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Dear Members,
Summer 2010
 It
has been brought to the safety committee's attention that there is some
confusion concerning the boarding, thru flight and deplaning process. Majority
of the questions revolves around who needs to be on the aircraft? In the
InFlight Emergency Manual 3.8 it states "Company policy dictates positions
and responsibilities."
Boarding: (IEM3.8.1) "During the boarding process, including
reboarding after a through flight/intermediate stop, the minimum number of
required F/As must be onboard the aircraft at all times." See chart in the IEM
Sec.3.8.
Deplaning: In addition to what is stated in the IEM, the following
can be found in the FAPP (Flight Attendant Policies and Procedures Manual)
Sec.313.2 (Flight Attendant Responsibilities).
"Under normal flight operations, all flight attendants (including those
above the minimum required crew complement )schedule on the trip are required to
remain onboard during the deplaning process. F/AS over the minimum requirement
may only deplane to perform a duty related to the operation." This is US
Airways company policy.
Simply stated, for the deplaning process the required and supplemental flight
attendants MUST be on the aircraft for the entire deplaning process at the
termination of the flight number.
- The deplaning process is considered
complete when all terminating and connecting passengers are off the
aircraft, including passengers needing assistance and unaccompanied minors.
Question: Can I have the able
bodied or assist passenger stand in the loading bridge while waiting for a
wheelchair or assistance, so that I may leave?
Answer: No. This is an unsafe practice and it is also against the
company's policy. The passenger/s may wait in the aircraft until a wheelchair
arrives. The crewmembers must also be present. Furthermore, if passengers remain
on the boarding bridge, one F/A must remain until relieved by a gate agent. A
passenger should never be left in the boarding bridge without either a flight
attendant or a gate agent present.
Crewmembers with personal electronic
devices. FAPP 1.18 (General Policies and Procedures) "F/As are not
permitted to make or receive personal cell phone calls, utilize personal
entertainment devices (i.e., handheld games, CD players, etc.), or other
electronic devices (laptop computer, etc.) whenever passengers are onboard
the aircraft." With the exception of crew rest breaks on flights to and from
Europe, the Middle East, South America or Hawaii."
- On A330, B767 and B757ETOPS in the Envoy
Cabin there is no under seat stowage. Passengers' carryon items should
all be placed in overhead bins.
- Please refrain from tying knots in the
flight attendant jump seat belts. This action can possibly cause serious
injuries to our fellow coworkers and passengers.
- Cabin Lights: For boarding
and deplaning, all cabin lights should be on bright. Please note, the cool
fluorescent bulbs do NOT give off heat. A good portion of the heat in the
cabin is generated by the reading bulbs. Please consult the IEM, section
3.7.1, for cabin lighting recommended settings for each phase of flight.
- Carryon bags: Please read
the IEM Sec 5.9.4 regarding the number of carry-on bags crewmembers are
allowed to bring onboard. Also please read and understand Sec.5.9. (Source
14CFR part 121.589) of the IEM concerning passengers and their carry-on size
and limits.
- Please refrain from leaving unattended
carts in the cabin, especially in front of jumpseats and doors. Also, it is
not procedure to store supplies throughout the aircrafts, including in the
overhead bins. This is a very serious safety matter and must be
stopped immediately!
- M&C: Monitor and Challenge
is a requirement and must be accomplished by all designated crew members
(per each a/c type) when applicable.
- Exit Row Briefing and Verification:
Prior to performing these functions, be sure that the Safety Information
Cards are in each seat back pocket in the exit row(s).
Avoid rumors and guess work, read and or look
up items in the IEM or FAPP for accurate and pertinent information.
As always,
"Safety is the Ultimate Service"
Barrington Johnson
MEC Safety, Health & Security Committee Chair
BJohnson@afausairways.org
AFA/CWA SASH
Committee Representatives
Useful Safety Links:
AFA National
Office Website:
http://www.afanet.org/
AFA
Air Safety, Health and Security Department (ASHSD)
http://ashsd.afacwa.org/index.cfm
Self
Defense Training:
http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/programs/
self_defense_cmsd_programs.shtm |
