Aircraft: Why seatbelts remain necessary during takeoff and landing
IN a constant effort of ensuring aviation safety, the practice of fastening seat belts during takeoff and landing is consistently emphasised in the customary announcement made to passengers prior to their flight. This act is widely regarded as one of utmost importance, as it serves to safeguard passengers in the event of turbulence, sudden stops, runway incidents, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations.
The Federal Aviation Administration has stated in its seat belt policy that disobeying illuminated safety signs violates federal law. According to 14 C.F.R 121.317(f), a refusal to fasten a seatbelt during landing may cost a passenger a fine of $10,000.
According to Aviation Stack Exchange, “A loose 180lb/80kg projectile inside an aircraft is a threat to other passengers during turbulence. In the worst cases of passenger misbehaviour, cabin staff can and have forcibly restrained passengers and/or diverted to a nearby airport to have the passenger deplaned and sometimes arrested.”
To this effect, “A 3-yearold, who refused to use his safety belt, caused a flight to be delayed after his father could not get him locked in his seat belt on board an Alaska Airlines plane. The pilot returned to the gate and asked the father and child to get off the plane,” the aviation oriented platform revealed.
During these critical phases of a flight, aircraft encounter various conditions that could potentially pose risks to passengers. Turbulence, a common occurrence during takeoff and landing, can arise due to weather conditions or air traffic. It is during these moments that seatbelts play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety.
Seat belts keep passengers securely fastened to their seats, preventing them from being thrown around or injured. Turbulence can cause sudden jolts and erratic movements, making it imperative for passengers to remain in place. By fastening their seat belts, passengers minimise the risk of injury and maintain stability in their seating positions; if not the results would be fatal. The Aviation Stack Exchange platform revealed an unfortunate case that caused serious fatalities to the passengers on board a flight in the event of an accident.
“The fatalities in the Asiana 214 crash landing in San Francisco on 6th July, 2013, were not wearing seat belts during the accident. One person suffered fatal injuries from being thrown across the cabin when the tail struck the seawall in SFO, and the other person fell out of the plane and was run over by a rescue vehicle,” the site shared.
Moreover, as the aircraft gains speed during takeoff or approaches the runway for landing, sudden stops can be necessary in certain circumstances. In such instances, seat belts provide the necessary restraint to prevent passengers from being forcefully propelled forward as with the case mentioned above. By keeping passengers securely in their seats, seatbelts minimise the risk of collisions with other passengers, seats, or objects inside the cabin.
Additionally, the possibility of experiencing runway incidents, though infrequent, requires passengers to be prepared for emergency situations. In cases where an emergency stop or evacuation is necessary, seat belts help ensure an orderly and efficient process. By staying securely fastened until receiving instructions from the flight crew, passengers significantly reduce the risk of injury or confusion during these critical moments.
The requirement to fasten seatbelts during takeoff and landing also aligns with the comprehensive regulations set forth by aviation authorities. The FAA and International Civil Aviation Organization mandate the use of seatbelts during critical phases of a flight. Adherence to these regulations is an essential component of ensuring passenger safety and preventing avoidable accidents.
Passengers are advised to comply with cabin crew instructions and fasten their seatbelts whenever seated throughout the entirety of a flight. Although takeoff and landing are particularly vital periods, other incidents can occur at any time during the flight. In this regard, it is crucial to maintain seatbelt usage continuously to guarantee passengers’ utmost safety.
The necessity of fastening seat belts during takeoff and landing is paramount to passenger safety. By buckling up, passengers ensure they stay secure during unexpected turbulence, sudden stops, runway incidents, and comply with aviation regulations. These safety measures, along with the vigilance of cabin crew, contribute to a safer and more comfortable flight experience for all passengers.