Airbags on QF (Jetconnect) 738

[tuapekastar]

Apologies if this has already been alluded to, but I flew MEL-AKL recently and Row 4 had airbags (a la CX IIRC) on the seat belts in row 4. An FA actually gave all row 4 pax a spiel ("they're on row 4 because of the extra room, please don't 'fiddle' with them too much in case they inflate when they shouldn't" :shock. They have an extra metal bit extending opposite the normal one...slightly more fiddly to fasten.

I didn't look but assume they're only on row 4 in Y (maybe exit row also, but then again maybe not because they'd get in the way) - did not notice if they were in J.

Returning from NZ yesterday in row 4, the belts were standard.

 

[notmensa]

Apologies if this has already been alluded to, but I flew MEL-AKL recently and Row 4 had airbags (a la CX IIRC) on the seat belts in row 4. An FA actually gave all row 4 pax a spiel ("they're on row 4 because of the extra room, please don't 'fiddle' with them too much in case they inflate when they shouldn't" :shock. They have an extra metal bit extending opposite the normal one...slightly more fiddly to fasten.

I didn't look but assume they're only on row 4 in Y (maybe exit row also, but then again maybe not because they'd get in the way) - did not notice if they were in J.

Returning from NZ yesterday in row 4, the belts were standard.

I've come across these on Virgin America's A320, Row 3 (first row of the main cabin). I didn't believe the FA when they told me it was the airbag!

 

[pshepvic]

Some DJ aircraft have them in 1A in the PE exit - although interestingly not in 1C. I've had an FA explain it to the passenger next to me when I've sat in 1C before.

 

[markis10]

I believe they are their as a better solution than the standard "brace"position. There is a lot of research that goes into making improvements in such areas, often as a result of testing or analysis of actual crash data.

A modified crash brace position for aircraft passe... [Aviat Space Environ Med. 1998] - PubMed result

The FAAs comments on airbags in the case of certification of such equipment for a particular aircraft, highlights why we have not seen them deployed in the past:

One design solution that appeared to be impractical early in its adaptation to aircraft was airbags, even though airbags are widely used in automobiles as a supplemental restraint system. While the service history in automobiles is quite good, the operating environment and conditions of use in aircraft are quite different from automobiles. The FAA will not enumerate the differences here, but they include exposure to electromagnetic fields, wear and tear considerations, crash sensing systems etc., and did serve to help frame the content of the proposed special conditions. In any case, airbags were not envisioned as a means of compliance with the FAR, and the rules are not adequate to define the necessary criteria. Therefore, special conditions are necessary.

Airbags have two potential advantages over other means of head impact protection. They essentially provide equivalent protection for all sizes of occupants and they can provide significantly greater protection than would be expected with energy absorbing pads, for example. These are significant advantages from a safety standpoint, since airbags will likely provide a level of safety that exceeds the FAR minimum standards. Conversely, airbags are an active system, and must be relied upon to activate properly when needed, as opposed to an energy absorbing pad or upper torso restraint that is always available. These potential advantages must be balanced against the potential problems in order to develop standards that will provide an equivalent level of safety to that intended by the regulations.

Special Conditions: Jetstream Aircraft Limited, Jetstream Model 4100 Series

 

[dk4]

Also experienced them on a few Jetstar A320 exit rows recently.

 

[tuppaware]

I have posted this before - but anyways
YouTube - Aircraft seatbelt airbags

 

[samh004]

I have posted this before - but anyways
YouTube - Aircraft seatbelt airbags

Very cool video, and at the size it inflates to I can see why it wouldn’t be practical in every row… you might get stuck by the window and not make it out of the aircraft in time

 

[Flying Fox]

I think that airbag is good and I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but from my car magazine reading, I'm thinking a lap sash seatbelt would be cheaper and more effective for everyone. Airlines could ask that for take off & landing both elements must be used but whilst during level flight, only the lap component is necessary.

If I'm not mistaken, I think at least one airline has the lap sash seatbelt installed across all cabins.