CASA Media Release - Monday, 13 May 2002
Aircraft safety for infants
Australia's aircraft operators are being told they must comply with air safety rules that require infants to be properly restrained during critical phases of flight.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is writing to all aircraft operators to clarify the regulations covering the restraint of infants.
This follows an increasing number of requests from the public and the aviation industry to better explain the infant safety rules. Infants are currently defined as children under three years.
Civil Aviation Regulations require all passengers to wear seat belts during take-offs and landings, when the aircraft is less than 1000 ft above the ground, in turbulence and during instrument landing approaches.
Airlines always recommend that seat belts remain fastened at all other times in case of unexpected turbulence.
Civil Aviation Orders state that when infants are held on an adult lap the seat belt must not be fastened around both the adult and infant.
This means infants must be restrained by their own belt or be carried in a special safety seat.
While CASA is not stipulating the means of restraint, it is recommending the use of approved infant car safety seats.
Another option is the use of so-called infant 'belly belts', which attach to the adult seat belt but separately restrain the infant.
Passengers are reminded that if they wish to use an infant car safety seat they must discuss the matter with their airline well before the date of their flight.
The use of a car safety seat requires the reservation of a separate aircraft seat and the availability of an approved anchor point for the infant seat.
CASA advises airlines not to fit infant seats near emergency exits or where passageways may be blocked.
Letter sent to industry on infant restraints
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0214