Who must safety belts be properly secured about during takeoffs and landings?

During takeoffs and landings, the regulations stipulate that safety belts must be properly secured about all passengers. This requirement is in place to enhance safety and minimize the risk of injury during these critical phases of flight when the aircraft is most susceptible to turbulence and other potential hazards. Properly securing passengers in their safety belts helps to ensure that they remain safely in their seats and reduces the chance of sudden movements or impacts that could occur in the event of an emergency or hard landing.

It is also important to note that while crew members play a crucial role in ensuring safety on board, this specific requirement applies primarily to passengers. In addition, the regulations encompass all individuals on board, so the focus on "passengers" underscores the responsibility of the flight crew to ensure that everyone is accounted for and secured appropriately. This requirement contributes to a culture of safety and compliance in aviation.