Lesson Overview
Topic
In-Flight Safety Procedures. Every airline passenger hears a safety briefing — but how many actually listen? This lesson uses the authentic language of aviation safety to explore six key grammar structures in a real and memorable context. Students read a safety card, listen to a cabin crew announcement, and practise the language of instructions, warnings, procedures, and emergencies.
Level
B1–B2 (intermediate to upper-intermediate)
Duration
90 minutes
Grammar
6 structures — all appear naturally in aviation safety language:
1. Imperatives — Fasten your seatbelt. Do not use your phone.
2. Present Simple (procedures/facts) — The aircraft seats 186 passengers. Smoking is not permitted.
3. Can / Can't (permission/ability) — You can use your phone after landing. You cannot smoke on board.
4. There is / There are — There are six emergency exits. There is a life jacket under your seat.
5. Passive — Seatbelts must be fastened. Bags should be stored in the overhead locker.
6. Time Clauses — When the seatbelt sign is on… / Before takeoff… / If the oxygen masks drop…
1. Imperatives — Fasten your seatbelt. Do not use your phone.
2. Present Simple (procedures/facts) — The aircraft seats 186 passengers. Smoking is not permitted.
3. Can / Can't (permission/ability) — You can use your phone after landing. You cannot smoke on board.
4. There is / There are — There are six emergency exits. There is a life jacket under your seat.
5. Passive — Seatbelts must be fastened. Bags should be stored in the overhead locker.
6. Time Clauses — When the seatbelt sign is on… / Before takeoff… / If the oxygen masks drop…
Vocabulary
12 words (B1–B2): turbulence · evacuation · altitude · inflate · brace · flotation · descent · vicinity · comply · overhead · prohibited · aisle
Why it works
The six grammar structures are not isolated items — they all appear together in one authentic text genre (the safety briefing). Students can see exactly why each structure is used and what it communicates. This makes the grammar section feel relevant and purposeful.
Teaching Notes
On the grammar — six structures, one context
The key insight of this lesson is that aviation safety language systematically uses all six target structures — and for good reasons. Imperatives give direct instructions. Present Simple describes how the aircraft works. Can/Can't signals what passengers may or may not do. There is/are tells passengers what equipment is available. Passive adds formality and authority (must be fastened is more authoritative than you must fasten). Time clauses describe the sequence of procedures. When you teach each structure in the grammar box, always connect it back to the real safety card text.
On the reading — safety card format
The safety card is formatted to look like an authentic airline document. Tell students before reading: "This is based on a real type of document you see on every flight." Let them scan it first — like a real passenger would. Then read for detail.
On the listening — cabin crew announcement
Read the script in a clear, measured, professional voice — the voice of a cabin crew member. Slightly slower than normal speech. Read TWICE. The first time: general comprehension. The second time: students listen for specific grammar structures (Task 3). This is a real genre of English — polished, formal, and procedural.
On the writing task
Students write a safety announcement for a different form of transport (train, ferry, or space shuttle). The space shuttle option generates the most creative and memorable work — encourage it. All six grammar structures must appear. This works well as a group task with performances to the class.
Lesson Procedure
Time
Stage
Skill
Teacher does
Students do
0–8 min
Lead-in
Speaking
Board: "You're on a plane. The safety video starts. What do you do?" Take answers — most admit they don't watch it. "Why not?" Discussion. Then: "Today we're going to read and listen to safety instructions — and learn the grammar behind them."
Answer honestly.
8–18 min
Vocabulary
—
H1: vocabulary cards + Task A (match) + Task B (gap fill in sentences). Prioritise: turbulence, brace, evacuation, inflate — these are most likely to appear in the grammar/reading sections.
Match. Fill. Check.
18–35 min
Grammar
—
Present all 6 structures with the safety card examples. Use colour-coded badges. Ask students: "Why does the safety briefing use an imperative here and a passive there?" Exercises 1–3 cover all structures.
Identify. Classify. Produce.
35–50 min
Reading
Reading
H3: Safety Card of Horizon Airways. Scan first (2 min), then read carefully. T/F + comprehension questions + language task: find and label all 6 grammar structures in the text.
Scan. Read. Label.
50–63 min
Listening
Listening
Read the cabin crew announcement TWICE. Professional, clear, measured voice. Task 1: tick what is mentioned. Task 2: fill in details. Task 3: identify the 6 grammar structures from the script.
Listen. Tick. Fill.
