Regulation Text
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane carrying passengers unless it is equipped with signs that are visible to passengers and flight attendants to notify them when smoking is prohibited and when safety belts must be fastened.
(1) The signs that notify when safety belts must be fastened must be so constructed that the crew can turn them on and off.
(2) The signs that prohibit smoking and signs that notify when safety belts must be fastened must be illuminated during airplane movement on the surface, for each takeoff, for each landing, and when otherwise considered to be necessary by the pilot in command.
(b) The pilot in command of an airplane that is not required, in accordance with applicable aircraft and equipment requirements of this chapter, to be equipped as provided in paragraph (a) of this section shall ensure that the passengers are notified orally each time that it is necessary to fasten their safety belts and when smoking is prohibited.
(c) If passenger information signs are installed, no passenger or crewmember may smoke while any “no smoking” sign is lighted nor may any passenger or crewmember smoke in any lavatory.
(d) Each passenger required by § 91.107(a)(3) to occupy a seat or berth shall fasten his or her safety belt about him or her and keep it fastened while any “fasten seat belt” sign is lighted.
(e) Each passenger shall comply with instructions given him or her by crewmembers regarding compliance with paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
[Docket 26142, 57 FR 42672, Sept. 15, 1992, as amended by Docket FAA-2024-2052; Amdt. 91-377, 89 FR 68100, Aug. 23, 2024]
Research Notes
Section 91.517 — Passenger information — requires passenger briefing materials and safety information cards on large and turbine multiengine airplanes operating under Subpart F.
Passenger briefing card: Each aircraft must carry passenger briefing cards (or be configured to deliver equivalent information via cabin briefing) covering: seat belt operation, oxygen mask deployment, emergency exit locations and operation, location of life vests/rafts, and brace position.
Pre-flight briefing requirement: The PIC (or designated cabin attendant) must brief passengers prior to takeoff. The briefing typically covers seat belts, smoking restrictions, oxygen, emergency exits, and electronic device policy.
Reference: AC 121-24D on passenger safety briefings (applies broadly across Part 91 high-performance aircraft).
Amendment History
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