Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circulars

Safety Belt Sign Vs Service Related Duties

INTRODUCTION

The intent of this Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circular (CBAAC) is to provide clarification regarding the performance of service related duties when the safety belt sign is illuminated during critical phases of a flight.

For the purpose of this CBAAC, critical phases of flight includes all ground operations involving taxi, take-off and landing, and all other flight operations conducted below 10,000 feet, except cruise flight.

REFERENCES

Sections 605.25, 605.27 and subsection 101.01(1) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Sections 1A.28 and 1A.30 of TP 11295 Flight Attendant Manual Standard.

Part 3.12 of TP 12296 Flight Attendant Training Standard.

CBAAC 0070R – In Flight Use of Seat Belts/Safety Harness – Flight Attendants.

CBAAC 0149 – Seat Belt Use & Seat Belt Discipline.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, air operators have introduced service related duties during the critical phases of a flight. These duties vary from one air operator to another, however, all have one similarity: all are completed at a time when safety should be the number one priority.

Handing out candies to passengers has been a service duty performed when the safety belt sign was illuminated for landing. Although a service related duty, flight attendants could use this opportunity to confirm that passengers had complied with the notice to fasten their safety belt.

Another example of a service duty being performed during critical phases of flight is the distribution of coats to passengers during descent or taxi. While this may save time at the gate, it hinders safety by compelling passengers to keep the coat on their lap, unfasten their safety belt to put it on or to stow it in an approved location at a time when it is unsafe to do so.

In addition, the safety of all occupants becomes an issue as opening closets and overhead compartments during critical phases of flight can generate other safety hazards. Items that may have shifted during flight can fall out of the compartment being opened, injuring passengers or crew members. During descent, flight attendants should be concentrating on securing the cabin for landing rather than completing service related duties.

The increasing frequency with which service related duties are being performed when the safety belt sign is illuminated for take-off and landing makes it necessary to reiterate the current regulatory requirements. As stated in section 605.27 of the CARs, when the safety belt sign is illuminated for take-off or landing crew members may only perform duties relating to the safety of the aircraft or of the passengers on board. By limiting duties to those relating to safety, flight attendants have sufficient time to secure the cabin and prepare for either phase. It also enables them to use that time to complete all safety related duties, prepare themselves for landing by taking their assigned station, fastening and adjusting their safety belt and harness and completing a silent review without risk of injury. If service related duties are performed during those phases, cabin and crew member personal preparation may be less thorough as flight attendants are preoccupied with other obligations.

ACTION

In order to ensure the safety of all occupants of an aircraft, air operators must ensure that their procedures reflect section 605.27 of the CARs. Procedures should clearly indicate when service related duties, including the distribution of candies or coats, must be discontinued.

The guidelines used in developing procedures should include that safety belt signs be illuminated during critical phases of flight. All service related duties must end at this point and all subsequent actions of crew members shall be related to the safety of the aircraft or of the passengers on board.

Should the safety belt sign need to be illuminated prior to the descent and landing phases (e.g. during light turbulence) and if it is still safe and acceptable to perform service related duties, it is imperative that flight attendants are aware of when the landing phase will commence in order to allow sufficient time to complete service related duties, including the collection of in-flight service waste, in a safe and timely manner. This may be achieved in a method best suited for the operation, such as an announcement from the flight deck, use of chimes, or an interphone call.

Furthermore, as identified in CBAAC 0149 – Seat Belt Use & Seat Belt Discipline, the use of the safety belt sign should be limited to phases or situations when it is necessary to illuminate it for safety purposes. By doing so, passengers and crew members are more likely to understand and realize its importance and comply with the instructions when it is illuminated.

CONCLUSION

Air operators are reminded that the performance of service related duties must be discontinued when the safety belt sign is illuminated during critical phases of flight. This will provide flight attendants with the necessary time to secure the cabin, complete all safety related duties and to take their assigned station without risk of injury. Air operators should take the content of this CBAAC into consideration when establishing and/or amending procedures in their manuals and training programs.

Michel Gaudreau
Director
Commercial & Business Aviation