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Anaircraft safety card is a document instructing passengers on an aircraft about the procedures for dealing with various emergency conditions that might arise during the flight. The safety card provides passenger instructions that are specific to the model of the airplane in which they are found and demonstrate such procedures as the proper use of theseat belts, bracing for an emergency landing, the use of the oxygen mask, opening theemergency exit doors and the use of over-water gear such as flotation cushions, life vests, and life rafts.[1]
The safety cards are required byairlines on all commercial flights, and are usually located in theseat pocket in front of each passenger, and occasionally on a placard on the back of seats. The safety card provides much more information than passengers receive in the oral pre-flight briefing. Because of thatpre-flight safety demonstrations, either conducted by theflight attendants or through a video presentation, most often instruct passengers to familiarize themselves with the safety cards.[2]
Safety card instructions are typically in the form of illustrated pictures not only to help overcome literacy and language issues, but because graphic images are understood better, retained longer in memory, and are preferred over text.
The cards are sometimeslaminated or made ofplastic, however, this is discouraged because, in the event of a cabin fire, burning plastics increase the toxins in the cabin.Braille cards are also offered on many mainstream airlines.[3]
Aircraft safety cards are also acollectible item among theaviation enthusiast community since they are a reflection of an airline, an aircraft type, a culture, and a historical period.[3] Safety cards are collected from civil and military aircraft, rare cards have been known to fetch over US$1,000 at auction.[citation needed]