelts at all stages of flight. This includes during aircraft taxiing before take-off and after landing.

CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, says too many people unbuckle their seatbelt after landing while aircraft are still moving. "This is clearly dangerous and is a breach of the air safety regulations," Toller says. "Aircraft taxi at speeds of up to 60 kph (36 mph) and need to stop and turn as they make their way to the terminal. Without a seat belt firmly fastened people risk being thrown about if the aircraft has to stop quickly or make a sharp turn. Even more dangerous is the practice of some people to stand up before the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign has been turned off. People have been seriously injured when standing while the aircraft is still moving and it is a real risk every time someone is silly enough to do this."

Civil Aviation Regulations require seatbelts to be worn during take-off and landing, during an instrument approach, when an aircraft is flying at less than 1000 feet and during turbulence. The regulations also require people on board an aircraft to follow the instructions of the pilot in command or cabin crew. An illuminated seatbelt sign is a direction from the pilot in command that must be followed. The regulations also require aisles and exits to be kept clear at all times and bags and loose items to be stowed in the overhead lockers or underneath seats. Passengers who open overhead lockers while the aircraft is taxiing are in breach of these regulations.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au