Fliers question ins, outs of evacuating

Q How does the evacuation test work? Are the “passengers” experienced in performing the procedure? — Doug, Greenwood, Ind.

A No, the participants are not specially trained and represent a wide age range. They are not employees of the manufacturer or airline. They are aware that they are participating in an evacuation drill, but not given any more information. This is done when a new airplane is certified or when an airline purchases a new airplane. Not only are the participants not “groomed,” 50% of the exits are blocked. The participants are not aware of which exits are blocked until the evacuation is started. Every occupant must be safely off the airplane within 90 seconds.

Q I am an 87-year-old man who uses a cane and/or walker. The walker is always checked, so I use the cane to enter the aircraft and store it overhead. My question is how to use the evacuation chute to leave the plane in case of an emergency. I limp badly and can’t jump. If I have to sit to slide down the chute, I will be slowing down the rest of the passengers.

— William J. Cleary, Okemos, Mich.

A Passengers with physical challenges face unique issues during an evacuation. Flight attendants will assist you to the degree they can, but their job is to get as many people off of the airplane as rapidly as possible. If you have to sit down before going down a chute, then that is what will have to happen. Other passengers will have to use alternative exits during this period until you are clear of the chute at the bottom. Keep in mind that previous flights that have been successfully evacuated have all had passengers with a wide age and mobility range.

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