The tests are under the control of the FAA in the USA (for Boeing), JAA in Europe (for Airbus). Both are comparable. They generally take place in a hangar at the factory which can be darkened with the new aircraft fully fitted out with seats etc. The "volunteers" are generally friends and families of the manufacturers employees, selected to give an appropriate cross-section of the travelling public, including children, elderly and handicapped. JAA/FAA observers are stationed around the cabin. There is no rehearsal other than standard airline briefings.

On "go" only 75% of the doors actually work (not known beforehand which ones will not work) and the observers toss in a couple of smoke bombs to help things along. Appropriate noises are added on the PA. Everybody must be out in 90 seconds. As always, the captain is last out.

There were some unfortunate injuries during the MD-11 test some years ago that caused the whole principle to be questioned, but it needs to be done.

I often have my doubts about the passengers in emergency exit seats, particularly the one who would handle the door. It's about 40 pounds weight and you need to get it inside the aircraft, then throw it right out (except the Boeing 737NG which has a different design). Comments such as pinniped's about doubting the efficiency of the process make me wonder if he/she is an appropriate person to be seated in that row anyway. You need someone who will be committed to the process, who takes time to read the instructions on door handling and to practice them in their own mind, just as I do when there. The attitude that they are just good seats because of increased legroom should be tempered by the realisation that you are assuming an increased responsibility to your fellow passengers.

The basic layout ot the A380 was determined more than anything else by evacuation requirements. They looked at a single decker much wider than the present widebodies but it needed so many emergency exits they went for the full double deck layout. It will be an interesting trial when ready!