News

FAA begins child safety campaign

As part of the US Department of Transportation’s National Transportation Week and to kick off the summer travel season, the FAA has launched an education effort to help parents and caregivers make informed choices about their child’s safety when they fly.

“Millions of people will take to the skies this summer, and we are doing everything we can to keep air travellers as safe as possible,” said US transportation secretary Ray LaHood.

Acting FAA administrator Michael Huerta added, “It’s important to remind everyone that the safest place for a small child on an airplane is in an approved child safety seat, not on an adult’s lap."

The FAA has developed a new website and online information toolkit with information about how to keep children safe when travelling by air. The site includes a downloadable tip sheet for parents and caregivers, and a video demonstration on how to properly install a child safety seat on an airplane. The website also includes helpful details about FAA-approved child harness devices, and links to frequently asked questions.

The FAA is working with Airlines for America, the Association of Flight Attendants, Consumers Union, and the American Academy of Pediatrics to share this safety information with parents and caregivers.

According to Consumers Union, “For years Consumer Reports has advocated that all passengers should be properly restrained onboard commercial aircraft, including children under two [years of age]. We support the Department of Transportation’s educational efforts, so that parents and caregivers can make informed decisions about using child restraint systems when flying. Consumer Reports also urges the airline industry to support these efforts by providing transparent information on child restraint system policies and compatibility.”

When purchasing airline tickets, parents and caregivers should contact the air carrier to see if there are any discounts available for children since buying a ticket for a child is the only way to guarantee that a child safety seat can be used during flight.

"The top priority of America's airlines is the safety of our passengers and crew, and we are pleased to be a part of the important FAA educational awareness campaign, encouraging parents to help keep our smallest passengers safe with approved child safety seats," said Airlines for America president and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.

Before flying, parents and caregivers should check to make sure that their child restraint system is approved for use on an aircraft. This approval should be printed on the system’s information label or on the device itself.

“As first responders in the cabin, a Flight Attendant’s foremost responsibility is to help ensure the safety and security of all passengers. Children should have the same protection adults have in the airplane cabin and by using an approved child restraint device, even our most vulnerable passengers will have much-needed protection in the event of an emergency,” said Association of Flight Attendants International president Veda Shook.

The FAA recommends that a child weighing less than 20 lbs use a rear-facing child restraint system. A forward-facing child safety seat should be used for children weighing between 20 and 40 lbs. The FAA has also approved one harness-type device for children weighing between 22 to 44 lbs.

In December 2010, a group of aviation stakeholders known as the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC) delivered 23 recommendations to the Secretary and FAA Administrator on workforce development, competition and viability, financing of aviation systems, environmental concerns, and safety. Based on some of those recommendations, the FAA is stepping up efforts to educate parents about the importance of using a child restraint for air travel.

MORE NEWS

 Ordering food for a bizjet flight? There's an app for that

 FutureBrand receives honour for American Airlines project

 J.D. Power releases 2013 N. America Airline Satisfaction Study

 Finnair unveils second Marimekko A330

 Business and IFE upgrades for QantasLink B717s

 dnata becomes 100% owner of Servair Airchef

 Rebranding exercise completed at Skandia

 Speak up or shut up? Onboard etiquette investigated

 Intrav selects custom Zeus seat for luxury excursions

 Cabinair Services reconfigures and refurbs Air Greenland A330

  'Seating market set to take off over next decade', says study

 New research reveals importance of, and use of devices in-flight

 IFE giant Global Eagle to acquire PMG for US$23.9m

 Intelsat orders four new Boeing satellites

 Over 200 positions open at Panasonic Avionics!

 Recaro reports sales increase and predicts further growth

 IntelliCabin to simplify and enhance cabin management

 Handmade vodka now served on United

 United equips 200th aircraft with live TV

 Alitalia extends IFE content services agreement with IFP

 AIM appoints general manager for galleys

 Significant director-level changes at AIM Aviation

 Formia's amenity kits for Turkish Airlines receives awards

 Awards for the best Middle Eastern airlines

 Qantas introduces international flavour on domestic routes

 High fashion: Vivienne Westwood to design Virgin uniforms

 Priestmangoode to discuss transport design in London

 BA and En Route tie up for breakfast services on US routes

 Little touches to enhance US Airways Envoy experience

 Process could halve component weight, says Reliant Plastics

 EADS Sogerma gains a powerful sales tool

 JAL's IFE Mooove's on up

 Another strong quarter for B/E Aerospace

 New process brings colours to carbon composites

 Celeste is a new star in the A350 catalogue - FURTHER DETAIL

 World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo ‘exceeds expectations’

 Aircraft Interiors Expo reports 12% rise in visitors for 2013

 Alaska begins US$100 million cabin upgrade programme

 Element strengthens composites testing in Delsen deal

 Thai to run IFE content from IFP

 LSG launches Spiriant inflight equipment brand

View more news stories