Operational Procedures — Page 51, Lesson 78

I want to walk you through the operational procedures that govern how we use seats, safety belts, oxygen, and handle hazards in the aircraft. Let's start with crew members. Each crew member must be properly secured by all safety belts and harnesses for take-off and landing, and at any other time the commander deems necessary. During other phases of flight—so when we're cruising, climbing, or descending—each flight crew member is to keep the safety belt fastened when seated at the duty station. That means even if you're not in a critical phase, the belt stays on while you're in your seat. Now for passengers. Each passenger must occupy a seat, and the seat belt—or harness—must be properly fastened before take-off and landing, during taxiing, and whenever the commander decides it's necessary in the interest of safety. There's a specific allowance for infants: designated seats may be occupied by one adult and an infant, provided the infant is properly secured by a supplemental loop belt or other restraint. So an infant can sit on an adult's lap, but only with that extra belt or restraint. Let's move to smoking. The commander is required to prohibit smoking in several situations. First, whenever deemed necessary in the interest of safety. Second, while the aeroplane is on the ground—unless the Operations Manual permits it. Third, outside designated smoking areas, in the aisles, and in the toilets. Fourth, in cargo compartments or other areas where cargo is carried that is not stored in flame-resistant containers. And fifth, in cabin areas where oxygen is being supplied. So smoking is tightly controlled, especially around oxygen. Now, ice and other contaminants. The commander is not permitted to commence the take-off run unless all surfaces of the aeroplane are clear of any deposits that might adversely affect the performance of the aeroplane. That means wings, tail, control surfaces—everything must be clean. The operator is responsible for establishing procedures for de-icing and anti-icing of aeroplanes. De-icing removes contamination; anti-icing prevents it from forming. Next, use of supplemental oxygen. The commander must ensure that all flight crew members performing essential duties use supplemental oxygen continuously whenever the cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 feet for a period in excess of 30 minutes. And at all times whenever the cabin altitude exceeds 13,000 feet. So above 10,000 feet, after 30 minutes, you're on oxygen. Above 13,000 feet, it's immediate and continuous. Ground proximity detection. When undue proximity to the ground is detected by any flight crew member or a warning system, the commander or the pilot at the controls must take corrective action to establish a safe flight condition. That means if you or a system senses you're too close to terrain, you act immediately to climb or manoeuvre away. Finally, occurrence reporting. For accidents and serious incidents, the operator shall establish procedures for reporting them, taking into account responsibilities described in the regulations. So the airline must have a clear process for reporting these events, and the crew must follow it. That covers the key operational procedures in this section—seats and belts, smoking, ice contamination, oxygen use, ground proximity, and reporting.