AC NO: 20-60 DATE: 7/18/68
FEDERAL ANTATION ADVISORY
TOMINISTRANO CIRCULAR
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION SUBJECT: ACCISSIBILITY TO EXCESS EMERGENCY EXITS
1. PURPOSE. This circular sets forth acceptat le means but not the only means of compliance with thc "readily accessible" provisions in the Federal Aviation Regulations dealing with excess emergency exits.
2. REFERENCES.
a. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 25.607(c)(8), Airworthiness Standards: Transport Category Airplanes.
b. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 121.310(j), Certification and Operations: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators of large Aircraft.
3. 'BACKGROUND. The referenced regulations recuire, in part, that excess emergency exits be "readily accessible." (uestions have been raised as to what access arrangements would be acceptable under this provision.
Several acceptable means of compliance are outlined below.
4_ ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE.
a. A Type I or Type II excess emergency exit is "readily eccessible" under the referenced regulations if access is provided from the
(1) by means of an unobstructec passageway at least 20 incher wide; (2) by means of an unobstructed passageway at least 20 inches wide at the outboard seat location and at least 15 inches wide at the inboard seat locations; or (3) by removing the outboard seat nearest the centerline of the exit, and by establishing two unobstructed passageways (one forward, and one aft, of the row from which the outboard seat was removed) each at least 8 inches wide.
For the purpose of this Advisory Circular, the unobstructed passageway width is determined in each instance with seat backs in the upright position and with seat padding compressed to simulate the efiect of an cvacuce moving throuch the passageway.
Initiated by: FS-100
Page 2 AC 20-60 7/18/68
b. A Type III or Type IV excess emergency exit is "readily accessible" if access is provided from the aisle in accordance with FAR 25.813(c) or FAR 121.310(1)(3) except that the outboard seat back (as well as the inboard scat backs) may obstruct the projected exit opening when reclined.
acting Flight standards service Director