NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation to FAA Regarding Flight Attendant Exit Monitoring and Training

The National Transportation Safety Board, identified by reference number DCA15FA085, has issued safety recommendation A-16-025 to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive calls for regulatory changes under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. The NTSB requires that operators provide guidance instructing flight attendants to remain at their assigned exits and actively monitor exit availability during all non-normal situations in case an evacuation becomes necessary. Additionally, the recommendation mandates that flight attendant training programs include scenarios requiring crew coordination regarding active monitoring of exit availability and evacuating after a significant event that involves a loss of communications.