FAA InFO
InFO 11001 DATE: 1/6/11
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.

Subject: Seat Belt Use and Passenger Injuries in Turbulence

Purpose: This InFO works to increase public awareness about the increased risk of injury to passengers and cabin crewmembers when passengers ignore the seat belt sign. This InFO calls attention to the importance of adherence to established operating procedures and strategies to reduce in-flight injuries.

Background: Recent research by the Flight Standards Service Analysis and Information Staff (AFS-20) confirms that turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries. Government and industry partners in the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) developed Advisory Circular 120-88A in an effort to minimize the risk of passenger and cabin crewmember injuries during turbulence. Three recent turbulence incidents on air carriers have renewed interest in reviewing strategies to improve communication and coordination.

Discussion: Crewmember preflight planning, in-flight situational awareness, post flight debriefing, and safety system reporting are essential elements to reduce the likelihood of in-flight injury. Further, there is a regulatory requirement for seatbelt compliance (14 CFR part 121 § 121.317) and adherence to crewmember instructions (14 CFR part 91, § 91.11). These regulations are found at the following link:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...4/14tab_02.tpl

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Here is the .pdf file regarding this InFO: http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviat.../InFO11001.pdf