Method and Apparatus for Detecting Seatbelt Compliance in Commercial Passenger Aircraft

A seatbelt detection system detects seatbelt use in each seat of a passenger aircraft to produce safety-compliance data. A computer system, which is communicatively coupled to the seatbelt detection system, generates a time-based record of the safety-compliance data. The computer system can use the time-based record to adapt cabin operations policy, including cabin temperature, cabin lighting, illumination of seatbelt signs, scheduling of meal or drink service, timing of inflight announcements, or the availability of in-flight entertainment.