FAA Ground School Practice Test

When are safety belts required to be secured about passengers in an aircraft?

1. During all phases of flight

2. During taxi, takeoff, and landing

3. Only on long flights

4. Only when turbulence is present

The correct answer is: During taxi, takeoff, and landing

Safety belts are required to be secured about passengers in an aircraft during taxi, takeoff, and landing due to the critical nature of these phases of flight. These segments are where the aircraft undergoes significant changes in speed and altitude, and are also the times when the likelihood of accidents is greater. Securing passengers ensures their safety and minimizes the risk of injury in case of sudden stops or impacts. During taxi, the aircraft moves on the ground, and there is still potential for collisions or other incidents. During takeoff and landing, the aircraft is near the ground and operating under specific aerodynamic conditions where control might be compromised. Additionally, turbulence can occur suddenly, but it is not the only time when securing safety belts is crucial; rather, the specific flight phases mentioned directly invoke regulations to ensure passenger safety under potentially hazardous conditions.