Safety Recommendation A-00-087

The Safety Board notes that the FAA does not have any current plans to mandate the comprehension testing of passenger safety briefing cards as requested in Safety Recommendation A-00-87. The Board acknowledges the FAA's belief that revised AC 123-24B provides improved guidance for the formatting and preparation of these cards. However, this AC was reviewed during the preparation of the safety recommendation, and the Board believes that the revised information will not, by itself, significantly change the comprehension problems that initiated this recommendation.

The Board continues to believe that comprehension testing is needed for all passenger safety cards and is disappointed that the FAA does not intend to incorporate this into its program. Accordingly, Safety Recommendation A-00-87 is classified "Closed--Unacceptable Action."

For A-00-86 and -87, we said we would provide information on new technology being used and how the new technology more effectively conveys the information in a more comprehensive manner. However, we found that we cannot provide this information as explained below. Let me know if you need anything else from us to close these two recommendations.

Concerning new technology for passenger safety information:

Previous FAA studies in human factors and extensive experience by air carriers in actual operations have shown that graphics are more effective than text, especially for passengers who are not fluent in written or spoken English and that moving graphics may enhance the effectiveness of static graphic images. Many airlines are using overhead and seatback monitors for this purpose, and as aircraft are upgraded or new aircraft are put into service, the ability to use moving graphics in proximity to passengers to convey safety briefing information will increase.

However, the FAA cannot provide actual examples of overhead or seatback systems to the NTSB, though air carriers who use such systems would likely provide any demonstration or comparison the Board requires.

SWAT meeting: The FAA believes that new technology (primarily video systems for pre-flight briefings) is satisfying the intent of these recommendations [A-00-86 and -87]. The FAA also believes that no additional research on these subjects is needed. Safety Board staff asked if the information is being conveyed more effectively with the new technology. Both sides agreed that comprehensibility of emergency evacuation information is the goal.

Results:

The FAA will write to the Safety Board on the new technology being used, and how this new technology more effectively conveys the information in a more comprehensible manner. The Safety Board will consider the information presented.

The Safety Board is disappointed by the FAA's response to this recommendation. In the recommendation letter, the Board discussed firms that conduct comprehension testing for safety briefing cards; however, not all firms that develop safety briefing cards conduct comprehension testing. The recommendation letter stated that many air carrier safety briefing cards do not clearly communicate safety information to passengers and noted two 1997 scientific studies that demonstrate that current safety briefing cards developed in compliance with AC 121-24A have unacceptably low comprehension rates. The Board does not believe that the revised AC will significantly affect this finding.

Further, the Board notes that techniques and organizations already exist to conduct comprehension testing of safety briefing cards. Pending implementation of a requirement for minimum comprehension testing for safety briefing cards, Safety Recommendation A-00-87 is classified "Open--Unacceptable Response."

Letter Mail Controlled 11/14/2000 4:39:44 PM MC# 2001688 The FAA does agree with this safety recommendation. On February 1, 1999, the FAA issued AC 121-24B, Passenger Safety Information Briefing and Briefing Cards. The AC provided updated information regarding the items that are required to be, or should be, covered in oral passenger briefings and on passenger briefing cards. The AC also included information on how to motivate passengers to focus on the safety information contained in the cards, as well as the importance of using design, graphics, and international symbols to display this information.

The AC also provides detailed information for POI's to use in ensuring that passenger briefing cards are in compliance with all applicable regulations and are effective in communicating important safety information to the passengers. I have enclosed a copy of the AC for the Board's information. I consider the FAA's action to be completed on this safety recommendation.