ED Decision 2018/007/R
This AMC supplements FAA AC 29.803 and AC 29.803A.
(a) Explanation
At Amendment 5, the usage of the term ‘ditching emergency exit’ was changed.
CS 29.803(c) was created with the intention that the rotorcraft design will allow all passengers to egress the rotorcraft and enter a life raft without undue effort or skill, and with a very low risk of falling and entering the water surrounding of the ditched rotorcraft. Boarding a life raft from the water is difficult, even in ideal conditions, and survival time is significantly increased once aboard a life raft, particularly if the survivor has remained at least partly dry. CS 29.803(c) requires that ditching emergency exits be provided to facilitate boarding into each of the required life rafts.
(b) Procedures
(1) The general arrangement of most rotorcraft and the location of the deployed life rafts may be such that the normal entry/egress doors will best facilitate entry to a life raft. It should also be substantiated that the life rafts can be restrained in a position that allows passengers to step directly from the cabin into the life rafts. This is expected to require provisions to enable a cabin occupant to pull the deployed life raft to the exit, using the retaining line, and maintain it in that position while others board.
(2) It is not considered disadvantageous if opening the normal entry/egress doors will result in water entering the cabin provided that the depth of water would not be such as to hinder evacuation. However, it should be substantiated that water pressure on the door will not excessively increase operating loads.
(3) If exits such as normal entry/egress doors, which are not already being used to meet the requirements for emergency exits or underwater emergency exits (or both), are used for compliance with CS 29.803(c)(1), they should be designed to meet certain of the standards applied to emergency exits. Their means of opening should be simple and obvious and not require exceptional effort (see CS 29.809(c)), their means of access and opening should be conspicuously marked, including in the dark (see CS 29.811(a)), their location should be indicated by signs (see CS 29.811(c) and (d)), and their operating handles should be clearly marked (see CS 29.811(e)).
[Amdt No: 29/5]
AMC 29.803(c) explains ditching emergency exit intent, life raft boarding procedures, and substantiation requirements for exits used for evacuation, referencing CS 29.809 and 29.811 marking and opening standards.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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