General

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Advisory Circulars (ACs) contain information about standards, practices, and procedures that the Director has found to be an acceptable means of compliance with the associated rule.

Consideration will be given to other methods of compliance that are presented to the Director. When new standards, practices, or procedures are found to be acceptable they will be added to the appropriate AC.

Purpose

This AC provides guidance on operators’ obligations to provide appropriate safety information relevant to the nature and type of aircraft being operated and needs of passengers.

Related Rules

This AC provides guidance on Civil Aviation Part 91, specifically rules:

• 91.211, Passenger briefing
• 91.121, Stowage of Passenger service equipment
• 91.207, Occupation of seats and wearing of restraints, and
• 91.213, Carry-on baggage
• 91.7, Portable electronic devices, and
• 121.81, Passenger safety.

Change Notice

This is the initial issue of this AC.

Version History

History Log

Feedback

You can provide feedback about Advisory Circular AC91-25 here: Advisory Circular feedback form – AC91-25 Passenger Safety Briefings | aviation.govt.nz

You can also provide feedback in New Zealand Sign Language

Purpose

Operators of an aircraft carrying passengers must provide safety briefings for passengers. This can be delivered as a verbal or pre-recorded briefing, but whatever the format, it needs to be accessible and clear to all passengers, including special categories of passengers, such as those with limited vision, hearing or mobility.

This AC provides guidance to operators on passenger safety briefings in general, for different types of aircraft, and to meet the needs of special categories of passengers.

Well-informed, knowledgeable passengers have a better chance of surviving a
life-threatening situation on an aircraft. To support operators to prepare and deliver effective briefings, the Further Resources section of this AC lists material from other National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) and other sources, about communicating with passengers.

Operators of larger aircraft, notably Part 121 aircraft, may also need to develop plans for briefing passengers seated in emergency exit rows who may need to help in the case of an emergency. This is covered briefly in this AC, but in more detail in AC121-6, Occupation of Emergency Exit Rows.

Definitions

Many of the following definitions are either from Part 1, Definitions and Abbreviations, or from ICAO Doc 10086, Manual on Information and Instructions for Passenger Safety, First Edition, 2018 or ICAO Doc 10002, Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual, First Edition, 2014. They have been included here for easy reference.

Types of briefings

Standard briefings

These include:

• Pre-departure briefings, including refuelling briefings
• Briefings for passengers in unstaffed exit rows
• Tailored briefings for special categories of passengers
• Briefings conducted before take-off, also referred to as a safety demonstration
• After take-off briefings
• Briefings in the event of turbulence
• Pre-landing briefings
• After landing briefings, and
• Transit stop briefings.

Emergency briefings

These should be given when crew members determine they are necessary. They cover situations such as:

• Precautionary disembarkation
• Evacuation
• Emergency landing
• Water – ditching[1]
• Land – off-airport landing
• Bracing for impact, and/or
• Decompression.

Emergency briefings can be planned, for example, when the decision is made to evacuate due to a safety risk, or unplanned, when an emergency means immediate evacuation is necessary. Briefings for planned and unplanned events are run differently, because crew have more time in planned briefings to give instructions to passengers.

In either case, the PIC or crew needs to communicate important information and instructions, and people seated in emergency exit rows, where applicable, need to have been briefed on what they need to do, to help staff and other passengers.

What to cover in safety briefings – all aircraft

All passengers must receive a safety briefing irrespective of the size or type of aircraft. Special categories of passengers may require a stand-alone briefing or additional briefing, as outlined in more detail in the Special Categories of Passengers section, below.

Under rule 91.211, briefings need to address:

• the conditions under which smoking is permitted
• the location and operation of:
  •  doors and emergency exits, and
  • any emergency equipment for passenger use[2], and
• the location and use of:
  • life jackets or preservers, if required under rule 91.525 for a flight over water, including how to don and inflate, and
  • oxygen-dispensing equipment, for flights above flight level (FL) 250, with a demonstration of how to use[3], and
• procedures in the case of an emergency landing [4]
• the rules regarding portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, as covered in rule 91.7, and
• the requirement for passengers to comply with lighted passenger signs and crew member instructions.

