As a Gf pilot if an area of Cat on or very near our intended route was illustrated on the weather map the seat belt sign was ON and the cabin crew briefed accordingly.
This was thought relevant after a Thia Airways Captain was arrested put in jail in Turkey, found guilty sentenced and his pension fund said to be around £75000 seized to get him released from jail and back to Bkk.
A British business class passenger was so severely injured in severe turbulence that a landing had to be made in Istanbul.
The seat belt signs were off with Cat indicated on the weather chart so the judge said he was guilty.
The signs were off as the flight conditions were smooth with no weather activity observed visually or on the radar.
This trial was observed by a Balpa representative and reported pretty much as above in their magazine.
Last edited by 40&80; 18th Jul 2010 at 21:13.