According to FAA standards, how quickly must aircraft evacuation slides deploy for safe usage?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 10 seconds
• C. 15 seconds
• D. 20 seconds

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is that aircraft evacuation slides must deploy within 10 seconds for safe usage, according to FAA standards. This timing is crucial because it ensures that passengers can evacuate the aircraft quickly and efficiently in an emergency situation. A rapid deployment minimizes the risk of passengers becoming trapped inside, reduces exposure to potential hazards, and enhances overall safety during an evacuation.

The focus on a 10-second standard is based on emergency response protocols, which aim to facilitate a swift evacuation that can be critical in life-threatening scenarios. In such situations, every second counts, which is why the FAA has established stringent timelines for the deployment of evacuations slides, ensuring that they are functional and ready to support a safe and orderly exit from the aircraft.