Good Travels: Standards Help Passengers Take Flight
1/30/2019
Air travel is something that we've all come to depend on for work and play, whether we're headed to a tropical beach for some sun and relaxation, a distant country for culture and good eats, or a city across the coast for a business trip or family visit. But did you know that standards for airplanes, airports, and travel gear help keep us safe and comfortable until we reach our destination?
First, pack your bagsand make sure they're sturdy ones! ASTM D3511/D3511M-16, Standard Test Method for Pilling Resistance and Other Related Surface Changes of Textile Fabrics: Brush Pilling Tester, provides test methods of textiles for items used in abrasive environments, such as for luggage, upholstery, heavy duty uniforms, and car seats. It determines whether these fabrics will form pills or show other related surface changes during heavy use - for example, suitcases being thrown into a cargo container. It was developed by ASTM International, a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Once you arrive at the airport, standards support appropriate conditions for safe and smooth operations. IES RP-37-15, Outdoor Lighting for Airport Environments, provides guidance for the lighting of aircraft stands and apron areas, roadways, vehicular parking facilities, passenger loading and unloading areas, and pedestrian walkways, while emphasizing the restrictions, regulations, and best practices for safety movement of aircraft. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IENSA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, developed this document.
A fire breaking out at a busy airport may not be the first thing on travelers' minds, but airports must be prepared for this frightening possibility. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers several standards for firefighting operations at airports, including NFPA 402-2019, Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Operations, and NFPA 1003-2019, Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. NFPA is an ANSI member and audited designator.
Safety and comfort on the airplane are top priorities for all fliers. These standards, developed by ANSI member and accredited standards developer SAE International, keep passengers and crew secure and fed:
- SAE ARP 5655-2009, Safety Briefings for Passengers in Exit Rows
- SAE ARP 1315E-2013, Safety Considerations for Airplane Lavatories
- SAE ARP 8058-2014, Thermal Design and Performance of Airplane In-Flight Food Storage Carts
Flying is exciting for some and nerve-wracking for others, but no matter how you feel about your travels, you can rest assured that standards are there for the safety and enjoyment of your trip.
