US court says seat size a safety issue
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US court says seat size a safety issue
Passenger group challenged Federal Aviation Administration after agency rejected request for rules on seat size and distance between rows
A US appeals court panel has said that federal officials must reconsider their decision not to regulate the size of airline seats as a safety issue.
In a ruling on Friday, one of the judges called it “the case of the incredible shrinking airline seat”.
The Flyers Rights passenger group challenged the Federal Aviation Administration in court after the agency rejected its request to write rules governing seat size and the distance between rows of seats.
New York senator calls for FAA action over 'shrinkage' of airplane seats
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A three-judge panel for the federal appeals court in Washington said the FAA had relied on outdated or irrelevant tests and studies before deciding that seat spacing was a matter of comfort, not safety.
In a ruling on Friday, one of the judges called it “the case of the incredible shrinking airline seat”.
The Flyers Rights passenger group challenged the Federal Aviation Administration in court after the agency rejected its request to write rules governing seat size and the distance between rows of seats.
New York senator calls for FAA action over 'shrinkage' of airplane seats
Read more
A three-judge panel for the federal appeals court in Washington said the FAA had relied on outdated or irrelevant tests and studies before deciding that seat spacing was a matter of comfort, not safety.
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Seats haven't become smaller, passengers have become bigger. Seat pitch is likely the tightest it has ever been, but I'm not aware of any incident where that was a factor.
After the FAA appeals this to a higher court, and iff they lose, they may re-do it's study, I hope I'll still be alive by the time they conclude it.
After the FAA appeals this to a higher court, and iff they lose, they may re-do it's study, I hope I'll still be alive by the time they conclude it.
A three-judge panel for the federal appeals court in Washington said the FAA had relied on outdated or irrelevant tests and studies before deciding that seat spacing was a matter of comfort, not safety.
Congress gives the FAA the power to regulate, not the courts. However, the application of the rule may be considered by the courts and to me that is what is in question.
The FAA needs expert support for their rulings and I await how they will react BTDT (B737 pop open doors, BT Manchester, AC CVG, etc.)
