Update evac certs to reflect cabin baggage?
Oct 31, 2016 | 10:28 am
#1
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Location: Vancouver, Canada
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Update evac certs to reflect cabin baggage?
We've had a number of examples recently of people evacuating in an emergency with their carry-on.
EK521, DL1086, BA2279 - And, most recently, the American Airlines 767 at ORD.
This article makes an interesting argument that the certifications for rapid aircraft evacuation need to be revised to take into account the fact that people take their luggage with them in an evac -
http://www.airlineratings.com/news/8...ares-to-triple
Aircraft are certified on the basis of all passengers off in 90 seconds with half the exits out of use.
The stark reality is it takes three times longer - and sometimes more - with passengers slowing the process by grabbing bags.
In the evacuation certification tests, the "passengers" are aircraft manufacturer employees who know the drill and they have no baggage.
What do you think? Do you think the current evacuation-time figures and related certifications need to be adjusted to reflect the real-world scenarios of people taking their baggage?
I know you can argue that "FAs should enforce the rules during an emergency evac!" or "people should be fined!" but neither of those speed the evacuation and besides who wants a pile of bags at the emergency exit anyway?
I personally think the test has to presume the scenario of a majority of people at least grabbing the bag under the seat in front of them and taking it with them.
EK521, DL1086, BA2279 - And, most recently, the American Airlines 767 at ORD.
This article makes an interesting argument that the certifications for rapid aircraft evacuation need to be revised to take into account the fact that people take their luggage with them in an evac -
http://www.airlineratings.com/news/8...ares-to-triple
Aircraft are certified on the basis of all passengers off in 90 seconds with half the exits out of use.
The stark reality is it takes three times longer - and sometimes more - with passengers slowing the process by grabbing bags.
In the evacuation certification tests, the "passengers" are aircraft manufacturer employees who know the drill and they have no baggage.
What do you think? Do you think the current evacuation-time figures and related certifications need to be adjusted to reflect the real-world scenarios of people taking their baggage?
I know you can argue that "FAs should enforce the rules during an emergency evac!" or "people should be fined!" but neither of those speed the evacuation and besides who wants a pile of bags at the emergency exit anyway?
I personally think the test has to presume the scenario of a majority of people at least grabbing the bag under the seat in front of them and taking it with them.
Oct 31, 2016 | 10:49 am
#2
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At one time, those tests didn't include POS, comfort/service animals, or families with infants, either.
I agree, the tests should take into account cabin baggage, at least underseat items. It's all well and good to talk about what people should do in an emergency - stay calm, no pushing/shoving, follow crew instructions, etc. - but you've also got to be realistic. In a panic situation, people are going to do what they're going to do.
I think it's also worth noting that 85% of pax fly once a year or less. Unlike (possibly) experienced flyers, they won't have separated their belongings out so they have a small, immediately accessible emergency bag close at hand at all times. Their instinct will understandably be to grab their belongings.
I agree, the tests should take into account cabin baggage, at least underseat items. It's all well and good to talk about what people should do in an emergency - stay calm, no pushing/shoving, follow crew instructions, etc. - but you've also got to be realistic. In a panic situation, people are going to do what they're going to do.
I think it's also worth noting that 85% of pax fly once a year or less. Unlike (possibly) experienced flyers, they won't have separated their belongings out so they have a small, immediately accessible emergency bag close at hand at all times. Their instinct will understandably be to grab their belongings.
Oct 31, 2016 | 11:07 am
#3
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 30,986
Would be interesting to see the timelines based on just people evacuating versus people trying to take their personal gear and evacuating. What is the time penalty? The test should be done with volunteers but each person only allowed to participate in one trial of either type of evacuation. No training beyond the standard briefing given to every passenger on each flight. Even then the evacuation would likely be quicker since the people involved know what is going to happen. Maybe through in some obstacles like broken seats, heavy smoke, jammed hatches.