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Output Number
R19980239
Approval Date
Published Date Time
Recommendation type
Recommendation
Mode
Aviation
Date released

The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation recommends that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in cooperation with the airlines and manufacturers, investigate the feasibility of providing means of restraint to guard against injury when passengers and crew are not restrained in seats during unexpected turbulence.

In addition, the Bureau simultaneously issues R980238, which states:

"The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation recommends that all Australian airlines' operating procedures regarding in-flight turbulence include appropriate instructions/advice to passengers and crew regarding safety precautions/actions to take when they are not restrained in seats during unexpected turbulence".

Organisation Response
Date Received
Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Response Text

The Authority shares the Bureau's concern regarding injuries to
passengers and cabin crew resulting from unexpected inflight
turbulence encounters. As you are probably aware, this is an area
which is the subject of studies being conducted by the FAA and
NASA, the progress of which are being monitored.

In view of the activity elsewhere, it is considered
inappropriate for the Authority to act unilaterally in this area.
It is felt that best course of action is to raise the question of
the feasibility of providing means of restraint to guard against
the injury of aircraft occupants who are not restrained in seats
when turbulence is encountered in the Asia Pacific Cabin Safety
Working Group, this body being the most appropriate forum in our
region. To this end, CASA will seek the involvement of the Working
Group on this matter.