63–78 min
Speaking
Speaking
Task A: role play — passenger and cabin crew. Task B: discussion questions. Task C: debate — should phones be allowed on planes?
Role play. Discuss. Debate.
78–90 min
Writing
Writing
H6: Write a safety announcement for a different transport. Plan (3 min). Write (9 min). Optional: perform to the class. All 6 structures must appear.
Plan. Write. Perform.
Listening Script — Horizon Airways Pre-Flight Announcement
Read clearly, measuredly — the voice of a professional cabin crew member. Read twice. Slightly slower than normal speech. Pause at natural phrase boundaries.
Cabin Crew:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard Horizon Airways Flight HZ 204 to Edinburgh. My name is James, and on behalf of Captain Sarah Weston and the entire crew, we wish you a pleasant flight.
Cabin Crew:
Before we depart, please give us your attention for a few important safety announcements. Even if you are a frequent flyer, we ask that you watch carefully — the safety information may be different from other aircraft you have flown on.
Cabin Crew:
There are six emergency exits on this aircraft — two at the front, two over the wings, and two at the rear. Please take a moment now to locate the exit nearest to you. Remember: your nearest exit may be behind you.
Cabin Crew:
Seatbelts must be fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated. To fasten your belt, insert the metal fitting into the buckle and pull the strap to tighten. When the sign is switched off, you can move around the cabin. However, we recommend that you keep your seatbelt fastened at all times when seated, as turbulence can occur without warning.
Cabin Crew:
Smoking is strictly prohibited on all Horizon Airways flights. This includes electronic cigarettes. There are smoke detectors fitted in all lavatories — tampering with these is a criminal offence.
Cabin Crew:
Before takeoff, please ensure that your seat is in the upright position, your tray table is stowed, and your hand luggage is stored in the overhead locker or underneath the seat in front of you. Bags cannot be placed in the aisle.
Cabin Crew:
If the cabin pressure changes, oxygen masks will drop automatically from the panel above you. If this happens, pull the mask towards you, place it over your nose and mouth, and breathe normally. Put on your own mask before helping others, including children.
Cabin Crew:
There is a life jacket located under your seat. In the event of a water landing, remove the jacket from its pouch, place it over your head, and fasten the strap around your waist. The jacket inflates automatically when you enter the water. If it does not inflate, pull the red tab. Do not inflate the jacket inside the aircraft.
Cabin Crew:
Mobile phones and electronic devices must be switched to flight mode before takeoff. You can use them in flight mode throughout the flight. If you are unsure how to do this, a member of the crew will be happy to assist you.
Cabin Crew:
Please pay attention to the safety card located in the seat pocket in front of you. It contains additional information about emergency procedures on this aircraft. On behalf of all the crew, thank you for flying with Horizon Airways. We hope you enjoy your flight.
Answer Key
H1 Vocabulary
Task A (match): 1-e 2-j 3-b 4-k 5-a 6-l 7-c 8-g 9-d 10-i 11-f 12-h
Task B (gap fill): 1. turbulence 2. brace 3. evacuation 4. altitude 5. prohibited 6. overhead 7. flotation 8. comply 9. inflate 10. vicinity
Task B (gap fill): 1. turbulence 2. brace 3. evacuation 4. altitude 5. prohibited 6. overhead 7. flotation 8. comply 9. inflate 10. vicinity
H2 Grammar
Ex 1 (identify structure): 1. Imperative 2. Passive 3. Time clause + can 4. There is/are 5. Present Simple 6. Imperative (negative) 7. Passive 8. Time clause + imperative 9. Can/can't 10. Present Simple
Ex 2 (rewrite): 1. Bags must not be placed in the aisle. 2. There are six emergency exits on this aircraft. 3. Before takeoff, ensure your seat is upright. / Ensure your seat is upright before takeoff. 4. You cannot smoke anywhere on this aircraft. 5. The life jacket is stored under your seat. → The life jacket must be removed from the pouch before use. (accept varied answers)
Ex 3 (complete): Accept any grammatically correct sentences using the target structures in safety contexts. Mark: correct structure form + logical safety meaning.
Ex 2 (rewrite): 1. Bags must not be placed in the aisle. 2. There are six emergency exits on this aircraft. 3. Before takeoff, ensure your seat is upright. / Ensure your seat is upright before takeoff. 4. You cannot smoke anywhere on this aircraft. 5. The life jacket is stored under your seat. → The life jacket must be removed from the pouch before use. (accept varied answers)
Ex 3 (complete): Accept any grammatically correct sentences using the target structures in safety contexts. Mark: correct structure form + logical safety meaning.
