Originally Posted by
eefor jfp
Not to be contrarian, but can anybody point me to the relevant section of the FAA (or UA) guidelines that actually says this?
I looked up the FAA FAR and did a search for "headrest" which came up empty (meaning that term is used in the FARs but not in the context that they have to be down or in any other position for takeoff and landing). § 121.311 (Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses.) and also § 121.317 talk about seats and seat belts and other safety regulations for takeoff and landing but neither mention headrests. I know from other threads that if UA has filed a document with the FAA saying that this is their procedure then they have to follow it. Anybody know where that would be?
At the very least it would be in the FA manual.
But I don't think you understand how FAA rules are written. They may never mention headrest, but they will say something about "equipment will be used in the proper configuration for which it is designed and for which the operator has received approval from the administrator". Very broad and vague to fit any and all situations as determined by the FAA DER/DAR during the design review and FAI process.