4-1 CHAPTER 4. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DRILLS
4.1 Training Equipment. In accordance with § 121.408, training equipment used during airplane emergency equipment training drills must:
1. Meet the form, fit, function, and weight, as appropriate, of the airplane equipment.
2. Replicate the normal operation (and abnormal and emergency operation, if appropriate) of the airplane equipment including the required force, actions, and travel of the equipment and variations in equipment operated by the air carrier, if applicable.
3. Replicate the operation of the airplane equipment under adverse conditions, if appropriate.
4.1.1 Objective. The key objective is that the training equipment reflects the equipment that the pilot would use in normal and/or emergency operations in order to accomplish the learning objectives of the drill.
4.2 Task Organization.
4.2.1 Task Description. The pilot should demonstrate the action criteria under the prescribed conditions. In accordance with § 121.415(h), the air carrier must train pilots in all tasks, procedures, and environments for which they hold operations specification (OpSpec) approval to operate, under all specified conditions.
4.2.1.1 Conditions Included:
1. Environmental conditions and circumstances, including those that compound the difficulty of the task when encountered.
2. Clarifying information about the nature of the task.
4.2.1.2 Action Criteria. Procedures for completing a task, including operations in or near a critical environment, when appropriate. These are steps that are active and generally are completed in an order to achieve the goal of the task.
Provide relevant parameters to reflect satisfactory levels of performance.
4.3 One-Time Performance Drills.
4.3.1 Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE).
4.3.1.1 Condition(s):
1. The pilot will combat an actual or simulated fire using at least one type of hand fire extinguisher that is appropriate for the type of fire being fought, while using the type of installed PBE or approved PBE simulation device.
2. The hand fire extinguisher will be charged, but does not have to contain the actual extinguishing agent.
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4.3.1.2 Action Criteria:
1. Recognize the type of fire.
2. Locate source of fire or smoke.
3. Remove PBE from stowage container and pouch (as appropriate).
4. Don the PBE and activate oxygen in proper sequence (activation of oxygen may be simulated).
5. Verify seal.
6. Select appropriate hand fire extinguisher for the class of fire.
7. Remove fire extinguisher from its bracketing or securing system.
8. Prepare extinguisher for use (e.g., rotate handle to pressurize, break tamper seals, pull pin, and release safety latch).
9. Approach fire or smoke.
10. Combat fire using proper techniques.
11. Operate extinguisher discharge mechanism properly.
12. Aim and discharge extinguisher at the base of the fire using proper discharge pattern, bottle position, and body position.
13. Maintain an appropriate distance from the fire in order to complete the task and maintain personal safety.
14. Be aware of PBE oxygen duration.
15. Be aware of signals that PBE is no longer generating oxygen to wearer.
16. Use protective techniques to back away.
17. Ensure fire is extinguished.
18. Use proper techniques for PBE removal.
19. Properly secure PBE and fire extinguisher.
4.3.2 Firefighting.
4.3.2.1 Condition(s). The pilot will combat an actual fire using at least one type of hand fire extinguisher that is appropriate for the type of fire being fought.
1. The hand fire extinguisher will be charged, but does not have to contain the actual extinguishing agent.
2. This firefighting drill is not required if the pilot performs the PBE drill by combating an actual fire.
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4.3.2.2 Action Criteria. The pilot will complete the following during the drill:
1. Recognize the type of fire.
2. Locate source of fire or smoke.
3. Select appropriate hand fire extinguisher for the class of fire.
4. Remove fire extinguisher from its bracketing or securing system.
5. Prepare extinguisher for use (e.g., rotate handle to pressurize, break tamper seals, pull pin, and release safety latch).
6. Approach fire or smoke.
7. Combat fire using proper techniques.
8. Operate extinguisher discharge mechanism properly.
9. Aim and discharge extinguisher at the base of the fire using proper discharge pattern, bottle position, and body position.
10. Maintain an appropriate distance from the fire in order to complete the task and maintain personal safety.
11. Use protective techniques to back away.
12. Ensure fire is extinguished.
13. Properly secure fire extinguisher.
4.3.3 Emergency Evacuation (Airplane Equipped with Emergency Evacuation Slide(s)).
4.3.3.1 Condition(s). Each pilot will complete an emergency evacuation by egressing the airplane or approved training equipment using at least one type of installed emergency evacuation slide.
4.3.3.2 Action Criteria. The pilot will satisfactorily accomplish the following during the drill:
1. Observe the airplane exit(s) being opened in the emergency mode and the associated emergency evacuation slide or slide-raft being deployed and inflated or perform the tasks resulting in the completion of these actions.
2. Egress the airplane or approved training equipment and descend the slide while using the proper method.
4.4 Recurring Performance Drills.
4.4.1 Emergency Exits.
4.4.1.1 Condition(s). Per § 121.417, the pilot must complete a drill on the operation of each type of emergency exit in the normal and emergency modes, including the actions and forces required in the deployment of the emergency evacuation slide, if applicable.
