AMC1 SPA.HOFO.165(h)
Additional procedures and equipment for operations in a hostile environment
EMERGENCY EXITS AND ESCAPE HATCHES
In order for all passengers to escape from the helicopter within an expected underwater survival time of 60 sec in the event of capsize, the following provisions should be made:
(a) there should be an easily accessible emergency exit or suitable opening for each passenger;
(b) an opening in the passenger compartment should be considered suitable as an underwater escape facility if the following criteria are met:
(1) the means of opening should be rapid and obvious;
(2) passenger safety briefing material should include instructions on the use of such escape facilities;
(3) for the egress of passengers with shoulder width of 559 mm (22 in.) or smaller, a rectangular opening should be no smaller than 356 mm (14 in.) wide, with a diagonal between corner radii no smaller than 559 mm (22 in.), when operated in accordance with the instructions;
(4) non-rectangular or partially obstructed openings (e.g. by a seat back) should be capable of admitting an ellipse of 559 mm x 356 mm (22 in. x 14 in.); and
(5) for the egress of passengers with shoulder width greater than 559 mm (22 in.), openings should be no smaller than 480 mm x 660 mm (19 in. x 26 in.) or be capable of admitting an ellipse of 480 mm x 660 mm (19 in. x 26 in.);
(c) suitable openings and emergency exits should be used for the underwater escape of no more than two passengers, unless large enough to permit the simultaneous egress of two passengers side by side:
(1) if the exit size provides an unobstructed area that encompasses two ellipses of size 480 mm x 660 m (19 in. x 26 in.) side by side, then it may be used for four passengers; and
(2) if the exit size provides an unobstructed area that encompasses two ellipses of size 356 mm x 559 mm (14 in. x 22 in.) side by side, then it may be used for four passengers with shoulder width no greater than 559 mm (22 in.) each; and
(d) passengers with shoulder width greater than 559 mm (22 in.) should be identified and allocated to seats with easy access to an emergency exit or opening that is suitable for them.
For hostile environment helicopter operations, EASA regulations mandate easily accessible emergency exits or openings for each passenger, enabling underwater escape within 60 seconds after capsize. Openings must be rapidly accessible, clearly briefed, and appropriately sized (considering passenger shoulder width) to allow for quick and safe egress.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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