FAA tests airplane seat size safety for first time, but some critics call experiments "a sham"

[Eugene]

Source: CBS News

CBS NEWS / November 26, 2019, 10:39 AM

FAA tests airplane seat size safety for first time, but some critics call experiments "a sham"

As airlines reduce seat sizes and pack more people onto planes, the Federal Aviation Administration has started tests aimed at setting a minimum standard for seats and the space between rows to ensure safety. But some say the tests are "nothing but a sham."

It took an order from Congress to get the FAA to do the testing and it's the first time it has looked at seat size, specifically, CBS News transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports. In a simulated cabin that can be filled with smoke and plunged into darkness, the FAA will try to determine at what point the size of seats and space between rows becomes a hazard to evacuating an airplane quickly.

"Is there an ideal amount of time to get everybody off an airplane?" Van Cleave asked.

"As quick as possible if there is an emergency," said Stacey Zinke-McKee with the FAA. "The queuing is usually not for people to get into the aisles, but actually to get out of the aircraft."

"Flyers might think their seats are too close, but that may not have any impact on safety at all?" Van Cleave asked.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/airplane-seat-size-faa-tests-safe-seat-size-space-between-rows-for-first-time/

[mr_lebowski]

1. Of course it's not a sham, there is SOME minimum safe limits involved

That's why the exit aisles over the wings have more legroom, duh.

Is it enough in an emergency? Depends on the emergency and probably whether there are any really huge people on the plane. Maybe not ... and figuring out minimums is reasonable.

[Eugene]

2. From the CBS News video, the main objection is the FAA tests are restricted to ideal conditions.

No bags, congestion, smoke, service animals or darkness. The FAA's rationale is that they want clean empirical data.

[Major Nikon]

3. The so-called critics have no relevant experience or qualifications

Near as I can tell they are just consumer advocates.

[llmart]

4. I will never understand this.

As the general public got larger and larger, the seats got smaller and smaller.