Airbags on plane

[Lise]

    Right. Do you think they should be put on all air crafts? Or do you think it's too dangerous?

  [P class=times][img height=321 src="vny!://online.wsj.com/public/resources/images/MK-AH456A_AIRBA_20061115202753.jpg" width=601]

 [P class=times]

 [P class=times]With tougher safety standards for airplane cabins looming on the horizon, the aviation industry is turning to a tried-and-true technology from the family car: air bags.

 [P class=times]Built into specially equipped seatbelts, these air bags explode outward in the event of a sudden impact, cushioning passengers from smacking their heads or torsos against seat dividers, bulkheads, galleys, lavatories and other potentially hazardous obstructions.

 [P class=times]Just as in a car, sensors would activate the bags within milliseconds of impact. Because the air bags expand away from occupants, proponents say, there is less likelihood of injuries from the explosive force of the bag opening than in an auto. They are approved for use by children as young as 2 years old.

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[Sportsdude]

what for? Yeah I'm all for safety but when will they use it?  Because as I think you know with a car you have to replace all of those bags.  So what would you use it for? Can't use it for 'rough' landings because those happen frequently which means a lot of money to replace the bags.  Hitting another plane on the run way? That rarely happens and if it does happen the cabin isn't that effective. Interesting idea though.  

[kingy]

what they should do is give me more leg room!

[Trollio]

 I read/heard somewhere (in fact it may have been here?) that all of the airplane safety instructions you are given have nothing to do with surviving a crash, but identifying remains. (For example, no one in their right mind is going to tell you to bend over and put your head into the most likely direction of impact... all that does is keep your teeth in your head... which is great for matching dental records.)

The problem is that we are not thinking about the horrifying reality of it all. I'm not sure what an airbag is going to do for any human body that takes an impact of over 200 mph.

Engineers and physicists are free and welcome to correct me.    

[Gopher]

If nothing else, they'll provide a nice place for me to flop my head on long flights.

[Thread Cop]

nah, i don't airbags are necessary...Aircrafts don't have breaks like cars,there is no point in the airbag.  

[P.C.]

Trollio wrote: (For example, no one in their right mind is going to tell you to bend over and put your head into the most likely direction of impact... all that does is keep your teeth in your head... which is great for matching dental records.)

  I think this excersise is actually in preparation to kiss your a$$ good-bye.