Passenger Briefing in Aircraft
I am a businesswoman based in Mwanza and travel a lot due to the nature of my business. Most of the time I prefer flying because it fits with my tight schedule. I have noticed that pilots and crew in aircrafts usually brief passengers on safety measures and other important information. Last week I was however surprised. An airline, whose name I prefer to withhold, had a very unusual practice. There was no briefing save for the requirement to fasten our seat belts. It was my first time flying with them so I was a bit shocked that such practice exists at all. Is it permissible for a commercial aircraft to operate this way in Tanzania? Please guide me.
SF, Mwanza
Commercial airlines operating in Tanzania are regulated by both local and international guidelines. In the case of Tanzania, the Civil Aviation Act Cap. 80 and the Regulations made under the Act provide legal guidance for aircraft operators, passengers and other related parties. In addition, Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority is the primary regulatory authority on civil aviation matters.
The specific and relevant Regulation applicable to your question is the Civil Aviation (Operation of Aircraft – Commercial Air Transport) Regulations, GN No. 12 of 2024 (the Regulations). According to Regulation 48(1) A pilot-in-command shall not commence a takeoff unless the passengers are briefed prior to take off in accordance with the air operator certificate holder’s operations manual procedures on smoking limitations and prohibitions; emergency exit location and use; use of safety belts; emergency floatation means location and use; location and the general manner of use of the principal emergency equipment for collective use; fire extinguisher location and operation; placement of seat backs; if flight is above 12,000 feet above mean sea level, the normal and emergency use of oxygen; and the passenger briefing card.
Further, the Pilot-in-command shall ensure that the passengers are briefed to keep their seat belts fastened while seated when the seat belt sign is turned on. In addition, the pilot-in-command before take-off shall ensure that persons of reduced mobility are personally briefed on the route to the most appropriate exit; and time to begin moving to the exit in the event of an emergency. It is important that the briefing is made to passengers as required by the law. We advise that you report the said aircraft operator to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority for further handling of the matter.