FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 12012: Use of Passenger-Provided Seat Belt Extenders
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO serves to inform operators that seat belt extenders marketed to the public as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved should not be permitted for use.
Why It Matters
Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, § 91.107; 121, § 121.311; and 135, § 135.128 require a seat belt secured about each passenger during specified phases of flight. Seat belts and extenders provided by the airlines are inspected and maintained under each of the airline's FAA-accepted Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP).
Recommended Action
Operators should include instructions and procedures regarding passenger provided seat belt extenders in the crewmember manuals so that assigned personnel (pilots or flight attendants as appropriate) can adequately perform their assigned tasks. Directors of safety, crewmembers, program managers, training managers, directors of maintenance and aircraft mechanics, should be aware of the safety issues and mitigations discussed in this InFO.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department InFO 12012
of Transportation DATE: 7/30/12
Federal Aviation
Administration Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Subject: Use of Passenger-Provided Seat Belt Extenders
Purpose: This InFO serves to inform operators that seat belt extenders marketed to the public as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved should not be permitted for use.
Background: Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, § 91.107; 121, § 121.311; and 135, § 135.128 require a seat belt secured about each passenger during specified phases of flight. Seat belts and extenders provided by the airlines are inspected and maintained under each of the airline's FAA-accepted Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP).
Discussion: Operators should be aware that seat belt extenders are being marketed to the public for their personal use while traveling. These extenders are marketed as “FAA PMA approved.” Some are categorized as specific to each airline and others are sold under the heading “Universal, adjustable & FAA-safe” and are sold “for use on all airlines”. While these extenders may have a label that indicates they are FAA-approved and conform to TSO-C22g, they are not inspected and maintained under each airline's FAA-accepted CAMP and should not be used.
In order to support compliance with 14 CFR sections regarding the use of seat belts, assigned crewmembers should be aware of the possibility that passengers may attempt to use these extenders while on board their aircraft.
Recommended Action: Operators should include instructions and procedures regarding passenger provided seat belt extenders in the crewmember manuals so that assigned personnel (pilots or flight attendants as appropriate) can adequately perform their assigned tasks. Directors of safety, crewmembers, program managers, training managers, directors of maintenance and aircraft mechanics, should be aware of the safety issues and mitigations discussed in this InFO.
Contact: Questions or comments regarding this InFO should be directed to the Part 121 Air Carrier Operations Branch, AFS-220 at (202) 267-8166.
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 12012