Under rule 91.121, briefings need to address the need to secure (or stow) equipment, such as food trays and viewing screens, during the critical (or TTL) phases of flight.

Under rule 91.207, briefings need to address the applicable requirements:

• the need to wear a restraint (for example, a safety (or seat) belt or harness):
  • during TTL
  • when the aircraft is flying at a height of less than 1000 feet above the surface
  • at other times when the PIC considers it necessary for passenger safety
  • during aerobatic flight, and
  • at all times in an open cockpit aircraft, and
• that children under four years need to be:
  • held by an adult occupying a seat or berth who has been briefed on how to operate the loop belt for the child, and
  • secured by a loop belt[5] attached to the adult’s safety belt, or
  • in a seat equipped with a child restraint system, if they
    • do not exceed the specified weight limit for that system and
    • are accompanied by:
      • a parent, guardian, or
      • an attendant designated by the child’s parent or guardian to attend to the safety of the child during the flight, and
• the importance of using a shoulder harness, where fitted, and
• the configuration and securing of seat backs, as appropriate.

If operators are unsure about the content and format of their safety briefings, Flight Operations Inspectors in CAA’s Certification (Organisations) unit can review and provide feedback on rule compliance. The team can be contacted at certification@caa.govt.nz

Other uses of safety briefings

Under rule 91.213, operators, apart from balloon operators, need to make sure that all baggage has been stowed:

• in a baggage locker, or
• under a passenger seat in such a way that it cannot:
  • slide forward under crash impact, or
  • hinder evacuation of the aircraft in the event of an emergency.

Passenger safety briefings are a good opportunity to reinforce this message to passengers. Briefings done in person, or by a video presentation in aircraft with flight crew, can also be combined with a check that all baggage has been stowed safely.

If the aircraft has passenger safety cards or other supporting materials, a briefing is also a good opportunity to bring these to the attention of passengers. The section, Passenger safety cards and other information, below, has more guidance on recommended contents and style of these documents.

Delivering safety briefings

In most cases, a briefing is needed each time passengers are carried. The only exceptions to this are flights where the PIC has determined that all passengers are familiar with the contents of the briefing. However, this is only likely on very small aircraft with passengers who use that aircraft repeatedly, e.g. private or chartered flights.

Briefings must be presented verbally and/or by a recorded presentation, e.g. a safety video, for larger aircraft. Having a standard safety video can ensure a consistent and comprehensive briefing. The format can also be used to include sub-titles or an inset box with a translation in New Zealand sign language.

Verbal briefings must be provided by the PIC, a member of the crew, or a person nominated by the operator.

Whatever the medium, briefings need to be clear and easy for passengers to understand.

The briefing can be supplemented by printed cards containing diagrams of, and methods for, operating the emergency exits, and other instructions necessary to explain the emergency equipment that passengers may need to use.

The operator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule. This includes:

• covering all the requirements of the rule, and
• ensuring that the cabin is secure before take-off.

Operators must ensure that those delivering the safety briefing/s can do this effectively and clearly enough for passengers to understand the safety messages.

Crew may also use the period just after a briefing to address any observed non-compliance with instructions given in the briefing, such as personal earbuds or headphones not being removed and being used during the briefing. They can also remind passengers to put phones and other devices into flight mode.

It is recommended that operators test their safety briefings, to ensure that the content, whether delivered in person or pre-recorded, and other safety information, such as printed cards, are easily understood by a wide range of passengers. There are more suggestions about how to do this effectively in the section Passenger safety cards and other information. Like all procedures, it is also important to regularly review how effective safety briefings are, and update when required.

Operators should also refer to the section Special Categories of Passengers, below, which provides more advice on how to tailor briefings for some passengers.

Having well-prepared passengers decreases the risk of passengers panicking or being unclear of what is required of them:

• during flight, and
• in the case of an emergency.

Aircraft with cabin crew

Aircraft with one flight attendant

On an aircraft where one flight attendant is giving the briefing, they need to be visible to all passengers.

Aircraft with more than one flight attendant

When aircraft have more than one flight attendant operating, one should be responsible for the delivery of the message, whether by microphone, audio system or video, and the others should be spaced throughout the cabin so that all passengers can see at least one of the flight attendants.

