2007-01-08 02:27:54 · 21 answers · asked by Kevin N 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
The window shades are requested to be 'open' (not closed) for take-off and landing for safety purposes. Should there be an emergency that requires passenger evacuation of the aircraft, an open shade will make it easier for the people on board to assess the outside conditions and allow for vision equalization of the ambient lighting. Some airlines only require the shades to be open in the emergency exit rows, others request that all be open for take-off/landing.
2007-01-08 02:42:25 · answer #1 · answered by blahblah 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that there has ever been a regulation given by the FAA, but the airlines have seemed to adopt this policy into their SOP's Standard Operating Procedures. The reasoning behind this is if there happens to be an accident the probability is higher that this will happen during take off or landing. The window blinds being up allow if there is an accident, the passenger and crew, etc.. can see outside of the windows to assess the situation outside, ie. fires, etc... Also the blinds being up allow the first responders better access into seeing what the conditions inside the aircraft are.
2007-01-08 11:40:26 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It aids passengers in awareness of which direction is up in the event of an emergency. It also easily shows them whether or not there is fire outside of their immediate area. Rescuers can also see in, to help find trapped passengers. FAA regulations require all airliners to be able to be evacuated within a certain period of time, depending on their size. This rule helps in hastening the evacuation process. Unlike seatbelt use, the window shades up is not an FAA rule, but a suggestion. Many airlines require it for themselves, however not all do. Perhaps if you have not experienced it, it was either because the airline did not require it, or you and everyone around you already had theirs up, and no flight attendant made mention of it.
2007-01-08 10:44:38 · answer #3 · answered by pdkflyguy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
According to the ADON Aircraft Dictionary of Newfoundland the shades are left open so the passengers can see outside. Airlines have discovered that closing the shades results in passengers not being able to see outside.
2007-01-11 08:51:50 · answer #4 · answered by Waalee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Kevin,
It is so that in the unfortunate event of a "problem" on the ground, passengers have some orientation when dis-embarking, perhaps in rapid style. Folks will generally look out of the window first.
Simple as that !
Bob.
2007-01-09 19:18:09 · answer #5 · answered by Bob the Boat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many pieces of answers are correct. It became SOP for many airlines because of an FAA "recommendation". It is not primarily for passenger orientation, it is so that the cabin crew (flight attendants) can quickly decide which side and where an emergency evacuation should happen.
2007-01-11 16:35:01 · answer #6 · answered by Captrick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
interesting question.
my guess would be so that people can see where they are. i guess if there was an emergency or problem, people would have some sense of direction and how they could exit the plane.
plus, its a nice view anyway. taking off and landing are argueable the best bits about flying.
x
2007-01-10 16:33:04 · answer #7 · answered by FreakGirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had always wondered that, does it really make a difference?!?!?!?!? The only reason i can hunch a guess at is so that passengers can see whats going on outside and so if they need to prepare for a danger of some sort they will know in advance?????
2007-01-08 10:41:29 · answer #8 · answered by nat 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it's so that if the aircraft crashes on the run way you are vaguely aware off the surroundings something that would aid you if you needed to escape.
2007-01-08 10:37:12 · answer #9 · answered by effielorraine 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
So that the passengers can be aware of whats going on in case of emergency at a guess.
2007-01-08 10:31:56 · answer #10 · answered by Birdman 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