Top Ten Secrets

Top Ten Secrets to Saving Big Money in the Airline Flights
Do you know that some people travel around the country and abroad, for both business and pleasure, and save bundles of money in the process?
They do that by using little known ways of really taking advantage of the most popular form of transportation - airline flights.
They don't rely on the ever-famous "airfare price-wars". They don't rely on their travel agents to save money while flying.

Certainly, you should not dismiss these two methods. The price-wars can work to your advantage. But depending on them too much is a big mistake.
1. Call the airlines.
Call the airlines between midnight and 1 a.m. Monday through Friday to get cheaper tickets.
Most people never realize that at midnight, airline agents revise and load new fares into their computers. The best fares are just after they have done the updating!
2. Check into other airports other than the main one you use.
Many major cities have two airports. Check into surrounding towns and cities so you can compare airfares. You may save hundreds of dollars on your flights.
3. The early bird catches the plane.
The earlier you book your flight the more you save. Most special fares have restrictions of 7 to 30 day advance purchase. Usually non-refundable but they can offer deep discounts.
On the other hand, there are "last minute" deals too. Visit www.smartliving.com to get emails for last minute deals.
4. Get out of town on Wednesday.
Mid-week travel is usually less expensive. If you leave on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and stay over a Saturday night, you can garner terrific savings compared to Friday through Monday when most people fly.
Start taking your vacations Wednesday-to-Wednesday or Tuesday-to-Tuesday. You'll save a lot by choosing your departure and arrival dates this way!
5. Buying a one way or split ticket.
Let's say you travel from Boston to Dallas. It may be cheaper to get two separate tickets. You could buy one ticket from Boston to Nashville and one from Nashville to Dallas.
It all depends on the connecting cities and your airlines hubs. Just tell your agent you are willing to travel out of other airports and connect using regional airports to save money.
6. Open wide.
You should look into what is called an "Open-Jaw" ticket. These are used when a traveler is arriving and departing from different cities.
One ticket is purchased to cover both cities. Check with your travel agent or airline representative to see if this trick is available instead of two one-way tickets. Compare the price of each.

7. An excellent online service www.sidestep.com
You enter destinations and dates and SideStep quickly searches a couple of dozen affiliated regional and international airlines to find the best rates.
8. "Code share".
Ask your agent if this flight is a "code-share" flight. That means the same flight is offered by two different airlines. Just copy down the name of the other airline and check into what they are charging.
Only one of the airlines is actually operating the flight. The actual operator always offers this flight for less, so book with them.
9. Sign up for the airline newsletters.
From weekend getaways to international flight packages the newsletter saves you money on travel and doesn't require that you constantly visit the airline website for the latest offering.
10. The airlines often slash their fares during sluggish travel times.

Understanding Aircraft Insurance Policiesby: Greg ReigelMy Policy Says What?!: Understanding An Aircraft Insurance PolicyMany states require that owners and/or operators of aircraft have insurance covering their aircraft and operations. At a minimum, states usually require third-partyliability coverage. This applies to injuries to third-persons that result from operation of your aircraft. Additionally, if your aircraft is pledged as collateral forfinancing, the lender will require that you have hull coverage and/or replacement value insurance to insure the value of the aircraft collateral.Obtaining the PolicySo, how do you obtain aircraft insurance? Typically, you apply for aircraft insurance through an insurance agent or broker who represents an insurance company orcompanies that provide aircraft insurance policies. The insurance company then reviews the application and does any additional investigation necessary for it toassess its risk in providing you with insurance for your aircraft or operations. Its risk is the likelihood that it may have to pay out on a claim against yourpolicy.In exchange for its acceptance of risk, the insurance company charges you a premium. The amount of that premium is a direct product of the amount of risk that theinsurance company is assuming by extending coverage to your aircraft or operation. The greater the risk, the more expensive the insurance coverage will be. Insome cases, the insurance company may not be willing to accept a particular risk for any price.Factors that affect the underwriting decision include type