AIR CARRIER FAMILY ASSISTANCE PLANS SUBMISSION/UPDATE GUIDANCE
April 6, 2015
The National Transportation Safety Board recently issued guidance concerning when airlines should update their family assistance plans. According to the guidance, a carrier’s family assistance plan should be updated when any of the following events occur:
- A change in the carrier’s 24-Hour Emergency Contact Number or dispatch/operations center number. This includes a change in the carrier’s designated person for addressing emergency situations.
- A change in the carrier’s name on the FAA operating certificate or a change in the business name of the air carrier.
- A change in the carrier’s operator or business partner agreement (d.b.a.).
- A change or update in family assistance services provided under an agreement associated with the operator’s codeshare alliance or partnership.
- Required by the DOT under revision of the Public Law governing Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996 or the Foreign Air Carrier Family Support Act of 1997.
International carriers are required, under the Foreign Air Carrier Family Support Act of 1997, as amended by the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21) and the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (and 49 U.S.C. 41313), to develop a Family Assistance Plan for dealing with aviation disasters in the U.S. that result in the loss of life.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).