Originally Posted by
CLEHillbilly
This happened to me yesterday, but for the first time. I was on an ERJ, I was in 12B and this guy was the last pax to board and even walked by his seat, 12C, then came back, he looked like a novice flyer. When the FA asked if we would assist he had no clue what she was asking him, I finally said I will make sure it gets opened in an emergency. After he finally uttered yes and she left he started reading the decals on the door then finally picked up the exit row instruction card. He looked, well stared, at it for about 5 minutes while we started to push back, he kept looking back at the door while reading the card. He had a ghostly look on his face and finally I asked...."Is this your first flight", he shook his head yes....During landing we had to abort the landing with wheels down because of something with air space or a runway obstruction.
LOL
...That is exactly why we need people who are capable of opening an exit in the exit row...I am so thankful that I sit next to a door!
Olton Hall is absolutely correct, the window exits weigh between 40-60 lbs. The doors will vary depending on whether the slide actually inflates and whether or not the plane is level. The 757s, 767s, and 777s all have a power assist to help open the door during emergency mode only. At the training center the doors are calibrated with enough tension to simulate opening the door with the slide engaged and the airplane banked.
Hopefully 12C will think twice next time before asking for an exit row seat!