Inoperative equipment
All inoperative equipment must be reported to the Flight Deck Crew for write-up in the Aircraft Log Book as soon as it is discovered. Some equipment may be allowed to be inoperative, according to the aircraft Minimum Equipment List (MEL) without grounding the aircraft. The MEL for each aircraft is carried in the flight deck. The PIC is responsible for using the MEL and ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft.
Inoperative jumpseat
Prior to departure, one single or one dual position may be inoperative provided:
- The affected seat position(s) is/are not occupied.
- Flight Attendant(s) displaced must occupy the passenger seat(s) most accessible to their assigned exit. They must be able to reach their exit in essentially the same time as from the jumpseat position. (A 2 or 3 second time difference will be considered essentially the same time for this purpose.)
- The jumpseat is stowed or secured in the retracted position so as not to block access to the exit door.
A jumpseat is considered inoperative and must be placarded as such when:
- A self-folding seat will not retract automatically.
- The shoulder harness or seatbelt is missing or inoperative.
- Overhead oxygen mask compartment not properly secured or inoperative.
Enroute, if a jumpseat becomes inoperative:
- Passenger(s) occupying the seat located closest to the exit of the affected jumpseat must be relocated.
- The flight crew must be notified of the inoperative jumpseat and to where the FA has relocated.
- If the aircraft has a full passenger load, two passengers will be required to double up into one passenger seat. Locate the smallest passengers on board to accomplish this. The FA must be as close to the exit as possible. Move as many passengers as needed to accomplish the double seating. Secure both passengers into the seat together using a seatbelt extension.
Inoperative passenger seat or seatbelt
A seat is considered inoperative when:
- The seatbelt does not work or is missing.
- The recline mechanism will not allow the seat to be locked in the upright position.
- Seat cushion is missing.
The affected seat must not block emergency access to an aisle or exit and must be placarded as inoperative. Inoperative seats do not affect the number of Flight Attendants required for dispatch.
The under-seat baggage restraint may be inoperative provided:
- Baggage is not stowed under the affected seat.
- Cabin Crew notifies the passenger occupying the seat that carry-ons must be stowed overhead.
- Cabin Crew verifies that no baggage is stowed under the seat prior to taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Inoperative passenger service unit
FAs will inform the PIC if s/he discovers an inoperative passenger unit. If the PSU is identified as inoperative while on the ground, the PIC will inform aircraft maintenance and attempt to have the PSU repaired. If it cannot be repaired, the seats must be blocked off from use. If a PSU becomes inoperative during flight, move the passengers to empty seats and block off the inoperative seats. In either situation, the seats must be blocked from use and placarded according to the Minimum Equipment List placard requirements. If the flight is full and the seats must remain occupied, flight attendants must brief the passengers in the affected seat(s) as follows:
- The PSU door is secured with tape so that a non-adhesive “handle” approximately 4 inches long is left hanging. In case of a decompression, pull the handle down and the mask will deploy.
- Follow all crewmember instructions.
NOTE: For unrestricted operation above 25,000 feet, the affected row of seats must be blocked and placarded “NOT TO BE OCCUPIED”.