Sir - I refer to the last paragraph in the article "Emergency-exit changes foreshadowed" (Flight International, 18-31 December, 1996, P12).
The UK Civil Aviation Authority requires (not recommends, as stated) operators to ensure that Type III exit row seats are allocated only "-to passengers who appear capable of operating and/or assisting with the operation of the exit". Various categories of passenger, such as that of children and infants, are not allocated Type III exit row seats. Ground staff and cabin crew are required to be trained in this respect.
Additionally, it is recommended that operators conduct a discreet briefing of passengers sitting in Type III exit rows. As a minimum, this should include drawing passengers' attention to the safety card and operation of the exit.
During the course of routine flight inspections of UK Air Operator's Certificate holders and, when travelling purely as fare-paying passengers, the CAA's staff have observed full compliance with the requirement and general acceptance of the recommendation. On the isolated occasion that there has been an error in seat allocation at check-in, cabin crew have re-assigned the seats before departure. We have not found any evidence to justify your assertion that this is not often done.
N J BUTCHER
Flight Operations Cabin Safety Office
Civil Aviation Authority
London, UK
Source: Flight International
