I have noticed from my recent flights that passengers immediately remove their seatbelts right after the plane lands and while it is taxiing. They have various reasons to justify such wrongdoing, like “masikip kasi ang seatbelt” and “excited na kami bumaba.” Baloney! They do not understand that they are putting themselves in danger, aside from violating civil aviation regulations requiring the seatbelt to be kept on while the fasten seatbelt sign is switched on. I will not stop reminding people to always keep their seatbelts fastened right after the plane lands!
Aviation regulations require passengers to remain seated with their seatbelts securely fastened until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign has been turned off. This practice is not merely a procedural formality but an essential safety measure.
An airplane taxis at speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/h. Although this may seem slow compared to airborne speeds, it is fast enough to cause serious injuries if an impact occurs. The ground environment of an airport is bustling with activity, including other aircraft, ground vehicles, and personnel. The chance of an airplane hitting something, despite strict procedures set by aerodrome operators and airlines, is significant. Remaining seated with seatbelts fastened ensures that passengers are protected from sudden movements or collisions that could result in injury.
In 2007, a brand new Etihad Airbus A340 hit a wall while the engines were being checked by an Airbus crew before being handed over to the airline. Everyone on the aircraft, including some Etihad employees who were there as passengers, suffered injuries, with some suffering serious injuries. This incident underscores the fact that ground movement is not without risks. Remaining seated with seatbelts fastened during this phase of the flight can prevent injuries in the event of unexpected incidents.
Runway Incursions and Their Potential Consequences
A runway incursion occurs when an aircraft is in the wrong place at the wrong time, either due to pilot error or air traffic controller error. While runway incursions are common, they rarely lead to serious accidents. However, when they do, the consequences can be fatal. The potential for severe accidents makes it imperative for passengers to remain seated and restrained until the aircraft has safely reached the gate.
There have been instances where runway incursions have led to catastrophic accidents. These incidents highlight the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols during taxiing. Keeping passengers seated and seatbelts fastened ensures that they are in a safe position should the aircraft need to make sudden stops or maneuvers to avoid collisions.
Regulatory and Procedural Reasons
Aviation authorities worldwide mandate that passengers remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign has been turned off. These regulations are based on comprehensive safety studies and incident analyses. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for maintaining safety standards in the aviation industry.
The requirement for passengers to remain seated with their seatbelts fastened after landing is an essential safety measure designed to protect against the risks associated with ground movement and potential runway incursions. Historical incidents, regulatory compliance, and the fundamental need to ensure passenger safety all underscore the importance of this practice.
So please, there is no excuse to unfasten your seatbelts right after the plane lands. Too tight? Then loosen it. Excited to get off? It won’t make any difference because the doors are still closed and the plane is still in motion. Want to stretch? You can always wait for the plane to come to a full stop. There is no prize for being the first one to get off the plane in the first place. You actually have two choices: obey all the air safety regulations and get to your destination safely, or disobey them and risk injury, which could disrupt your planned activities. Plus, you can be charged for violating civil aviation regulations. The choice is yours.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
