The Advisory Circular (AC) describes an acceptable means of compliance with Civil Aviation Rule Part 121 relating to the occupancy of exit rows with direct access to unstaffed emergency exits, or exits where a single cabin crew member is responsible for a pair of exits. The recommendations are that at least one able-bodied passenger (ABP) or passengering crew member occupies each unstaffed exit during the critical phases of flight, and that additional briefings are provided to these passengers.
Adoptions of these recommendations will aide passengers in the event of an emergency to be prepared for the active role they may be required to play in assisting cabin crew. A well prepared passenger will increase the probability of a timely and safe exit of passengers from an aircraft during an emergency evacuation, reducing the possibility of injuries and loss of life.
This AC relates specifically to Civil Aviation Rules 121.81 passenger safety and 91.211 passenger briefing. These rules comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as set out in Annex 6 Operation of Aircraft.
This is the initial issue of this AC.
