Passenger Safety Briefings

They must cover seat belts, but you’re free to go beyond that minimum. There’s no such thing as too much information.

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

While FAR 91.107 legally requires briefing passengers solely on safety belt use, pilots should provide more comprehensive briefings for enhanced safety and a positive experience.
Briefings must be tailored to the specific aircraft and the passenger's experience level, covering details such as boarding, aircraft features, and appropriate behavior (e.g., not interfering with controls).
Essential topics include emergency procedures like operating doors and egressing in an off-airport landing, along with the location and proper use of any special safety equipment (e.g., flotation devices, PLBs).
Pilots can use various methods, from manufacturer cards and custom laminated checklists to EFB functions and videos, to effectively deliver clear and tailored safety information.

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Sit down, shut up and hold on” might work as a passenger briefing in an action movie, but in the physical world, it falls short of adequate. Or even legal, for that matter.

The FAR in question is 91.107, Use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, and child restraint systems. Its only real requirement is that, before takeoff, “each person on board is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten that person’s safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness.” That’s it for Part 91 operators. (If you’re flying 135 and/or 121, see FARs 135.177 and 121.571.)