The highest levels of safety are achieved when stakeholders from across the spectrum of aviation disciplines work together to identify and mitigate risk. Pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers, schedulers, air traffic controllers, ramp movement coordinators, ground handlers, weather forecasters, regulators and numerous other individuals and organizations have roles to play in ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, cargo and aircraft.
Nine years ago, an advisory circular (AC 700-012) on passenger safety briefings issued by Transport Canada said that: “Passenger surveys suggest that the travelling public want the responsibility for their safety to be a shared concern, involving the air operator, the crew, the passenger and [the regulator].” (emphasis added)
But I think one of those groups — passengers — is often overlooked and should play a greater role.
In some situations, that role is obvious. Passengers who insist on grabbing their carry-on ba…