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4.4.1.2 Action Criteria:
4.4.1.2.1 Normal Operation. The pilot will satisfactorily accomplish the following during the drill:
1. Identify conditions under which each exit should be opened or closed, if appropriate.
2. Assess the exterior and interior conditions for obstacles or hazards to persons or the exit during the opening or closing (e.g., jetway, stairs, and barrier straps).
3. Follow procedure to ensure awareness at armed boarding door prior to airplane pushback (if applicable to the exit).
4. Identify signal for arming and disarming.
5. Coordinate and communicate with other crewmembers.
6. Properly arm and disarm the exit.
7. Verify exit is armed or disarmed, as appropriate for intended operation.
8. Use proper techniques for the operating mechanism (such as handles to open exit and secure in locked position).
9. Install and stow safety strap.
10. Release locking mechanism and properly use control handles to close exit and secure in locked position.
4.4.1.2.2 Emergency Operation. The pilot will satisfactorily accomplish the following during the drill:
1. Position emergency evacuation slide (if applicable).
2. Verify the exit is in the armed or disarmed mode (as appropriate).
3. Identify conditions under which the exit is to be opened in the emergency mode.
4. Use proper voice commands to passengers (as appropriate).
5. Assess conditions outside the exit to determine the exit usability
(e.g., clear of obstruction, fire, and airplane attitude).
6. Open the exit in the armed mode (as applicable) and secure or stow the exit (as applicable) to ensure a fully open and unobstructed exit.
7. Hold onto assist handle (if applicable).
8. As applicable, pull the manual inflation handle(s) and verify deployment, inflation (e.g., emergency evacuation slide or emergency evacuation slide-raft).
9. Maintain appropriate protective body and hand positions.
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10. Follow crew coordination procedures (as appropriate).
11. Access release handle(s) (e.g., slide disconnect, jettison tailcone, and ventral stairs).
12. Recognize when it is appropriate to exit the airplane.
13. Access escape tapes or escape ropes (if applicable).
4.4.2 Fire Extinguishers.
4.4.2.1 Condition(s). Per § 121.417, the pilot must complete a drill on each type of fire extinguisher installed on the airplane. The hand fire extinguisher will be charged, but does not have to contain the actual extinguishing agent.
4.4.2.2 Action Criteria. The pilot will satisfactorily accomplish the following during the drill:
1. Remove fire extinguisher from its bracketing or securing system.
2. Prepare extinguisher for use (e.g., rotate handle to pressurize, break tamper seals, pull pin, and release safety latch).
3. Operate extinguisher discharge mechanism.
4. Aim and discharge extinguisher using proper discharge pattern, bottle position, and body position.
5. Properly secure fire extinguisher.
4.4.3 Emergency Oxygen Systems.
4.4.3.1 Condition(s). This drill will provide the pilot with practice in donning and using the emergency oxygen system, including PBE.
4.4.3.2 Action Criteria. The pilot will satisfactorily accomplish the following during the drill for each type of emergency oxygen system, including PBE:
1. Remove oxygen mask, portable oxygen bottle, or PBE from its bracketing or securing system.
2. Don and activate the oxygen and test for flow, position, seal, and security of the mask or hood to the face or head.
3. Demonstrate proper precautions.
4. Secure the oxygen bottle, canister, or cartridge (as appropriate) and position it to monitor the supply.
5. Demonstrate proper handling techniques if using portable solid state units.
6. Deactivate and stow the oxygen mask, portable oxygen bottle, or PBE.
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4.4.4 Individual Flotation Means.
4.4.4.1 Condition(s). Per § 121.417, the pilot must complete a drill on the donning, use, and inflation of individual flotation means. Individual flotation means include life preservers and other types of approved flotation devices, such as seat cushions.
4.4.4.2 Action Criteria. Each pilot will satisfactorily accomplish the following during the drill for each type of individual flotation means:
4.4.4.2.1 Life Preservers:
1. Remove life preserver from its bracketing or securing system.
2. Don and secure life preserver.
3. Inflate using automatic and manual inflation.
4. Demonstrate proper arm placement and use of the life preserver.
5. Locate, activate, and deactivate locator light.
4.4.4.2.2 Flotation Devices:
1. Remove flotation device from its bracketing or securing system.
2. Don and secure flotation device.
3. Demonstrate proper arm placement and use of the flotation device.
4.4.5 Ditching.
4.4.5.1 Condition(s). A wet training environment is recommended for the ditching drill during initial training. It should be conducted in water with sufficient depth and width under and around the raft or emergency evacuation slide-raft that does not allow participants the ability to touch the bottom or sides of the water containment structure. Raft boarding and subsequent activities should be done in water.
