On March 22, 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an Emergency Order of Prohibition, No. FAA-2018-0243, prohibiting the use of supplemental passenger restraint systems in “doors open” or “doors off” commercial flights that cannot be released quickly in the event of an emergency. The Prohibition Order also prohibits such flights unless the passengers are at all times properly secured using FAA-approved restraint systems.
Due to the continuing investigation into the Liberty Helicopters crash, the FAA has determined that an emergency situation exists related to aviation safety and safety in air commerce. The FAA’s Acting Administrator determined that this immediate action is necessary to correct this serious safety issue. Effective immediately, the FAA determined that the use of supplemental passenger restraints in doors off commercial flight operations is prohibited and only those restraints that are installed with FAA approval may be used.
The Prohibition Order further determined that non-FAA approved supplemental restraints may only be used if the FAA determines, prior to such use, that the passenger restraint can be released quickly and with minimal difficulty in the event of an emergency. Any restraint that uses a knife, other tool, or requires the assistance of another person to be released shall not be used. The preflight passenger briefing must also contain the necessary information to allow the passenger to easily escape the restraint in the event of an emergency. The failure of an operator to comply with this Prohibition Order will result in a civil penalty as well as possible revocation of the air carrier’s operating certificate.
Speiser Krause continues to keep close watch on the investigation and we expect additional safety recommendations and FAA action in response to this accident.