◆ SpookStack

The FAA On seatbelts It is certainly recognized that a person experiencing an inadvertent parachute opening while secured by a safety belt would suffer serious or possibly fatal injury. On the other hand, we have evidence to show that accidents have been caused by jump occupants who were not wearing their safety belts. The Southern Region recently investigated two such accidents. The pilot in each case was unable SHDN ewe & aircraft because the parachutists on board were not wearing their safety belts. What should have been nothing more than two minor in- cidents resulted in serious accidents through noncompliance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) "91.14, TES ESERE MPU ety oe poe It is our feeling that safety would suffer far more by allowing parachutists to ignore this rule than would be the case of requiring them to Have their safety belts fastened . during takeoff and landing. The ~ chances of a pilot shaving to abort ¢ a takeoff run or make an emergency 2 stop during landing will, I think, 4 be greater than inadvertent para- 5 chute openings during takeoff and § landing. 3 pens Oued WOW & WN eH Oo OD ‘ 3 FAR 91.14 applies only during 9 takeoff and landing. The rule does ; 2not prahibit unfastening safety O belts after a takeoff has been com- 1 pleted; however, I would sincerely Zhope that jump aircraft pilots 3Jwould request that safety belts be 4kept fastened until an altitude has 5 been attained which would at least 6give the victim of an inadvertent + parachute opening a fighting chance gfor survival. 9 Your interest in aviation safety Qis greatly appreciated and we will further explore this problem with -2the United States Parachute 3 Association and others that we have _£ gcontact with. It is hoped that you < ewill continue to assist us in our efforts to keep the Federal Aviation ~Regulations realistic and effective. tne tthe Walaa CAPD IME RIES Te Center Cragg ed ty is re ae James F. Rudolph own. to maintain control of the jump | Director, Flight Standards Service -.. . Federal Aviation Administration —.. ~ Following is an artist’s 's conception of ine hijacker who extorte $200,000 from Northwest: Airlines on November 24, 1971. -- Race ..... Sex... 2... Age. .'.. Height . Weight. . . . . Build . .... Complexion. . . Hair. . 2... Eyes... ... Voice .. . Characteristics . . Wearing Apparel . If you have any information which might lead to the identity j of this individual, please contact the nearest FBI Office which}t would be found in the front of your telephone directory THIS MAN IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: White Male ° Mid 40's 5’ 10” to 6’ 170 to 180 pounds Average to well built | Olive, Latin appearance, medium smooth Dark brown or black, normal style, parted on left, combed back; sideburns, low ear 1} Possibly brown. During latter part ‘of. ae: put on dark, wrap-around Sunglasse with, dark rims Low, spoke intelligently; no particular accent possibly from Midwest section of U.S. Heavy smoker of Raleigh filter tip cigarettes Black suit; white shirt; narrow black tie; black: dress suit; black rain-type overcoat or dark top coat; dark briefcase or attache case; car-! ried paper bag 4” x 12” x 14”; brown shoe