PPRuNe Forums - Blind pax

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Hello,

I would like to know in your airline what is the common procedure for blind passengers.

Are the number of blind passengers limited per flight? If yes, based on what?

I've heard of flights with more than 190 blind passengers, so I can't think of a good reason to reject a passenger based on its visual disability.

Where does an airline crosses the line from safety to discrimination?

What are you views on this subject?

Thanks!

My completely blind mate was a regular passenger on a commuter airline, so CC got to know him. Several times, he was seated next to the overwing exits. Probably not legal, but I reckon he'd do a better job in case of an emergency than 90% of pax.

Was on a flight last week where a blind chap was on the aisle seat of an overwing exit row (with a sighted companion). Was a little surprised about that given what I've read on here previously, and when the a crew member who helped him with his hand luggage seemed to realise, she appeared to go and tell the No1. Body language suggested that the No1 knew he ought to be moved, but with a fullish flight apparently decided to leave things as they were.

Interested to know whether it should have been allowed or not.

Blind people tend to have heightened awareness of their other senses.

Show both sighted and unsighted Pax (of similar intellect!) how to operate the emergency exit, see which one remembers and executes drill correctly at end of flight. (Clue:- It won't be the sighted one.)
Most blind have a photographic memory for routes, obstacles, etc.

All very true but a blind passenger will not be able to see what is on the other side of that exit, be it fire, an incline, water or any other of the many possible hazards. They will also not be able to see how to get off of the wing, bearing in mind that not all o/w exits come equipped with slides.

Quote:

Most blind have a photographic memory for routes, obstacles, etc.

Yes, but they do need to have travelled the route before. Unless someone regularly exits their house by jumping from an aircraft wing onto unknown ground/debris, that will not help in the slightest!

For those reasons, blind passengers are not permitted to sit beside an overwing exit and any crew allowing this are on a UK registered aircraft are contravening the CAA regulations.

Could you quote the CAP that this regulation/order is stated in please. Would be interested to see what it says. BTW; are fat people allowed to sit in escape window exits?

Avtur, the emergency exit seats are filled with what is known as ABP's which are able bodied passengers. The crew can change people if they think they do not fulfil that position. Normally if put in an exit seat you are asked at check in.

This reminded me of an oft pulled prank.

While flying for an African Cargo "Airline" we had the contract to repatriate illegal immigrants from South Africa back to Malawi. Once loaded I would walk through the cabin, to the cockpit wearing dark glasses and tapping a white stick on the floor of the Dak then bump around a bit before finding and settling into the seat. Used to raise quite a few eyebrows and prompt a number of hail Marys.

We used to do some very naughty things to entertain ourselves, invariably at the expense of the undesirables on board.

At my airline we have to individually brief blind pax by physically giving them the safety equipment.

They definitly cannot sit on the overwings. If they have a dog with them then they tend to sit in the front row either E or F.

Thanks; an interesting (if long) read.

Avtur...

As your location is shown as Canada, here is the regulatory requirement and associated explanatory material for Canadian air carriers:

Quote:

705.40 - Passenger and Cabin Safety Procedures

(1) An air operator shall establish procedures to ensure that...

(d)seats located at emergency exits and seats that are not located on the main deck of an aircraft are not occupied by passengers whose presence in those seats could adversely affect the safety of passengers or crew members during an emergency evacuation.

...

Advisory Circular (AC) No. 700-014 - Passenger Seating Requirements and Accessible Air Transportation

4. A passenger’s presence would be considered to adversely affect the safety of passengers and crew members during an emergency evacuation where he or she does not meet the following criteria. Passengers seated at emergency exits:

a. Must be physically capable of using the exit;
b. Must be capable of understanding the printed and spoken emergency instructions;
c. Must be able to visually determine if the exit is safe to open;
d. Must have sufficient mobility, strength and dexterity to reach, operate and stow (or otherwise dispose of) the emergency exit;
e. Must be able to receive aural information from the crew and to orally communicate that information to other passengers;
f. Must be of a minimum age (as established by the air operator) to ensure that he/she has the physical, cognitive and sensory capacity to operate an emergency exit;
g. Must not be responsible for another person as this can hinder the opening of the emergency exit;
h. Must not be travelling with a service animal; and
i. Must not have a condition that might cause them harm by opening the exit.

One can get a bit pissed off when they insist on a window seat. :E

Curious Pax,

Got the flight number and date where you say this occurred.......