Aircraft with no cabin crew

The PIC, other crew member or nominated person can do the briefing before the aircraft takes off but after all passengers are seated. It is recommended that a checklist is used to ensure all items are covered.

Extra information for specific types of aircraft

The configurations of different types of aircraft often affect the style and content of passenger safety briefings. Common examples are outlined below, though this is not an exhaustive list.

Helicopters

The operator should conduct the passenger briefing before passengers enter the helicopter. Depending on the type of helicopter, a passenger seated in a crew seat, i.e. the front seat, may also need a tailored briefing, if they:

• are close enough to have access to controls and instruments, as they need to be warned not to touch them, or
• would need to help crew in an emergency, e.g. by helping to open doors or evacuate passengers.

In addition to the material covered in the section for all types of aircraft, briefings for helicopters need to cover:

Pre-flight Briefing

• Instructions on:
  • remaining in the seat unless given permission to move, and
  • not distracting the PIC during take-off, manoeuvring or landing.

Different types of helicopters

Safety procedures vary from one helicopter model to another, so briefings should be in accordance with the model’s RFM or equivalent operating manual. They may include instructions to:

• wait for staff to tell them to approach or leave the helicopter
• stay well clear of the helipad when the helicopter is arriving or departing
• approach and leave to the side or front in a crouched position, never by the rear of the helicopter
• wait until the rotors stop turning
• carry tools horizontally, below waist level, never upright, over the shoulder or above the head
• never throw items towards or out of a helicopter
• hold firmly onto hats and loose articles
• never reach up or dart after a hat or other object that might have blown off or away
• protect eyes against blown dust and particles by shielding them with a hand or by wearing sunglasses, safety glasses or safety goggles
• if sudden blindness occurs due to dust or a blowing object, stop and crouch lower or sit down and wait for assistance
• approach and leave by the downslope side for rotor clearance
• never feel the way toward or away from the helicopter, and
• protect hearing by wearing ear plugs or earmuffs.

Emergency landing on land (and water):

Passengers may need instructions on:

• establishing their position in relation to the exit
• when and how to exit
• when to release the seat belt
• helping others to evacuate well clear of the aircraft, and
• removing the first aid kit and other emergency equipment, if appropriate.

Emergency landing on water:

In addition to the instructions above, passengers will need instructions on inflating life jacket/s or preserver/s and life raft/s when clear of the helicopter.

Additional resources

The Safety Around Helicopters poster on the CAA website, in the Further Resources section below, is a useful resource to display around the office or hangar or give to passengers.

Balloons

The list below is in addition to standard safety briefing topics.

Pre-flight briefing

The operator should conduct the passenger briefing before flight, and include instructions on:

• when and how to enter and exit the basket
• bending the knees before touchdown
• holding on and where and how to hold on
• stowing cameras and personal items before landing
• ensuring that nothing is outside the basket, such as hair, clothing or limbs
• precautions relating to:

• the inflation fan, and
• the hot phase of inflating the balloon
• restricted access areas in the launch area
• what dangerous goods are permitted on board
• the landing position appropriate to the balloon design type which must be adopted for all landings
• not panicking if, on landing, the basket tips onto the side, as this sometimes happens and is quite normal, and
• a reminder to remain in the basket in any event until instructed to disembark.

Pre-flight activities may include:

• asking passengers to:

• help in the inflation process
• adopt the landing position to demonstrate their understanding.

The information may also be provided as part of the pre-flight briefing or on a safety card.

Pre-landing briefing

On approach to landing, the PIC should make a pre-landing announcement reminding passengers that:

• cameras and loose personal items must be stowed
• on the command ‘landing positions’ all passengers must assume the position previously practiced
• all persons must remain in the basket until instructed to disembark, and
• a reminder of the landing position and to hold on firmly, if the landing is anticipated to be fast or hard.

The oral briefing may be supplemented with:

• assistance from ground support personnel to demonstrate the landing position to all passengers
• a translator translating the oral briefing, and/ or
• placards and signage using text and/or pictograms and international symbols that illustrate the landing position and other requirements.

Keeping records of briefing material

Operators that have expositions need to outline the contents of the safety briefings in the applicable part of their exposition. The outline needs to include details of what needs to be covered in each briefing, including briefings for special categories of passengers. This ensures that staff providing the briefings have access to the information and instructions they need to effectively communicate safety information to passengers.