H3 Reading + H4 Listening
Reading T/F: 1 T 2 F (nearest exit may be behind you) 3 T 4 F (do NOT inflate inside the aircraft) 5 T 6 F (flight mode only — not fully off)
Reading comprehension: 1. 186 2. Under the seat 3. Pull the red tab 4. Upright, tray table stowed, bags stored
Reading comprehension: 1. 186 2. Under the seat 3. Pull the red tab 4. Upright, tray table stowed, bags stored
Listening Task 1: ✓ emergency exits ✓ seatbelts ✓ smoking ✓ hand luggage ✓ oxygen masks ✓ life jackets ✓ electronic devices (all mentioned)
Task 2: 1. 6 exits 2. HZ 204 / Edinburgh 3. James 4. Captain Sarah Weston 5. pull the red tab 6. flight mode
Task 3 grammar structures: Imp: "Fasten", "Place", "Pull", "Do not inflate" · Pres Simple: "Smoking is strictly prohibited", "turbulence can occur" · Can: "You can move around the cabin", "Bags cannot be placed" · There is/are: "There are six emergency exits", "There is a life jacket" · Passive: "Seatbelts must be fastened", "Mobile phones must be switched" · Time: "When the sign is switched off", "Before takeoff", "If the cabin pressure changes"
Task 2: 1. 6 exits 2. HZ 204 / Edinburgh 3. James 4. Captain Sarah Weston 5. pull the red tab 6. flight mode
Task 3 grammar structures: Imp: "Fasten", "Place", "Pull", "Do not inflate" · Pres Simple: "Smoking is strictly prohibited", "turbulence can occur" · Can: "You can move around the cabin", "Bags cannot be placed" · There is/are: "There are six emergency exits", "There is a life jacket" · Passive: "Seatbelts must be fastened", "Mobile phones must be switched" · Time: "When the sign is switched off", "Before takeoff", "If the cabin pressure changes"
In-Flight Safety Procedures
Safety · Air Transport · B1–B2 · Student Handouts · 90 min
Handout 1
Vocabulary
VocabularyAviation Safety Words
Study each word. Note: definition and example.
Task A — Match the Word
Match each word (1–12) with its meaning (a–l).
Task B — Gap Fill
Fill in the correct word. Change the form if necessary.
Word Bankturbulence · brace · evacuation · altitude · prohibited · overhead · flotation · comply · inflate · vicinity
1.The aircraft hit severe __________________ over the Atlantic, causing several passengers to spill their drinks.
2.If the crew shouts "__________________ position!", lean forward immediately and protect your head with your arms.
3.In an emergency __________________, please leave all personal belongings on the aircraft and move quickly to the nearest exit.
4.At cruising __________________, the outside temperature is approximately minus 60 degrees Celsius.
5.The use of aerosol sprays is strictly __________________ in the aircraft cabin at all times.
6.Please ensure that all items are placed securely in the __________________ locker before the aircraft door is closed.
7.Your seat cushion can be used as a __________________ device — remove it and hold it under your arms in the water.
8.Passengers who refuse to __________________ with safety instructions may be asked to leave the aircraft.
9.Pull the red tab on the life jacket if it does not __________________ automatically when you enter the water.
10.If you are seated in the __________________ of an emergency exit, you must be prepared to help open the door.
Handout 2
Grammar
Grammar
Six grammar structures — all used in safety language. Each one does a different job. As you study each one, look at the colour badge — you'll see the same badges in the reading text.
Imperative
Place the mask over your nose.
Do not inflate the jacket inside the aircraft.
Leave all bags behind.
Direct instruction — do this now
Fasten your seatbelt.Place the mask over your nose.
Do not inflate the jacket inside the aircraft.
Leave all bags behind.
Present Simple
Smoking is not permitted.
The jacket inflates automatically.
Flight HZ 204 departs at 14:35.
Facts about the aircraft / general procedures
The aircraft seats 186 passengers.Smoking is not permitted.
The jacket inflates automatically.
Flight HZ 204 departs at 14:35.
Can / Can't
You can't smoke anywhere on board.
Bags cannot be placed in the aisle.
You can use devices in flight mode.
Permission — what passengers may or may not do
You can move around after the sign goes off.You can't smoke anywhere on board.
Bags cannot be placed in the aisle.
You can use devices in flight mode.
There is / There are
There is a life jacket under your seat.
There are smoke detectors in all lavatories.