of aircraft, pilot qualifications (e.g. total time, time in type, pilot certificates/ratings), nature of the operation(e.g. pleasure, business, Part 91 or Part 135) and base of operations. General aviation policies can include non-commercial pleasure and business use under FARPart 91 or commercial use under FAR Part 135.Reading the PolicyWhen an aviation insurance policy is issued, it represents a contract between you and your insurance company. As long as you comply with all of the terms andrequirements of the policy, your insurance company will provide you with coverage. If you fail to comply and a claim arises, you may find yourself withoutcoverage.But, what does the aircraft insurance policy actually say? Well, as a practical matter, it is quite common that pilots and operators do not read their policies. Sure,they may review the declaration page to confirm that the correct parties are named and that the appropriate coverage limits are in place, but often times that is as faras it goes. Sometimes an owner or operator may even ask his or her agent to explain some of the policy’s terms. Unfortunately, the policy contains quite a bit more information of which the pilot or operator needs to be aware of to ensure that he or she complies with the terms ofthe policy. A thorough review of the policy is both prudent and recommended.This review should begin with the Data Page or Declaration Page. First, confirm that the aircraft is correctly identified and that the appropriate owner and anyadditional insured parties are included. Also read the coverage limits to make sure that you have the limits for which you are paying.Aircraft Damage CoverageThe typical aircraft insurance policy will include both aircraft damage coverage, as well as aircraft liability coverage. The aircraft damage coverage applies whenyour aircraft sustains damage (e.g. bent metal, broken windows etc.). This coverage comes in two flavors: In-flight/In-motion andNot-in-flight/Not-in-motion.As you may have guessed, in the first instance your aircraft will be insured for damages it sustains while it is in use: moving under the power of its own engine,whether taxiing or flying. In the latter instance, you aircraft will only be insured while it is parked on the ramp or in the hangar. This coverage is less expensivebecause it presents far less exposure to the insurance company. It will only have to pay a claim if something happens to your aircraft while it is standing still and notin use. An aircraft owner may want this limited coverage when the aircraft is going to be stored and unused for a period of time.It is also possible to purchase “all risk ground and flight” coverage. This coverage protects you whether the aircraft is moving or not. However, a policy with thiscoverage will likely be more expensive than a policy that is either In-flight/In-motion or Not-in-flight/Not-in-motion.The aircraft damage coverage provides for transportation of the aircraft to and from the location at which the repairs are made, any related storage charges and theactual repair of the aircraft. However, most policies will also exclude coverage for damage sustained by your aircraft as a result of governmental seizure, resultingfrom repossession or enforcement of a lien against your aircraft or damage that is due to ordinary wear and tear, deterioration or age.Assuming the damage to your aircraft is covered, you should read your policy language to determine whether it contains any specific restrictions or requirementsrelating to processing of your claim, who performs the repairs, where they are performed and even how they are to be performed. Simply because you haveinsurance coverage, this does not mean that you have carte blanche for having your aircraft repaired.Aircraft Liability CoverageAircraft liability coverage protects you from liability or responsibility to third-persons for damages they may suffer resulting from the operation of your aircraft. Thecoverage requires that the insurance company both indemnify and defend you against such claims. Indemnification means that if you are responsible for the damageto a third-person, the insurance company will pay the third-person directly, up to the policy limits, the amount for which you are responsible.The duty to defend means that the insurance company will pay for your defense costs if you are sued by a third-person alleging that your operation of your aircraftcaused damage. The insurance company will hire an attorney, usually experience in aviation law, to represent you and defend against the claims. Given thecomplexity and cost of aviation litigation, this benefit alone can be worth a substantial amount of money and may even exceed the amount of money actually paid bythe insurance company to indemnify you.Your policy will always have a maximum limit for liability coverage that can be either “sub-limit” or “smooth” coverage. An example of sub-limit coverage is a policythat provides for $1,000,000 per occurrence and $200,000 per passenger. This