How safe is your airline or the aviation industry?

Use this link to help you research the answers to questions you have:

http://www.nasdac.faa.gov/portal/page?_pageid=33,32972,33_39206&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Federal Aviation Administration: The National Aviation Safety Data Analysis Center

http://www.planecrashinfo.com/index.html

General information about the airline industry and aviation disasters.
Legal Rights for Plane Crash Victims

The federal government plays a role in providing services to victims and families. 
http://uscode.house.gov/lawrevisioncounsel.shtml

1. Plane crash investigations are generally under the authority of the National Transportation Safety Review Board (NTSB).  Federal laws give this agency certain responsibilities after a crash.
2. United States Law (49 USC § 1136) requires certain assistance to families of passengers involved in crashes including:
1. Designating and publishing the name and contact number of a director of family support services.
2. Designating an agency to provide emotional support that includes meetings with the family, keeping in contact, and arranging memorial services.
3. Assembling a passenger list and briefing the family before any public briefings to discuss the crash cause or certain investigation findings.
4. Allowing family members to attend public hearings.

3. Certain ethics rules generally prohibit lawyers from uninvited contact with plane crash victims for 45 days after the event.

Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act
http://www.planesafe.org/assistance/FamilyAssistanceAct1996.pdf

• Assistance to Families of Aviation Disasters

United States Department of Transportation

Tips to survive a plane crash

1. Always be prepared to survive and/or prevent a crash.
2. No matter how many times you fly, pay attention to the pre-flight safety instructions and brochures provided at every seat.
3. Notify officials if something causes you concern including observations of unsafe conditions.  Do not presume the flight crew or attendants are aware of the situation.
4. Wear proper clothes in the event you must rapidly evacuate the aircraft.  Keep your coat close at hand.  Wear shirts with sleeves, long pants, and closed toe comfortable shoes.
5. Keep your cell phone and personal identification on your person.
6. Keep low during your escape if smoke fills the cabin.
7. Do not take any bulky items like purses, luggage, or briefcases.
8. Identify your best escape route and move quickly, without panic, toward the closest but safest exit. 
9. Count the number of seats to the exit rows.  Look for the emergency lights on the floor to guide you to a safe escape.
10. If you are about to crash land, follow the brochure instructions for the safe body position. Generally: be sure your seatbelt is fastened and snug across your hips; loosen your shirt and tie; brace yourself against the seat in front of you (refer to the aircraft safety brochure picture).
11. Try to select a seat on the aisle in the rear half of the aircraft.