Operators may choose to have the briefings listed in other places as well such as in associated manuals and instructions such as a Passenger Announcement Manual, or on a quick reference card.

Operators using safety cards should have additional copies at hand in case some go missing or get damaged.

Training

Staff providing safety briefings to passengers should be trained in effective presentation and delivery. This training must also cover briefing passengers listed in the special category section. Training staff helps operators ensure consistency with the safety messaging.

In operations with cabin crew (i.e. one or more flight attendants), the cabin crew training programme must address the content, presentation and manual demonstration of passenger safety briefings. In addition to this, the training should include:

• instructions on what to do if a passenger fails to comply with safety instructions, and
• clear directions that flight attendants (or crew members) should not perform any
  non-safety-related duties during the safety briefings, to ensure that they do not obstruct the view of the passengers or distract passengers from paying attention to the briefing.

Special categories of passengers

Special categories of passengers may need tailored briefings, particularly if they:

• are seated in emergency exit row seats[6]
• have limited vision or hearing
• have a physical disability or limitations to their mobility
• have sensory processing issues
• are an escorted prisoner, inadmissible person or deportee, or
• are unaccompanied minors.

Special categories of passengers could be affected by a range of things that impact on how well they can hear and see standard briefings (whether verbal or pre-recorded) and how mobile and independent they would be in the event of an emergency. Therefore, operators should prepare briefings and extra assistance tailored for a range of passenger needs, and list the contents in the operator’s exposition (and other associated crew manuals, quick reference guides etc). When checking in passengers or briefing them, staff / crew should also ask how they can best assist.

Although this does not apply to all aircraft, under rule 121.81(3), Part 121 operators have to ensure disabled passengers are, to quote the rule: “appropriately cared for”. A current interpretation of this rule includes Part 121 operators having to ensure that:

• these passengers have been provided with a safety briefing that suits their needs, and
• any special needs they have during an emergency evacuation will be accommodated.

Operators may want to familiarise themselves with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (CRPD):

• to promote equality and eliminate discrimination, take all appropriate steps to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided for persons with disabilities, and
• to accept the need to adopt specific measures as necessary to accelerate or achieve de facto equality of persons with disabilities.

Preparing for passengers’ communication needs

It is important to bear in mind that not all disabilities are visible and may not be immediately apparent to crew members. It may help operators prepare by asking passengers if they have:

• any disabilities or challenges that could affect how well they can hear and understand safety briefings and crew instructions, or
• any mobility issues that could affect how quickly they can evacuate an aircraft, and what extra assistance they would need.

This could be done by targeted questions:

• on the operator’s website
• as part of the booking process
• as part of ticketing information, and/ or
• when checking in passengers.

For Part 121 aircraft, rule 121.81(6) states that the senior cabin crew member (flight attendant in the rule wording), or the PIC, needs to be notified when a disabled or escorted person will be a passenger on the aeroplane, so this information is useful to ensure that appropriate briefings are delivered.

Passengers have a right to know why they are being asked this information, however, and some passengers may not want to disclose it. They have a right not to, even though this makes it harder for operators to provide tailored briefings. To encourage passengers to disclose if they need assistance, it may be helpful to include information on websites and ticketing information about why the operator is asking.

It is important to remember that not all people with some impairment will identify as disabled, and in some instances their impairment may not be apparent. Disabled people have a right to privacy and personal dignity, so can choose to self-identify or not.

It is recommended that cabin crew have training on diversity and ways to encourage anyone with additional support or communication needs to let them know. This can help disabled people feel more comfortable in asking for any additional safety-related assistance.

Passenger safety cards and other information

Verbal briefings can be supplemented with printed safety cards that provide a visual reference, such as diagrams showing:

• how to put on life preservers and oxygen masks
• where the emergency exits are, and
• other useful information.

If using safety cards, the operator must place them in convenient locations on the aircraft, with at least one for each passenger, and ensure that they contain information that represents only the type and model of aircraft on which they are carried. The operator should carry extra copies of these cards, in case some go missing or are damaged. Producing versions of the cards in alternative formats, such as Braille, EasyRead and large print, also helps operators cater to the needs of a wider range of passengers.