does not mean that you have $1,000,000 to pay all claims.Rather, the insurance company will pay a maximum of $1,000,000 per occurrence, but will only pay each passenger up to a maximum of $200,000. Thus, for anaccident in which only one passenger is injured, the insurance company’s maximum exposure is $200,000, exclusive of any amounts it spends on yourdefense.On the other hand, smooth limit coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence will provide up to $1,000,000 of coverage regardless of the number of passengers. Thiscoverage presents a greater risk to the insurance company since it could have to pay the full policy limits even if only one person is injured. As a result, greater riskmeans that the premium for this coverage is going to be more expensive than the premium for a policy containing sub-limits.Policy DefinitionsWhen you read an aircraft insurance policy, you need to pay special attention to the definitions section. Many of the terms used in the policy have specific definitionsthat are different from a dictionary definition or common usage for that word. Examples include the definition of “accident” which is often defined as a “sudden and unexpected event resulting in bodily injury, death or property damage”. This isdifferent than the definition of accident contained in NTSB Rule 830 and is also more specific than a dictionary or common usage definition of the word.Another example is the definition of “commercial operations” or “commercial purpose.” An insurance policy’s definition of this term is usually different from, and insome cases may be broader than, the FAA’s or IRS’s definition or a dictionary definition.These are just two examples. However, remember that the aircraft insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. Both you and theinsurance company agreed to the policy definitions when you paid the premium and the insurance company issued the policy. As a result, both you and the insurancecompany will be bound by those definitions.Coverage ExclusionsYour aircraft policy will also contain exclusions. Exclusions define circumstances in which the insurance company will not provide you with coverage for operation ofyour aircraft. An aircraft insurance policy usually includes both specific and general exclusions.Specific exclusions arise when you assume additional liability (e.g. you sign a contract that indemnifies or holds someone else harmless for damage they cause),damage occurs to your own property or injury occurs to members of your family. The policy may also specifically exclude coverage for your own medical expensesor for your operation of an aircraft that you do not own.Depending upon the state in which the aircraft is based, general exclusions can result in denial of coverage regardless of whether they directly caused a particularclaim. These exclusions will preclude coverage for operation of your aircraft in commercial operations (as defined by the policy, not necessarily the FAA or IRS),using your aircraft to commit unlawful acts, damage caused by war or terrorism or if your aircraft is operated by a pilot that is not named as an insured on the policyand does not meet the open pilot qualifications.Who Is CoveredAssuming no exclusions are applicable, the policy will provide coverage to each person named as an insured under the policy and to pilots who meet the “open pilot”requirements. As a threshold matter, each pilot operating the aircraft, whether named insured or qualifying under the open pilot provision, will need to possess theappropriate pilot and medical certificates and meet all currency requirements for operation of your aircraft.The open pilot provision extends the coverage of your aircraft insurance policy to a pilot operating your aircraft who is not a named insured on your policy. Theprovision sets out total time, time in type and training requirements that the unnamed pilot must meet in order for the pilot to be covered under the policy. Generally,if those requirements are met and the pilot is operating your aircraft with your consent, your insurance coverage should extend to that pilot.What You Can DoThe complexities of aircraft insurance can seem daunting. But, what can you do to protect yourself? The first, and one of the most important things you can do, is toread your insurance policy. If you have questions regarding terms or coverage talk to your insurance agent or contact an aviation attorney who is familiar withaviation insurance matters.Once you understand the policy, make sure you abide by the policy and comply with its terms and requirements. It makes little sense to spend substantial amountsof money on insurance premiums and then place your coverage in jeopardy by doing or allowing something your policy prohibits.Next, document your operations. What do I mean by that? Simple: Keep good records. Make sure your pilot logbook is up-to-date and current. If you takeyour pilot logbook with you when you fly, make copies of the pages containing your satisfaction of the