Originally Posted by Tango
With all due respect, I cite the many reports that came out after the last AS MD 80 crash. One of the primary problems was the lack of oversight of the FAA over the airlines. The concern being airlines were the one's who were writing many of the rules and regulations that governed them with the approval of the that airline's FAA rep.
All I can tell you is that we have little latitude with our FAA cabin inspector when it comes to changing some of the crazy things we do on board. Ever flown on a 737-900? We have to demo that lifevest on EVERY single flight, regardless of whether you pass over water or not. Why? Because our FAA cabin inspector says we do. Maintenance is a different beast than are the CFR's, as interpreted by our cabin inspector. The BOSE headphones are interpreted, by our cabin inspector, as being carry-on baggage and required to be stowed for take-off and landing just as any other carry-on bags are. Part of the reason for this is the percieved (however crazy it may sound to you) notion that the cord could present a hazard in an evacuation. Just like the cabin inspector requires us to demo the lifevest on every single flight that we operate. Not every airline has to do that, but we do. Why? Because our cabin inspector told us to.