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November–December 2003
Mastery of Megaphones Reinforces Cabin Crew Control of Evacuations 4 pages. [PDF 73K]
Evolving standards and regulations reflect lessons learned from communication problems. Megaphones may provide the backup that enables instructions to be issued when a public-address system or interphone fails.
September–October 2003
Procedural Compliance Prevents Illnesses Caused by Microorganisms in Food 8 pages. [PDF 93K]
Hygienic practices and time-temperature awareness by cabin crews help reduce the risk of outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Outbreaks involving airline meals have been rare, but complacency and errors weaken the defenses that keep food and water safe from invisible hazards.
July–August 2003
Inflatable Restraints Installed on Some Transport Aircraft 8 pages [PDF 110K]
In some types of seats, an inflatable bag mounted on a seat belt improves head protection for the passenger. Airlines also have begun to install these devices to increase seating capacity and to introduce new seating configurations.
May–June 2003
Assigning Seats to Flight Attendants Requires Care in Business Aircraft 8 pages [PDF 92K]
In the absence of regulations that require flight attendants, some operators of business aircraft have been influenced by training organizations and pilots to reconsider long-held policies. Precedents set by airlines may influence the resulting cabin-safety practices.
March–April 2003
Communication Problems Contribute to Misperceptions of Evacuation Urgency 8 pages. [PDF 138K]
Inadequate procedures to ensure collection and evaluation of all relevant information — including the cabin crew’s post-accident observations of damage to the Boeing 747 — were among cabin safety issues identified by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau after the runway overrun in Bangkok, Thailand.
January–February 2003
Able-bodied Passengers Extend Crew Capabilities During In-flight Emergencies 4 pages. [PDF 36K]
Flight attendants typically have been trained in using able-bodied passengers in emergency evacuations of aircraft. Passengers also have helped in subduing disruptive passengers and terrorists.