Apps that can be downloaded in advance are also an option to create material that supports briefings. These can include short presentations in New Zealand sign language, other languages, large print or EasyRead.

When using new technology, it is important to avoid the temptation to overcomplicate or use too many graphics and special effects. When designing material, the aim should be to deliver a simple and clear message, so that the highest number of passengers understand what they need to know.

No matter what format is used, clear content is key. Operators should check recorded briefings and supporting documents like safety cards, to ensure they are using clear language, and descriptive images, rather than long sections of dialogue. This will help make these recordings more accessible to a wider range of passengers.

There is more advice on what to include on safety cards in Appendix 1 of this AC and the passenger safety card guidance page on the CAA website, in the Further Resources section below.

Further resources

CAA of New Zealand

• AC92-2, Carriage of Dangerous Goods
• AC121-6, Occupancy of Emergency Exit Rows
• AC121-7-AC125-2 – Ditching – Techniques, Hazards, and Survival: A Basis for Assessing Risk
• Passenger safety card guidance
• Cabin safety for passengers | aviation.govt.nz
• Helicopter safety resources | aviation.govt.nz
• Helicopter performance
• https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/publications/posters/safety-around-helicopters-poster.pdf
• https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/hidden-disabilities-sunflower-scheme/

International Civil Aviation Organization

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards address the need for passengers to receive safety information while aboard aircraft.

The Manual on Information and Instructions for Passenger Safety (Doc 10086) provides guidance on ICAO provisions in:

• Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft, Part I — International Commercial Air Transport — Aeroplanes, Chapter 4. Flight Operations, section 4.2.12.1, on the safety-related information and instructions that an operator should provide to passengers.

The information contained in this document is also applicable as guidance to meet ICAO requirements found in:

• Annex 6, Part II — International General Aviation — Aeroplanes and Annex 6, Part III — International Operations — Helicopters.

As well, the manual presents guidance for airworthiness standards related to passenger information signs, markings and placards that should be located in the cabin. It also addresses other aspects related to the safety of passengers on board aircraft, including considerations for persons seated at emergency exit rows, recommended brace-for-impact positions and sample commands used by cabin crew members to instruct passengers in the event of an emergency. The manual was developed by ICAO to provide guidance on provisions contained in Annex 6, Operation of Aircraft.

Other useful ICAO sources include:

• ICAO Doc 10002, Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual (second edition)
• ICAO Doc 10049, Manual on the Approval and Use of Child Restraint Systems (second edition)

Other National Aviation Authorities (NAAs)

As well as ACs and other formal guidance, many NAAs and other agencies have developed communications on how to do passenger safety briefings effectively.

Some of the detail goes beyond the requirements of New Zealand rules on passenger safety briefings, so they are not included here as guidance. They are, however, examples of good practice which New Zealand operators may adopt for the benefit of safety.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia:

• https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/multi-part-advisory-circular-91-19-ac-121-04-ac-133-10-ac-135-12-ac-138-10-passenger-safety-information.pdf
• Your safety and behaviour | Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au)
• CASA cabin safety video – Don’t be that bean! – YouTube

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

• https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/light/topics/ready-fly

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

• https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_121-24D.pdf
• AC 121-24D_FAA Web
• Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 121.585

Transport Canada

• https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/advisory-circulars/advisory-circular-ac-no-700-012
• https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2010/tc/T52-4-2228-20-eng.pdf
• Passenger safety guides (canada.ca)
• https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/special-needs
• Passenger safety briefings: why, when and how (canada.ca)
• Travelling with disabilities – Travel.gc.ca

Other sources:

• https://hdsunflower.com/au/
• Leave It Behind – Flight Safety Foundation
• Effective Passenger Safety Briefings | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
• Cabin safety research summary – Humour vs. Celebrity – YouTube
• WorkSafeNZ for background and advice on the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015)
• https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/crpd/article-5-equality-and-non-discrimination

Appendix 1: Relevant rules

Rule 91.211 – Passenger briefing

• A person operating an aircraft carrying passengers must ensure that each passenger has been briefed on—