FAR currency requirements and keep the copies in a safeplace.This way, if something happens to your pilot logbook and your insurance company or the FAA later question your currency, you will have back-up proof that youwere current for your flight. Although not as critical, you may also want to keep a photocopy of your pilot certificate(s) along with your logbook records.Finally, you should use this same procedure for your aircraft and engine logbooks. If you must take them with you in the airplane, make copies and keep them in asafe place. In this instance, you may want to make a full set of copies of the logbook entries, rather than just the pages showing the aircraft’s current airworthiness. An aircraft that contains logbook entries for all of the work ever performed on the aircraft is worth more to a potential purchaser than if those records are incompleteor missing.These simple steps can prevent potentially costly disputes down the road. It’s been said that the best insurance is the insurance you never have to use. That may be,but if you take these steps, you should have greater peace of mind that your insurance will be there if you need it. =====================When Bad Things Happen To Good Aircraft Buyers: Recognizing And Avoiding Aircraft Title ProblemsBy Gregory J. ReigelWhether you are purchasing your first aircraft or the latest in a succession of aircraft, as an aircraft buyer you need to proceed with caution. If you don’t, after the seller has left with your money, you may have unanswered questions: Do I really own the aircraft? Have I missed any skeletons hiding in the closet that threaten my continued ownership and possession of my aircraft? What happens when someone else claims they own or have a prior interest in my aircraft?To answer these questions, first we need to discuss what the FAA requires for an aircraft purchase transaction. Then we will talk about some of the problems/issues that an unwary buyer could face. Finally, we will address some of the steps an aircraft buyer can take to ensure that he or she will be the legitimate and undisputed owner of the aircraft being purchased.Recording Purchase Transactions With The FAA. When you purchase an aircraft, you receive an FAA Form 8050-2, Aircraft Bill of Sale showing the transfer/sale of the aircraft from the seller to you, the aircraft buyer. The bill of sale must then be recorded with the FAA along with an FAA Form 8050-1, Aircraft Registration Application. (Unfortunately, Form 8050-1 is not available online, but must be obtained directly from the FAA or your local FSDO). Additionally, for the most part, all interests in aircraft, whether a security interest, lien, mortgage or judgment, must also be recorded with the FAA Registry in Oklahoma City in order to be valid and the first recorded interest usually has priority over interests recorded at a later date.Failure to timely and properly comply with these filing and recording requirements can result in problems for the aircraft buyer. What types of problems can happen? Although a variety of such problems exist, two specific ways in which an aircraft buyer can find himself or herself in trouble are when a seller fails to convey title to the buyer or when a seller fails to convey "clear" title to the buyer.Seller Fails To Convey Title. In this situation, the aircraft buyer does not become the actual owner of the aircraft. The seller may not necessarily intend for the aircraft buyer not to take title to the aircraft. Rather, the seller’s failure to convey title to the aircraft buyer is inadvertent or unknowing. One such situation occurs when the bill of sale contains errors. Potential errors can include when the person signing the bill of sale does not have authority to sign on behalf of the corporation or limited liability company that owns the aircraft, when the aircraft is incorrectly identified on the bill of sale or when the person signing the bill of sale does not have capacity (e.g. a person signing the bill of sale is a minor, mentally insane or incompetent).Unfortunately, situations also arise in which the seller’s actions are intentional and result in the aircraft buyer not receiving title to the aircraft. This can happen when a seller sells an aircraft twice and the second buyer actually records his or her bill of sale before the first buyer. A similar result occurs if the seller forges the bill of sale or if the aircraft is subject to judicial proceedings (such as bankruptcy, receivership, probate, conservatorship or dissolution of marriage), and the court has not authorized the sale.Seller Is Unable To Convey Clear Title. In this situation, the bill of sale may be valid and convey title to the aircraft to the aircraft buyer, but that aircraft may be subject to the interests of some other third-party. Such prior interests can include judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic’s liens and various other liens and security interests. These prior interests would likely be recorded before the