Effects of Seating Configuration and Number of Type III Exists on Emergency Aircraft Evacuation.
Abstract
An increase in the required pathway width from aircraft center aisles to Type III overwing exits is being weighed by the FAA. To augment the analysis, an examination of seat/exit configuration effects on simulated emergency egress was conducted in the CAMI Evacuation Research Facility. METHODS. Four subject groups traversed four different seat/exit configurations in a counter-balanced, repeated-measures design. Pathway width was modified by altering seat pitch. RESULTS. In single-exit trials the fastest times and highest flow-rates occurred with a 20 pathway between triple seats or a 10 pathway between double seats. Double exits produced 36% shorter egress times (p<.007), although flow-rates declined 11% and exit Plug removal times increased 32%, compared to single exits. Efficient egress requires optimization of the space around the exit. Generally, wider pathways and fewer obstructions enhance this process; however; when available space exceeds individual passenger needs, conflicts may be produced which inhibit egress. Emergency Evacuations, Type III Exits, Seat Pitch, Egress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255754
Entities
People
- C. B. Chittum
- E. W. Folk
- G. A. Mclean
- G. E. Funkhouser
- G. W. Fairlie
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration