In-flight upset - 154 km west of Learmonth, WA, 7 October 2008,

US Federal Aviation AdministrationThe United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website also containedseat belt information on a webpage regarding turbulence, including the following: 239While turbulence is normal and happens often, it can be dangerous. Its bumpyride can cause passengers who are not wearing their seat belts to be thrownfrom their seats without warning. But, by following the guidelines suggestedon this site, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe whentraveling by air.To keep you and your family as safe as possible during flight, FAAregulations require passengers to be seated with their seat belts fastened:• When the airplane leaves the gate and as it climbs after take-off.• During landing and taxi.• Whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated during flight.Why is it important to follow these safety regulations? Consider this:• In nonfatal accidents, in-flight turbulence is the leading cause of injuriesto airline passengers and flight attendants.• Each year, approximately 58 people in the United States are injured byturbulence while not wearing their seat belts.• From 1980 through 2008, U.S. air carriers had 234 turbulence accidents*,resulting in 298 serious injuries and three fatalities.• Of the 298 serious injuries, 184 involved flight attendants and114 involved passengers.• At least two of the three fatalities involved passengers who were notwearing their seat belts while the seat belt sign was illuminated.• Generally, two-thirds of turbulence-related accidents occur at or above30,000 feet.The FAA website also contained a video that simulated the effects of turbulence onseated passengers who were wearing and not wearing seat belts. Although theg-forces associated with the simulated event were not available, the video provideda very useful depiction of the benefits of wearing a seat belt and also having otherobjects restrained in the cabin. 240239240Obtained from www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_safe/turbulence (updated 4 August 2009).The video was available at the following link:www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/turbulence/media/cabin_turbulence.wmv- 284 -