buyer’s bill of sale. It is also possible, in some limited circumstances, to have an unrecorded, possessory lien against an aircraft. (Unrecorded, possessory liens make a strong case against purchasing an aircraft sight unseen without confirming the location of the aircraft and lack of claims by the party in possession if other than the aircraft seller).What To Do? With such potential problems lurking in the shadows, what can/should an aircraft buyer do? Well, one answer is to hire an aviation attorney to assist you with the transaction. An aviation attorney will be familiar with the filing and recording requirements of the FAA and will make sure that the bill of sale and aircraft registration application are completed accurately, properly and filed in a timely manner. An aviation attorney will also be able to perform due diligence on your behalf including a title search and name searches for the seller to discover any judgments, liens, bankruptcies or security interests. He or she can also help you resolve any title defects that may be discovered during due diligence.An aviation attorney may further help you obtain an affidavit from the seller affirmatively stating that the seller is not aware of any judgments, liens or encumbrances affecting the title to the aircraft. This may assist you in pursuing or asserting a fraud claim against the seller if a title issue arises which you can show the seller was aware of when the affidavit was signed.Another way to protect yourself is to buy title insurance for your aircraft. The aircraft title insurer will ensure your documentation is accurate and filed in a timely manner and it will also perform the same types of title and name searches an aviation attorney would perform on your behalf. However, the title insurer may or may not be able to assist you in resolving any title defects and won’t be able to provide you with any legal advice regarding the purchase transaction.The bottom line is that you as an aircraft buyer need to proceed with caution and perform due diligence when purchasing an aircraft. Although this may seem like added cost in the short term, in the long run these steps can save you the large expense, and possible loss of your aircraft, that can result from title defects or third-party claims against your aircraft.As always, fly safe and, when you are purchasing an aircraft, buy smart.Aviation Lawyer: Whether Passenger, Pilot or Owner, You Mayby: Margaret WommackIf you or a family member has been the victim of an airplane accident, you should find an Aviation Lawyer (Attorney) to help you. It is important to contact an Aviation Lawyer because of the highly specialized nature of Aviation Law. An Aviation Lawyer will understand law involving the industry, the mechanics of aircraft, types of aircraft, and how defects in these put passengers at risk. Aviation Lawyers do not just work for passengers, but for pilots and aircraft owners as well.Aviation Law is a very specialized area of law that regulates the operation, safety and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft facilities. Despite increased safety standards, accidents still happen due to the widespread use of air travel which speeds up the wear and damage to airplane parts and mechanisms, and the complex nature of overlying airspace. This airplane wear and damage as well as pilot mistakes cause unnecessary accidents.Aviation Law began in 1926 with the formation of the Air Commerce Act which regulated the use of aircraft in interstate or foreign business. The next step that Aviation Law took was in 1938 with the Civil Aeronautics Act which created a five person panel which dealt with aircraft, facility, and aviation law within the United States. Then the FAA, the Federal Aviation Agency, was created.Violations of Aviation Law which justify the seeking of an Aviation Lawyer include (but are not limited to) Aviation Accident Law, FAA License Violation, Aviation Business Disputes, minimizing ownership liability, aircraft ownership problems, sale or purchase of aircraft, negotiating or enforcing contracts, warranty compliance, major overhaul or maintenance deficiencies, loss of use and “down time” claims, first and third party denial of insurance coverage/claims, security breaches, product liability avoidance, fractional ownership contracts, FAA regulatory approval, protection of aviation business, governmental investigations, and hazardous substance transport violations.Since 2000, the aviation industry has been in financial difficulty due to changes in world economy, the entrance of low-cost carriers, SARS, war, and, of course, terrorism. These factors have led airlines to cut any costs they can to maintain their fragile financial balance. Thus, accidents still occur despite the increased security and safety laws and precautions. These accidents are unnecessary and if you or a family member has been a victim of airline negligence or outright, purposeful ignorance, you should contact an Aviation Lawyer who can help you.