1. the conditions under which smoking is permitted; and
2. the applicable requirements specified in 91.121 and 91.207; and
3. the location and means for opening the passenger entry doors and emergency exits; and
4. when required to be carried by this Part—

(i)  the location of survival and emergency equipment for passenger use; and

(ii) the use of flotation equipment required under 91.525 for a flight over water; and

(iii) the normal and emergency use of oxygen equipment installed in the aircraft for passenger use; and

5. procedures in the case of an emergency landing; and
6. the use of portable electronic devices in accordance with 91.7.
7. The briefing required under paragraph (a)—

1. must be given by the pilot-in-command, a member of the crew, a person nominated by the operator, or by a recorded presentation; and
2. must, for flights above FL 250, include a demonstration on the use of supplemental oxygen equipment; and
3. must include a demonstration on the use of life jackets or preservers when required to be carried by this Part; and
4. must include a statement, as appropriate, that Civil Aviation Rules require passenger compliance with lighted passenger signs and crew member instructions; and
5. may be supplemented by printed cards for the use of each passenger containing—

(i) diagrams of, and methods of operating the emergency exits; and

(ii) other instructions necessary for the use of emergency equipment intended for use by passengers; and

6. is not required if the pilot-in-command determines that all the passengers are familiar with the contents of the briefing.
7. Where printed cards are used in accordance with paragraph (b)(5), the operator must place them in convenient locations on the aircraft for the use of each passenger and ensure that they contain information that is pertinent only to the type and model of aircraft on which they are carried.

Rule 91.121 – Stowage of passenger service equipment

No person shall taxi, take-off, or land an aircraft equipped with—

1. any passenger food and beverage tray, or table; or
   1. any passenger serving cart; or
   1. any viewing screen that extends into the aisle—

unless that equipment is secured in a stowed position.

Rule 91.207 – Occupation of seats and wearing of restraints

• A pilot-in-command of an aircraft must require each passenger to occupy a seat or berth and to fasten their safety belt, restraining belt or, if equipped, shoulder harness or single diagonal shoulder belt—
  • during each take-off and landing; and
  • when the aircraft is flying at a height of less than 1000 feet above the surface; and
  • at other times when the pilot-in-command considers it necessary for their safety; and
  • during aerobatic flight; and
  • at all times in an open cockpit aircraft.

(b)* A pilot-in-command of an aircraft may permit a passenger to unfasten a shoulder harness or single diagonal shoulder belt—

1. during take-off and landing; and
   1. when the aircraft is flying at a height of less than 1000 feet above the surface—
2. ** if the pilot-in-command is satisfied that such action is necessary for the passenger’s performance of an essential function associated with the purpose of the flight.
3. A pilot-in-command of an aircraft must require each passenger to place their seat in the take-off and landing configuration during take-off and landing.
4. Paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and (3) do not apply to a child under 4 years of age if the child—
   1. is held by an adult who is occupying a seat or berth, and the child is secured by a safety belt attached to the adult’s safety belt; or
   1. occupies a seat equipped with a child restraint system, if the child does not exceed the specified weight limit for that system and is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or by an attendant designated by the child’s parent or guardian to attend to the safety of the child during the flight.
5. Paragraph (a) does not apply to passengers carried in balloons or engaged in parachute operations.

Rule 91.213 – Carry-on baggage

A person operating an aircraft, other than a balloon, must ensure that, before take-off or landing, all passenger baggage aboard the aircraft is stowed away—

in a baggage locker; or

under a passenger seat in such a way that it cannot—

• slide forward under crash impact; or
• hinder evacuation of the aircraft in the event of an emergency.

Rule 91.7 – Portable electronic devices

(a)   No person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot-in-command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any cellphone or other portable electronic device that is designed to transmit electromagnetic energy, on any aircraft while that aircraft is operating under IFR.

(b)   Except as provided in paragraph (c), no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot-in-command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any aircraft flying under IFR during an instrument approach or departure procedure or during any other critical phase of flight.

(c)   Paragraph (b) does not apply to—

(1) hearing aids;

(2) heart pacemakers;

(3) portable voice recorders;

(4) electric shavers;

(5) electronic watches; or

(6) any other portable electronic device if the operator of the aircraft has determined that the portable electronic device to be operated will not cause interference with any aircraft system or equipment in the aircraft on which it is operated.

