Airline Passengers told to belt up and listen

Airline passengers are being warned to keep their seatbelts fastened and pay attention to important
safety briefings. The warning from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority comes following an incident on a Qantas flight earlier this month more than 70 passengers were injured – some seriously – following a sudden loss of altitude.

While the investigation into the incident by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is continuing, evidence suggests many of the injured passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says the incident serves as a timely reminder to passengers to remain buckled up at all stages of flight.

“Wearing seatbelts can prevent serious injury to passengers if the aircraft is hit by turbulence or normal flight is disrupted,” says Mr Byron.

“Of course, passengers need to get out of their seats to use the aircraft facilities and from a health perspective it is also important for people to stretch their legs from time to time, particularly on longer flights. However, in accordance with airline policies, passengers should remain buckled up at all times when they are not moving about the cabin – even when the seat belt sign is not turned on.”

“Passengers are also reminded they are required to follow all safety instructions given by flight crew and cabin crew. This includes watching and actively listening to the safety briefing given by cabin crew at the start of each flight.”

More information on safer air travel for passengers can be found on the CASA website at:
http://casa.gov.au/airsafe/index.htm