1. A ditching drill in a dry training environment will be conducted on a surface with sufficient space to conduct the drill without interference from nearby objects or structures.
2. Activities prior to raft boarding may be done in a classroom, the airplane, or using approved training equipment.
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4.4.5.2 Action Criteria. The pilot will participate in the following ditching drill as applicable to the air carrier’s operations:
1. Complete procedures to prepare flight deck.
2. Communicate and coordinate with flight attendants (F/A) and other crewmembers.
3. Conduct passenger briefing or verify F/As conducted passenger briefing.
4. Verify completion of procedures to prepare cabin including locating the portable emergency locator transmitter (ELT) if installed for stowage in the raft.
5. Don and inflate life preserver.
6. Remove and inflate raft.
7. Deploy and inflate emergency evacuation slide-raft.
8. Attach raft to airplane.
9. Identify boarding station and board raft.
10. Review the need to crawl and stay low.
11. Distribute the load.
12. Review the need to stay attached to the airplane as long as possible.
13. Review operation of the quick disconnect.
14. Review the need to get clear of fuel-covered water and debris.
15. Locate and deploy the sea anchor.
16. Retrieve the survival kit and review contents.
17. Identify inflation valve and review operation of inflation pump and raft repair kit.
18. Identify equipment for bailing raft dry (e.g., bailing bucket or sponge).
19. Install the canopy and discuss methods for collecting rain water and water purification techniques.
20. Demonstrate how canopy can be used in both hot and cold climates.
21. Review the use of signaling devices located in survival kits.
22. Discuss the cautions associated with flares and sea dye marker and proper use.
23. Point out raft lights.
24. Review alternate signaling devices (e.g., mirrors).
25. Locate and demonstrate use of heaving line. Review techniques to retrieve survivors.
26. Review raft maintenance techniques to include the need to relocate the portable onboard ELT to the raft.
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4.5 Recurring Observation Drills.
4.5.1 Emergency Evacuation (Airplane Equipped with Emergency Evacuation Slide(s)).
4.5.1.1 Condition(s). The pilot will observe the specific procedural drill being conducted by other persons in a live setting or through an audiovisual medium.
4.5.1.2 Action Criteria. Each pilot qualifying or serving on an airplane equipped with emergency evacuation slide(s) will observe the evacuation of the airplane with passengers using the emergency evacuation slide. The observation will include:
1. Correct methods of evacuation.
2. Correct methods of entering the emergency evacuation slide.
3. Necessity for helpers at the bottom of the emergency evacuation slide.
4.5.2 Emergency Evacuation (Airplane Not Equipped with Emergency Evacuation Slide(s)).
4.5.2.1 Condition(s). The pilot will observe the specific procedural drill being conducted by other persons in a live setting or through an audiovisual medium.
4.5.2.2 Action Criteria. Each pilot qualifying or serving on an airplane not equipped with an emergency evacuation slide will observe the evacuation of the airplane. The observation will include:
1. Correct methods of evacuation at each emergency exit.
2. Necessity for helpers at each emergency exit.
4.5.3 Removal, Deployment, Inflation and Detachment of Emergency Evacuation Slide, Raft, or Emergency Evacuation Slide-Raft.
4.5.3.1 Condition(s). The pilot will observe the specific procedural drill being conducted by other persons in a live setting or through an audiovisual medium.
4.5.3.2 Action Criteria. Each pilot will observe the deployment, inflation, and detachment from the airplane of each type of installed emergency evacuation slide, raft, or emergency evacuation slide-raft. This observation will include:
1. Removal of the raft from the airplane.
2. Proper use of the exit operating handle.
3. Location and color of the inflation handle.
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4. Demonstration of forces required to inflate the emergency evacuation slide, raft, or emergency evacuation slide-raft manually and automatically.
5. Attachment to airplane (if applicable).
6. Sound of inflating the emergency evacuation slide, raft, or emergency evacuation slide-raft.
7. Proper inflation and position of the emergency evacuation slide, raft, or emergency evacuation slide-raft.
8. Location of the ditching handle or laces.
9. Launching points (if required).
10. Procedure to pull ditching handle, including secondary actions that may be required.
11. Lanyard and the removal or cutting of lanyard.
12. Righting overturned rafts (if applicable).
4.5.4 Transfer of Emergency Evacuation Slide-Raft.
4.5.4.1 Condition(s). The pilot will observe the specific procedural drill being conducted by other persons in a live setting or through an audiovisual medium.
4.5.4.2 Action Criteria. Each pilot will observe the transfer of an emergency evacuation slide-raft from an unusable exit door to a usable exit door. This observation will include:
1. Disconnecting the emergency evacuation slide-raft from an unusable exit door.
2. Positioning the emergency evacuation slide-raft at a usable exit door.