Is it safe to use a carseat in an small single engine plane (thinking Cessna 172)?

Question

I don't see why it wouldn't be, but thought I'd check.

Answer 1

Make sure it's rated for air flight.

Answer 2

Yes

Answer 3

Yes, as mentioned, should be approved for aircraft use. However, one thing to consider, do you have a headset for the tyke that will fit and will he/she be willing to keep it on? They do make headsets for youth but they only go so small. You definitely don't want a young child to fly in a light aircraft without one.

Answer 4

Yes, but not needed.

Answer 5

Yes its safe.  In fact its recommended.  Just make sure you look for a sticker that reads "Approved for use in Airplanes" or something similar on it.

Answer 6

1. Get a headset or headphones for the little tyke.

2. There is absolutely no way that the FAA has said, "Yeah, it's okay to have unapproved carseats in flight." As a flight attendant, I can't believe the answerer would say that.

FAA Regulations require an FAA approved child-seat in any airplane, whether commercial or general aviation to be legal. These are not hard to find, and many look like a normal car seat.

Answer 7

Absolutely safe!  Just make sure that the seatbelts are rigged properly and the seat is stable, as they are a bit different than car belts. For hearing, it's often hard to keep any headset on them, but any hearing protection is better than none.  Shooter's muffs or lawncare muffs are an option.  Also, be sure to keep relatively low altitude as the little guy can't pressure balance his ear pressure same as us, watch for distress, go for short flights till you know how he's doing.  My 2 kids grew up in our Piper... they're perfectly normal...  normal... normal... normal...

Answer 8

Yes - a car seat always provides more protection for a small child than being held in the lap or seat belted.  All standard car seats are safe for airplane use (as opposed to 'booster

seats', which are not safe). You should also try to think of some type of ear protection from the noise -- small planes can be so loud.

Up until a few years ago, the FAA required that flight crew check for "approved for flight" stickers.  This is no longer necessary as long as it meets all conformation details (hard,

continuous neck, back and leg support, with internal restraining straps).