There is a safety card in the seat pocket.
Telling passengers what equipment exists on board
There are six emergency exits.There is a life jacket under your seat.
There are smoke detectors in all lavatories.
There is a safety card in the seat pocket.
Passive
Bags should be stored in the locker.
Devices must be switched to flight mode.
Seats must be in the upright position.
Formal rules — what must or should be done
Seatbelts must be fastened.Bags should be stored in the locker.
Devices must be switched to flight mode.
Seats must be in the upright position.
Time Clauses
Before takeoff, stow your table.
If the masks drop, breathe normally.
After landing, remain in your seat.
Describing when a procedure should happen
When the seatbelt sign is on, stay seated.Before takeoff, stow your table.
If the masks drop, breathe normally.
After landing, remain in your seat.
Exercise 1 — Identify the Structure
Write the structure used in each sentence. Use: Imp (imperative) · PS (present simple) · Can · TIA (there is/are) · Pass (passive) · TC (time clause).
1."Fasten your seatbelt and remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop." → ___
2."Hand luggage must be stored in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you." → ___
3."When the seatbelt sign is switched off, you can move around the cabin." → ___ + ___
4."There are four emergency exits on this aircraft — two at the front and two at the rear." → ___
5."This flight operates between London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle." → ___
6."Do not leave bags unattended in the terminal or on the aircraft." → ___
7."Electronic cigarettes are not permitted on any flight operated by this airline." → ___
8."If the oxygen masks drop, place your mask on before helping children." → ___
9."You can use your laptop in flight mode, but you cannot make phone calls." → ___
10."The life jacket inflates automatically when it comes into contact with water." → ___
Exercise 2 — Rewrite
Rewrite each sentence using the structure shown in brackets.
1."Don't put bags in the aisle." [Passive with must not]
2."This aircraft has six emergency exits." [There is/are]
3."You should make sure your seat is upright before takeoff." [Time clause with Before + Imperative]
4."It is not permitted to smoke anywhere on this aircraft." [Can/Can't]
5."The crew will tell you when to adopt the brace position." [Time clause with When + Imperative]
Exercise 3 — Complete the Safety Instruction
Complete each sentence using the structure in brackets. Make sure it makes sense as a safety instruction.
1.There _______________ [there is/are — life jackets]
2._______________ your seatbelt [Imperative] before _______________ [time clause].
3.Smoking _______________ [passive — prohibited].
4.You _______________ [can/can't — electronic devices in flight mode].
5.If the oxygen masks drop, _______________ [imperative — two actions].
Handout 3
Reading
ReadingHORIZON AIRWAYS
In-Flight Safety Card · Aircraft Type: HA-200
Please read carefully
Veuillez lire attentivement
⚠ Before Takeoff
Fasten your seatbelt. Insert the metal fitting into the buckle and pull the strap to tighten. Seatbelts must be fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated. The aircraft seats 186 passengers.
Store all hand luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. Bags cannot be placed in the aisle. There is space for one bag overhead and one bag under the seat.
All electronic devices must be switched to flight mode before takeoff. You can use them in flight mode during the flight. You cannot make or receive calls while on board.
🚪 Emergency Exits
There are six emergency exits on this aircraft. Exits are located at the front, over the wings, and at the rear. Locate the exit nearest to you — it may be behind you.
Emergency lighting is activated automatically. Floor-level lights will guide you to the nearest exit. Follow the crew's instructions at all times.
😷 Oxygen Masks
If the cabin pressure changes, oxygen masks will drop automatically. Pull the mask towards you and place it over your nose and mouth. Breathe normally. Put on your own mask before helping others.
⚠ You have approximately 15 seconds to put on your mask when the oxygen level drops. Do not wait.
🦺 Life Jacket
There is a life jacket located under your seat. In the event of a water landing, remove the jacket from its pouch and place it over your head. The jacket inflates automatically when you enter the water. If it does not inflate, pull the red tab.
⚠ Do not inflate the life jacket inside the aircraft. Inflate it only when you are outside.
🚭 Smoking & General Rules
Smoking is strictly prohibited on all Horizon Airways flights, including electronic cigarettes. Smoke detectors are fitted in all lavatories. Do not tamper with them.
When the seatbelt sign is off, you can move around the cabin. Before landing, return to your seat and fasten your seatbelt. After the aircraft stops, remain seated until the doors open.
Task 1 — True or False?
Write T (True) or F (False). Find the line in the safety card that supports your answer.