The Value of Airplane Accident Claims by: Mart Gil Abareta Airplane accidents are devastating tragedies. Almost every year, these accidents become the headlines of news stories. In all cases, lots of lives are being taken which brings trauma to their surviving dependents. Losing you love ones from such incidents is really a painful experience. So, if you’ve lost a relative or you’re a survivor of such accident, you can file an aviation accident claim to recover compensation on the pain and suffering and financial crisis that you’ve gone through. Based on researches, the assistance provided to survivors and family members of death victims are based on the type and place of the accident. In the United Stated, smaller airplane accidents that happen outside the country provide limited financial assistance to the victim’s beneficiaries. Major aviation disasters, on the other hand, that happens in the U.S. can include a complex interaction of state and federal law, or international law. Fortunately, airline companies are given certain post-accident requirements in the federal law that they have to follow. These include setting up of family support services including grief counseling and support; designating individual caregivers to assist each family; working with families to identify and return remains and possessions; and setting up a communications network with families. Every survivor or the relatives of the victims of an airplane accident can obtain these benefits as aviation accident claims.Additionally, smaller commuters and commercial air operators also have their own assistance response plans in case of an airplane accident. There are also a lot of persons and institutions you can contact for help and assistance such as the Red Cross and other agencies including law enforcement agencies, representatives of companies who may be involved in the accident, representatives of insurance companies, lawyers who represent victims of accidents, lawyers who represent the parties involved in the accident, and the news media.Indeed, every airline company has a professional responsibility to all their passengers in every trip. As we all know, many lives are at risk during this time and we cannot avoid these things to happen. After all, airplane accidents are unanticipated. They can happen anytime. I just hope that the injured and relatives of the victims can receive the compensation that they deserve. After all, these airplane accident claims can never bring back the lives of those persons and cannot totally compensate to those who have suffered intense pain and suffering due to the incident.
AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP: IS THE TIME RIGHT?

by: Pat Redmond

In the hours and days immediately following the tragic attacks on America of 9/11, there was much speculation about the effects on the general aviation industry. While the events of September 11, 2001 have had a significant impact on the economy as a whole, sales of personal aircraft in Michigan have experienced a surprising boost. Certainly, the convenience of personal transportation has played a major role in this increase as airport lines and security have become more time consuming. The reduction of flights resulting from the airline cost-cutting have limited flexibility for the business person and affected the productivity of companies relying on commercial transportation. These factors alone can’t explain surge of people joining the flying community for more than just pleasure. Rebates, low and 0% interest rates, training allowances, and yes, even the IRS played a role in creating an environment that has introduced more people to the benefits of aircraft ownership and had an effect similar to that seen after the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1995. The IRS is here to help you? Well, believe it or not, a new tax law passed earlier this year represents a renewed attempt by our nation’s leaders to jumpstart the economic recovery. The bill applies to new airplanes acquired after September 10, 2001, and before September 11, 2004, and provides tax savings from economic stimulus provisions included in the Internal Revenue Code designed to encourage investment in capital assets. Visit your local airport and you’re sure to see plenty of forty and fifty year old aircraft operating for both business and pleasure. Even prior to the new tax law, Congress recognized that capital investment is an important part of our economy, and therefore allowed a five year depreciation of these assets. To further encourage investments, they do not require the depreciation to be spread evenly over the five years, but through a concept know as “double declining balance,” greatly accelerate depreciation during the first two years of ownership. Now with the additional incentives of 30% bonus depreciation on new airplanes, tax deferral opportunities are greatly expanded. So how might a business person benefit from these new changes? First of all, the impact of these depreciation changes greatly reduce net cash investment for the purchase of a new airplane. Specifically, an operator in the 40% tax bracket who can successfully write off his aircraft ownership expense may have no cash investment in the airplane during the first four years. Additionally, when properly structured, many taxpayers have an opportunity to convert personal use into business use. The Internal revenue code provides an optional method of taxing an individual for personal use of an aircraft which many times amounts to less than 10% of the actual deductions flowing from the investment. Consult your tax professional prior to purchasing your new airplane or ask your Aircraft Dealer for the name of an Aviation Tax Specialist to set up your purchasing entity. And you say you’re not a pilot? Local aircraft dealers like Suburban Aviation, Inc. in Lambertville, Michigan will actually teach you to fly your new airplane and even reimburse your expenses when you purchase a new Cessna airplane from them. Most of today’s pilots learned to fly in a Cessna airplane and the majority of these pilots continue to experience the freedom and flexibility that flight offers in one of Cessna’s many single engine models. For 75 years, Cessna has been the leader in general aviation aircraft providing a safe and reliable alternative to commercial airlines and the automobile. So if your business can benefit from improved efficiency and tax savings, why not consider a company airplane? There are few tax saving opportunities as effective as fully depreciating an aircraft on a five year accelerated basis, and with today’s interest rate environment, a well-structured transaction often results in little or no after tax cash flow holding costs during the early years of ownership. Of course, arriving at your meeting on time and with all your luggage can also be pretty convincing!
