AIR CARRIER ADVISORY CIRCULAR
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In-Flight Use Of Seat Belts/Safety Harness - Flight Attendants
SUBJECT
This Air Carrier Advisory Circular (ACAC) reminds air operators whose operations
require that flight attendants be carried, of the need to establish procedures
regarding flight attendant use of restraint systems when flight attendants are seated
or at rest. The ACAC also informs air operators of the procedures recommended by
Transport Canada.
BACKGROUND
On March 18, 1994, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada issued a Safety
Deficiency Management System Report Form concerning a turbulence-related occurrence
during which two flight attendants sustained injuries while taking a crew rest break.
(TSB Occurrence No. A93P0043)
The occurrence involved an A320 aircraft which had just descended from FL 390
to FL 350 and was flying over the Gulf of Mexico when it encountered a sudden
severe downdraft with moderate turbulence followed by an equally severe updraft. As a
result of the turbulence two flight attendants who were taking a crew rest break and
were seated in the aft galley, were thrown to the cabin ceiling and then onto the
floor. Turbulence had not been anticipated, but the fasten seat belt sign was
illuminated, having been turned on as a precautionary measure for the descent to
FL 350.
When the turbulence occurred the two flight attendants, although seated, were
unsecured. One of the flight attendants sustained minor injuries; the other was
seriously injured.
ACTION
A review of air operator flight attendant manuals reveals an absence of procedures
regarding flight attendant use of restraint systems during times when no duties are
being performed and flight attendants are seated or at rest.
Air operators are requested to ensure that their Operations Manual and Flight
Attendant Manual contain procedures which will ensure that flight attendants fasten
their restraint systems whenever they are seated.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following procedures are recommended by Transport Canada:
- Flight attendants who are not performing assigned duties should fasten their
restraint systems at all times when the seat belt sign is illuminated during flight,
and
- Flight attendants should keep their restraint systems fastened at all times
while seated or at rest during periods of flight when the seat belt sign is not
illuminated.
CONCLUSION
Such action will reduce the risk of injury to seated or resting flight attendants
as a result of unexpected turbulence.
A.J. LaFlamme
Director
Air Carrier
| Commercial & Business Aviation Advisory
Circulars (CBAAC) are intended to provide information and guidance regarding
operational matters. A CBAAC may describe an acceptable, but not the only,
means of demonstrating compliance with existing regulations. CBAACs in and of
themselves do not change, create any additional, authorize changes in, or
permit deviations from regulatory requirements. |
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