Flight Safety Foundation Cabin Crew Safety 1993

These publications are in Acrobat^® Portable Document Format (PDF) and require a copy of Adobe Reader^®. If you do not have a copy of Adobe Reader, you can download and install a free copy from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.html.

November 1993–February 1994

Special Double Issue: Getting Out Alive — Would Smoke Hoods Save Airline Passengers or Put Them at Risk? 24 pages. [PDF 185K]

The debate about smoke hoods for passengers on commercial transport-category aircraft began in the 1960s and is continuing today. Questions remain about whether smoke hoods would make emergency evacuations from burning aircraft safer or would cause deadly delay.

September–October 1993

Airlines Around the World Are Adding a New Line to Safety Briefings: ‘Turn Off And Stow Your Electronic Devices.’ 6 pages. [PDF 38K]

Laptop computers, portable radio/tape players and portable compact disc players may make a passenger’s flight more productive or enjoyable — but they may also cause cockpit instruments to malfunction.

July–August 1993

Effects of Radiation Exposure on Air Carrier Crew Members Examined 8 pages. [PDF 38K]

Air crews are exposed to higher levels of radiation than those who work on the ground. Although long-term health effects are as yet impossible to predict, some pregnant air crew members could be exposed beyond recommended limits.

May–June 1993

Passenger’s Account of Escape from Burning Boeing 737 Highlights Cabin Safety Issues 6 pages. [PDF 47K]

Seconds after the Boeing 737 collided on landing with another aircraft holding for takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport, the cabin was filled with thick, black smoke. Despite heroic efforts by flight attendants, the evacuation was hampered by intense fire and delays in opening some exits.

March–April 1993

U.S. Report: Progress Slow in Fireproofing Aircraft Cabins 6 pages. [PDF 42K]

In 1986 and 1988, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration upgraded its standards for flammability levels for cabin interiors. The FAA anticipated that 85 percent of the U.S. air carrier fleet would meet the standard by 2000, but current estimates suggest that the number will be 55 percent. The U.S. Government Accounting Office says there is a need to reassess a mandated retrofit.

January–February 1993

U.S. Study: Pathway Widths and Distances Are Key in Emergency Evacuation Times 4 pages. [PDF 29K]

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has mandated new rules designed to improve access to Type III overwing emergency exits. A recent study examines which seat and exit configurations offer the best egress values.