SECRETS OF FLYING SMART by: C. LaRoy MAKE YOUR SAFE TRIP EVEN SAFER When you fly on the commercial airlines of the United States, you are flying on the safest, most efficient form of transportation. When the rare accident does occur, more and more people survive due to advances in aircraft manufacturing and design, air traffic control technology, emergency planning, and cabin safety. Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the Federal Aviation Administration are proud of their contributions to aviation's impressive safety record. You, the air traveler, play a very important role in aviation safety. You can take responsibility for your own safety. • Listen To The Safety Briefing • Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened • Obey Carry-On Baggage Restrictions • Wear Sensible Clothing Fly Smart. Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even safer. LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING Fly Smart travelers always listen to the safety briefing because they know that every aircraft is different. The following are some tips to ensure that you are familiar with the aircraft you are on: • Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and follow along while you listen to the safety briefing. Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent takeoffs and landings. • One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an emergency. As part of this plan, count seat rows between you and at least two exits. • If you have any questions about the safety procedures, ask the flight attendant. Flight attendants are professionals; they know about the safety procedures of the aircraft. FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips, "Your Seat Belt." In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10-year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened. To prevent turbulence-related injuries, Fly Smart travelers should always: • Keep their seat belt fastened at all times. • Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips. OBEY CARRY-ON BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS Fly Smart travelers should be aware of what they bring on board. • Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per passenger. • Carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. It's a good idea to put the heavier items under the seat. • Carry-on items could become flying projectiles during turbulence. Heavy items and baggage with sharp corners can be hazardous. • Some hazardous materials are restricted. They can be dangerous if carried (or checked) on an aircraft. Following is a partial list of common articles from the home, workplace, or garage which, because of their physical or chemical properties, can pose a danger when transported. • Mace, tear gas, and other irritants • Aerosols containing flammable material (hair spray, deodorant,repellents) • Loaded firearms • Loose ammunition • Gasoline and other flammable materials • Propane, butane cylinders or refills, and lighter refills • Wet-type batteries, e.g., as used in cars • Fireworks and flares • Safety or -strike-anywhere+ matches (in checked baggage) • Paint and paint-related materials (thinners and cleaners) • Corrosive (acids), poisonous, infectious, and radioactive materials The above list is not all inclusive. There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, and equipment to support physically challenged passengers. There are also provisions for sporting equipment. When in doubt, check with your airline. • In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, leave everything behind. WEAR SENSIBLE CLOTHING For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of an evacuation, Fly Smart travelers should follow these guidelines: • Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim and leather. They offer the best protection. Synthetics may melt when they are heated. • Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid restrictive clothing. • Wear low heeled shoes or boots. (Shoes with laces or straps are recommended. Avoid sandals.) • Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible. (Long sleeves/pants are recommended.)