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Safety Record of Airlines/Aircraft
A report prepared for the FAA by GRA, Inc. entitled A Report on Issues Related to Public Interest in Aviation Safety Data, found that "... there currently is no evidence in accident data that would support the ranking of individual airlines based on their safety records….While there may be apparent differences in carrier safety records at any particular time, due largely to the infrequent but catastrophic nature of an air accident, there is no evidence that such distinctions persist nor that they are predictive of future safety performance.
Rankings of airlines based on past accident records therefore provide no information to consumers seeking to make safety-enhancing comparisons for current or future travel choices."
Turbulence: Staying Safe
What is Turbulence?
Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly. It can be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts or thunderstorms. Turbulence can even occur when the sky appears to be clear.
While turbulence is normal and happens often, it can be dangerous. Its bumpy ride can cause passengers who are not wearing their seat belts to be thrown from their seats without warning. But, by following the guidelines suggested on this site, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe when traveling by air.
To keep you and your family as safe as possible during flight, FAA regulations require passengers to be seated with their seat belts fastened:
- When the airplane leaves the gate and as it climbs after take-off.
- During landing and taxi.
- Whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated during flight.
Why is it important to follow these safety regulations? Consider this:
In nonfatal accidents, in-flight turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to airline passengers and flight attendants.
Each year, approximately 58 people in the United States are injured by turbulence while not wearing their seat belts.
From 1980 through June 2004, U.S. air carriers had 198 turbulence accidents*, resulting in 266 serious injuries and three fatalities.
At least two of the three fatalities involved passengers who were not wearing their seat belts while the seat belt sign was illuminated.
Generally, two-thirds of turbulence-related accidents occur at or above 30,000 feet.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY:
Evacuation
- LEAVE YOUR POSSESSIONS BEHIND.
- Stay low.
- Proceed to the nearest front or rear exit - count the rows between your seat and the exits.
- Follow floor lighting to exit.
- Jump feet first onto evacuation slide. Don't sit down to slide. Place arms across your chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together. Remove high-heeled shoes.
- Exit the aircraft and clear the area.
- Remain alert for emergency vehicles.
- NEVER RETURN TO A BURNING AIRCRAFT.
Electronics on Board - The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Radios and televisions are also prohibited.
Laptops and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) such as hand-held computer games and tape or CD players are also restricted to use above 10,000 feet owing to concerns they could interfere with aircraft instrumentation
Exit Row Seating
You must be physically capable and willing to perform emergency actions when seated in emergency or exit rows. If you are not, ask for another seat.
Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the emergency evacuation techniques outlined on the written safety instructions. Ask questions if instructions are unclear.
Fire or Smoke
- Use a wet napkin or handkerchief over nose and mouth.
- Move away from fire and smoke.
- Stay low.
Passenger Safety Information
- Review the passenger safety card before takeoff and landing.
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing.
- Be able to locate emergency exits both in front and behind you. Count the rows between you and the nearest front and rear exits.
- Locate the flotation device.
- Make a mental plan of action in case of emergency
If you or someone you know has been injured in an aviation or airplane accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For a review of your claim, please click here to report your case and completely fill out the form provided.
Injured Person Information:
Accident / Injury Information:
Case Description*
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as thoroughly as possible who you believe was responsible
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