Flight Safety Foundation Cabin Crew Safety 1998

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November–December 1998

Analysis of Training for Emergency Water Landings Questions Assumptions, Inconsistencies 12 pages. [PDF 80K]

A review of aircraft-manufacturer recommendations and airline training programs for emergency water landings found emphasis on procedures and equipment for ditching, although unplanned water contact near airports during takeoff or landing — with minimal preparation time — is the most common scenario in transport-category aircraft accidents.

July–October 1998

Special Double Issue: Guidelines Enable Health Authorities to Assess Risk Of Tuberculosis Transmission Aboard Aircraft 24 pages. [PDF 172K]

Based on eight investigations, U.S. health authorities believe that the risk is low for transmission of tuberculosis aboard transport-category aircraft. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization will publish new guidelines by late 1998 for assessing the need to notify passengers and crewmembers who may have been exposed to a person with active TB.

May–June 1998

Studies Reveal Passenger Misconceptions About Brace Commands and Brace Positions 6 pages. [PDF 90K]

Many study participants were unaware of what command to expect before assuming a brace position. Some participants had inappropriate concepts of the proper brace position. These findings may be related to the lack of specific communication provided to passengers in preflight oral and videotape briefings, and on safety-information cards.

March–April 1998

Continuing Study of Nonaccident Evacuations May Help Reduce Passenger Injuries 12 pages. [PDF 82K]

Several research studies, including a new study by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, have used nonaccident aircraft evacuations as a data source with potential to improve cabin safety through better procedures and training.

January–February 1998

European Report Recommends Smoke Hoods for Passengers 6 pages. [PDF 51K]

Smoke hoods and cabin water-mist systems have been controversial since the fatal 1985 on-airport aircraft fire accident in Manchester, England. A European Transport Safety Council report advocates providing passenger smoke hoods in all commercial aircraft and water-mist systems in new aircraft models.