Harry Callahan
Veteran
Question for our pilots or crew members. What is the US policy on the use of the seat belt light ? It seems that some pilots never turn it off even when the weather is good & no turb. forecast.
Question on use of seat belt lights
- Thread starter Harry Callahan
- Start date
It's the captain's call.
Dont call me Shirley
Veteran
- Aug 20, 2002
- 3,270
- 306
Last week I read an article (can't remember where) about this trend. The writer was concerned that to have sign on for hours will have "cry wolf" effect and cause passenger to ignore the sign and move around when the sign is actually needed.
Given recent incidents with United and others you would think more people would realize that you can hit turbulence anywhere at any time.
Travelpro72
Veteran
- Jan 30, 2005
- 4,964
- 455
It's funny that this question comes up now. Seriously, just the other day my best friend was told by his captain that the chief pilot has instructed pilots to refrain from overusing the seatbelt sign. I don't agree with leaving it on for long periods as it won't be taken seriously. But apparently the company has stated that they are receiving complaints. If the captain knows of weather ahead the sign should go on. Again, this came from the captain so if there are any pilots out there that have heard this please let us know. This needs to go to the AFA and oh ummmm the FAA. F/a's are the ones most likely to be hurt. 
autofixer
Veteran
- Aug 20, 2002
- 1,804
- 241
It's funny that this question comes up now. Seriously, just the other day my best friend was told by his captain that the chief pilot has instructed pilots to refrain from overusing the seatbelt sign. I don't agree with leaving it on for long periods as it won't be taken seriously. But apparently the company has stated that they are receiving complaints. If the captain knows of weather ahead the sign should go on. Again, this came from the captain so if there are any pilots out there that have heard this please let us know. This needs to go to the AFA and oh ummmm the FAA. F/a's are the ones most likely to be hurt.
Why would passengers complain?...they never pay any attention to the seat belt sign anyway. Since everyone on here apparently has a way of predicting clear air turbulence (often the most violent kind of turbulence), please share it with pilots so they can know when it is going to occur, then they will know for sure when it is safe to turn off the seat belt sign; otherwise it is just a guess and if you guess wrong...
I've been on many cross country flights where the captain never turns off the seatbelt sign. But, obviously, at some point people on a 5+ hour flight are going to have to use the lavatory. As a passenger, I've learned over the years to gauge when it's ok to use the lavatory when the seatbelt sign is on. Honestly, I usually wait for another passenger to use the lavatory and look to see if any F/A says anything. If not, I get up too as long as the air is smooth. In those rare times where I simply have to go and waiting any longer is simply not an option, sometimes you have to take the risk and use the lavatory.
FAR 121.317:
No person may operate a passenger-carrying airplane under this part unless at least one legible sign or placard that reads "Fasten Seat Belt While Seated" is visible from each passenger seat. These signs or placards need not meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
Each passenger required by Sec. 121.311(B) to occupy a seat or berth shall fasten his or her safety belt about him or her and keep it fastened while the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign is lighted.
So, does the illuminated seat belt sign actually mean to remain seated with the belt fastened, or does it mean to use the seat belt when you are in your seat? There's a distinction there, and when reading through that reg fully it appears that the intent is that the illuminated sign means "remain seated with seat belt fastened"
That being said, if we're above 10K, I'll get up to use the lav if I need to unless it's a.) a choppy ride or b.) the Capt announces that it's going to be bumpy and/or directs the FA's to take their seats. It's true that the seat belt sign has become viewed as an 'advisory' rather than a mandatory instruction, though. But, I do in fact always keep my seat belt on when seated.
No person may operate a passenger-carrying airplane under this part unless at least one legible sign or placard that reads "Fasten Seat Belt While Seated" is visible from each passenger seat. These signs or placards need not meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
Each passenger required by Sec. 121.311(B) to occupy a seat or berth shall fasten his or her safety belt about him or her and keep it fastened while the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign is lighted.
So, does the illuminated seat belt sign actually mean to remain seated with the belt fastened, or does it mean to use the seat belt when you are in your seat? There's a distinction there, and when reading through that reg fully it appears that the intent is that the illuminated sign means "remain seated with seat belt fastened"
That being said, if we're above 10K, I'll get up to use the lav if I need to unless it's a.) a choppy ride or b.) the Capt announces that it's going to be bumpy and/or directs the FA's to take their seats. It's true that the seat belt sign has become viewed as an 'advisory' rather than a mandatory instruction, though. But, I do in fact always keep my seat belt on when seated.
N924PS
Veteran
- May 9, 2004
- 2,036
- 1,529
USAirways policy is that the seat belt signs should be OFF unless moderate turbulence is anticipated/encountered. A flight deck crewmember is supposed to make an appropriate PA announcement when the signs come ON or OFF. When the signs are OFF, USAirways policy is that seat belts should be worn although the signs are OFF for safety.
V
VAflyGal
Guest
Seat belt sign goes on... people hear, "ALL RISE" - like it's the last chance to go before we land or whatever...
I wish we could show pictures of people who were injured by turbulence during our demo. I'm sorry, but sometimes the reality of what could happen is the only thing that might shock someone into actually minding what the crew says. A customer once said to me as her infant daughter was waddling up the aisle during turbulence when I told her it was unsafe for her to be up, "Don't worry, sweetie. I will catch her if she bounces around."
Please... spare me the lawsuit that you will lay on the airline, everyone in the crew, the maker of the plane, the ATC, and the weatherman. I'm not the police, but for the love, pay attention to us when we ask you to sit down - especially if we are strapped in.
I wish we could show pictures of people who were injured by turbulence during our demo. I'm sorry, but sometimes the reality of what could happen is the only thing that might shock someone into actually minding what the crew says. A customer once said to me as her infant daughter was waddling up the aisle during turbulence when I told her it was unsafe for her to be up, "Don't worry, sweetie. I will catch her if she bounces around."
Please... spare me the lawsuit that you will lay on the airline, everyone in the crew, the maker of the plane, the ATC, and the weatherman. I'm not the police, but for the love, pay attention to us when we ask you to sit down - especially if we are strapped in.