1.The aircraft has 186 seats.[ T / F ]
2.The nearest emergency exit is always in front of you.[ T / F ]
3.You should put on your own oxygen mask before helping other people.[ T / F ]
4.You should inflate your life jacket while you are still inside the aircraft.[ T / F ]
5.Electronic cigarettes are not allowed on Horizon Airways flights.[ T / F ]
6.You can use your mobile phone to make calls if you switch it to flight mode.[ T / F ]
Task 2 — Answer the Questions
Write short answers using information from the safety card.
1.How many emergency exits are there on the HA-200?_______________________________________________
2.Where is the life jacket located?_______________________________________________
3.What should you do if the life jacket does not inflate automatically?_______________________________________________
4.Name four things you must do before takeoff (from the safety card)._______________________________________________
Task 3 — Grammar Labels
Go back to the safety card. Find two examples of each grammar structure. Write them in the table.
Handout 4
Listening
ListeningYou are on board Horizon Airways Flight HZ 204 to Edinburgh. Your teacher will read the cabin crew safety announcement twice. The first time: general understanding. The second time: listen for details and grammar structures.
Task 1 — What is mentioned? Tick ✓ all topics you hear.
[ ] Emergency exits
[ ] Seatbelts
[ ] Food and drinks
[ ] Smoking rules
[ ] Oxygen masks
[ ] Life jackets
[ ] Hand luggage
[ ] Electronic devices
Task 2 — Listen Again: Fill in the Details
Write short answers.
1.How many emergency exits are there?_______________________________________________
2.What is the flight number and destination?_______________________________________________
3.What is the name of the crew member making the announcement?_______________________________________________
4.What is the name of the captain?_______________________________________________
5.What should you do if the life jacket doesn't inflate automatically?_______________________________________________
6.What mode must electronic devices be in?_______________________________________________
Task 3 — Grammar in the Announcement
Listen again. Write one example of each grammar structure from the announcement.
Handout 5
Speaking
SpeakingTask A — Role Play: On the Plane
Work in pairs. Student A is a passenger. Student B is a cabin crew member. Act out each situation. Then swap roles.
Task B — Discussion
1. Do you usually watch or listen to the safety briefing on a plane? Why / why not?
2. Which safety rule do you think is the most important — and which do most passengers ignore? Why?
3. Why do you think airlines spend so much time on safety instructions? Do you think the instructions are easy to understand?
4. Some airlines make their safety videos funny or creative to get passengers to watch them. Is this a good idea? Can you think of any examples?
Task C — Mini Debate
Should passengers be allowed to use their phones freely during a flight, including for calls?
Student A argues FOR. Student B argues AGAINST.
2 minutes each · then open discussion.
Student A argues FOR. Student B argues AGAINST.
2 minutes each · then open discussion.
Useful language: I think passengers should be able to... · It can be dangerous because... · There is evidence that... · You can / you can't... · In my opinion, the rule should be... · It is prohibited because...
Handout 6
Writing
WritingWriting Task — Safety Announcement
Your task: Write a safety announcement for a different form of transport. Choose one option below. Use all six grammar structures from this lesson. Write 150–200 words.
You must use all 6 structures:
✦ Imperative — a direct instruction
✦ Present Simple — a fact about the vehicle
✦ Can / Can't — a permission rule
✦ There is / There are — equipment on board
✦ Passive — a formal rule (must/should be...)
✦ Time Clause — when/before/if/after something happens
✦ Imperative — a direct instruction
✦ Present Simple — a fact about the vehicle
✦ Can / Can't — a permission rule
✦ There is / There are — equipment on board
✦ Passive — a formal rule (must/should be...)
✦ Time Clause — when/before/if/after something happens
Useful phrases:
Welcome aboard... · There are [number] exits... · Seatbelts must be fastened... · You can / You cannot... · Before departure, please... · When the alarm sounds... · If [emergency], [action]... · Do not... · There is a [safety item] located...
Welcome aboard... · There are [number] exits... · Seatbelts must be fastened... · You can / You cannot... · Before departure, please... · When the alarm sounds... · If [emergency], [action]... · Do not... · There is a [safety item] located...
Optional: When you finish, read your announcement aloud to the class in the voice of a professional crew member. The class listens and ticks which grammar structures they hear. Vote for the best announcement!
Check: [ ] 150–200 words [ ] Imperative [ ] Present Simple [ ] Can/Can't [ ] There is/are [ ] Passive [ ] Time Clause [ ] vocabulary from H1