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Output Number
IR19980222
Approval Date
Published Date Time
Recommendation type
Interim recommendation
Mode
Aviation
Date released

The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation recommends that the Civil
Aviation Safety Authority develop a regulatory requirement for
passengers to wear seat belts at all times when seated.



In addition, as a result of the investigation into the above safety
deficiency, the Bureau simultaneously issues interim recommendation
IR980223 to all Australian airlines:



"The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation recommends that all
Australian airlines introduce a company requirement for passengers
to wear seat belts at all times when seated".

Organisation Response
Date Received
Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Response Text

The subject Interim Recommendation is closely related to a
previous BASI recommendation (R980239 dated 24 November 1998). This
proposed that CASA investigate the feasibility of providing means
of restraint against injury when passengers and crew are not
restrained in seats during unexpected turbulence. As a result of
this earlier recommendation, CASA has requested the Asia Pacific
Cabin Safety Working Group (APCSWG) to provide input into an
investigation of turbulence injuries and potential injuries in
Australia and investigate means of reducing injuries. This task was
accepted at the 19 March 1999 meeting of the Working Group. [name
supplied] is the CASA contact with the APCSWG.



IR 980222 addresses very similar issues of injury protection from
unexpected in-flight turbulence. The specific question of seat belt
use while seated will be included in the APCSWG study, but a formal
response from that study is not expected until September 1999. A
more specific response to these two recommendations will be
provided when the findings of the CSWG study are known.