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The crew's job is to get you to your destination safely. The flight
attendants are on board to create and maintain a safe environment and quickly
evacuate the aircraft if necessary. Therefore, it is not only the law; it is
essential for your safety that you obey all instructions from the crew.
Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you have concerns about a situation
that could affect safety, report it to your crew.
The boarding and deplaning of passengers with aircraft engines running
increases the potential of a propeller or jet blast related incident. Passengers
should take note of:
- Where the propellers are in relation to the aircraft door. Take careful
note of this in the dark as propellers can be difficult to see at night.
- Look carefully for other aircraft with engines running. You may not hear
another aircraft engine over the noise of the aircraft you are using.
- Be aware of jet blast from aircraft turning or moving on the apron.
Even stationary propellers can be dangerous. A propeller could turn
unexpectedly as a result of accidental activation of the starter motor.
The blast from a jet turning on the apron, without even revving its engine,
has the ability to blow over a truck. The power of the engine is enough, even at
low throttle, to raise sheets of iron off roofs. Imagine what it could do to you
or your child.
If you must board or deplane from the apron, make certain that you are clear
on the safest route to take and follow the directions of airline staff. Ensure
you keep an eye on any children in your care.
The information passed on during the pre-flight briefing may seem repetitive.
However, it is for your safety that crew members ensure this information is
provided to the passengers on every flight. Every aircraft is different, so it
is important to listen for the following:
Safety Belts
The safety belts on an aircraft work differently than those in your car. Most
have a lever mechanism rather than a push-button action. Make sure that you can
fasten it, adjust it tightly and release it quickly. If you are travelling with
children, make sure that they are also familiar with the operation of the safety
belt.
Safety belts must be worn during taxi, take-off and landing and also whenever
the safety belt sign has been turned on. You should keep your safety belt
fastened at all times and it should be secured snugly and low across the hips.
This provides the extra protection you might need if the plane encounters
unexpected turbulence. Most passengers injured as a result of turbulence did not
have their safety belts fastened.
Exit Row Seating
There are certain responsibilities attached to sitting in the row next to an
emergency exit. In the event of an accident you are responsible for opening the
exit. Ensure that you listen carefully to the safety briefing, study the
instructions and ask questions if you are unclear on anything. If you don't
think you can do it, ask to be moved.
Emergency Exits
The location of the emergency exits in relation to your seat differs
depending on the particular aircraft you are flying on. Take note of how many
seats are between you and the two nearest exits. In the unlikely event of an
emergency this will allow you to follow the instructions of the crew and exit
the aircraft as quickly as possible.
Safety Features Card
There will be a safety features card at your seat to provide you with more
detailed information such as how to operate each exit on board and the equipment
provided specifically for your use such as life preservers and oxygen.
The operation of the exits can differ from one aircraft to another and
indeed, the exits at the front and the back of the same aircraft can operate
differently from each other. So it is important to pay attention to the safety
briefing and study the information on the safety features card on each flight
that you take.
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