(d) In the case of—

(1) an aircraft being operated on air transport operations, the determination required by paragraph (c)(6) must be made by the operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used; and

(2) any other aircraft, the determination required by paragraph (c)(6) may be made by the pilot-in-command or the operator of the aircraft on which the particular device is to be used.

Rule 121.81 – Passenger safety

Each person performing an air operation shall ensure that—

1. passengers are seated where, in the event of an emergency evacuation, they will not hinder evacuation from the aeroplane; and
2. any passenger who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or exhibits behavioural characteristics, to the extent where the safety of the aeroplane or its occupants is likely to be endangered, is refused embarkation or, where appropriate, removed from the aeroplane; and
3. disabled passengers are appropriately cared for, including allocation of appropriate seating positions and handling assistance in the event of an emergency; and
4. children under the age of 15 years, and adults with an infant, are not seated in any seat row next to an emergency exit; and
5. escorted passengers do not constitute a safety hazard to other passengers or to the aeroplane, and that prior arrangements for their carriage have been made in accordance with procedures specified in the certificate holder’s exposition; and
6. the senior flight attendant, or the pilot-in-command, is notified when a disabled or escorted person is to be carried on board the aeroplane.

Appendix 2: Safety briefing cards

This checklist is designed to provide guidance for operators about what should be included on their passenger safety cards.

For more information, email cabin.safety@caa.govt.nz. The Passenger safety card guidance available on the CAA website is another good source.

• If safety cards are used, there must be a safety card for each passenger.

As far as possible:

• Passengers should be able to clearly see the safety briefing card in the seat pocket in front of them (where applicable)
• The card should clearly indicate that it is a safety briefing / information card
• The aircraft type should be specified on the top of the card
• Where appropriate, cards should be multilingual (or the operator should have multilingual cards available)
• Cards should be controlled with a version number and a date.

Safety cards should clearly and simply describe safety provisions for the aircraft being operated, using clear design and layout to help passengers easily understand the content.

• Information on the passenger safety instruction card should be clear and presented in an understandable manner
• Information/instructions should use pictures or diagrams and not rely only on words
• The information should be set out in a logical sequence.
• Multi-action procedures should be presented in the correct sequence, and the sequence should be clearly identified (for example, numbered steps)
• The use of international symbols is encouraged
• Use of a multi-coloured card rather than black and white is preferable
• The design should make it easy to identify the aircraft type
• Cards should be tested for comprehension
• Operators should monitor the effectiveness of their safety briefing cards
• Information on the card should be comparable to the instructions on the passenger safety information signs, markings and placards in the cabin
• For passengers with little or no English, instructions should be as simple as possible.
• When appropriate, information can be repeated in the languages of the passengers most likely to be carried.
• The card should give instructions on seat belt use. In a stressful situation people may revert back to what they know, e.g. trying to get out of a seatbelt as they would in their car, looking for a push down button instead of pulling up on the clasp.

Note 1: Operators could provide passengers occupying seats with direct access to emergency exits with a separate briefing card containing a summary of the exit briefing information.

Note 2: An operator conducting an operation without cabin crew should consider including expanded information, such as location and use of fire extinguisher, oxygen system (if different from the drop-down system), etc.

Note 3: Producing versions of the cards in alternative formats, such as Braille, EasyRead and large print, also helps operators cater to the needs of a wider range of passengers.

Appendix 3: Passenger safety information mnemonic

The mnemonic SAFETY can be used as a method to convey important information to passengers by aircrew as detailed below:

[1] AC121-7 & 125-2, Ditching – Techniques, Hazards, and Survival: A Basis for Assessing Risk, provides more guidance on how to brief passengers in this situation.

[2] This may include the emergency locator transmitter, survival kit, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and any other safety equipment.

[3] Including the requirement for the oxygen mask to cover the nose and mouth.

[4] For example, the location of exits and emergency slides, the need not to distract the PIC, and, in all cases, the need to follow instructions.

[5] Refer to the CAA webpage on Supplemental of Supplementary Loop Belts, in the Further Resources section, below.

[6] This is covered in AC121-6, Occupation of Emergency Exit Rows.