CS 27.807  Passenger emergency exits

ED Decision 2018/007/R

(a)     Number and location.

(1)     There must be at least one emergency exit on each side of the cabin readily accessible to each passenger. One of these exits must be usable in any probable attitude that may result from a crash;

(2)     Doors intended for normal use may also serve as emergency exits, provided that they meet the requirements of this CS; and

(3)     If emergency flotation devices are installed, there must be an emergency exit accessible to each passenger on each side of the cabin that is shown by test, demonstration, or analysis to open without interference from flotation devices, whether stowed or deployed, and with the rotorcraft floating either upright or capsized.

(b)     Type and operation. Each emergency exit prescribed by (a) or (d) must:

(1)     Consist of a moveable window or panel, or additional external door, providing an unobstructed opening that will admit a 0.48 m by 0.66 m (19 inch by 26 inch) ellipse;

(2)     Have simple and obvious methods of opening, from the inside and from the outside, which do not require exceptional effort;

(3)     Be arranged and marked so as to be readily located and operated even in darkness; and

(4)     Be reasonably protected from becoming jammed as result of fuselage deformation.

(c)      Tests. The proper functioning of each emergency exit must be shown by test.

(d)     Underwater emergency exits for passengers. If certification with ditching provisions is requested by the applicant, underwater emergency exits must be provided in accordance with the following requirements and must be proven by test, demonstration, or analysis to provide for rapid escape with the rotorcraft in the upright floating position or capsized:

(1)     One underwater emergency exit, meeting the size requirements of (b) above, must be installed in each side of the rotorcraft for each unit (or part of a unit) of four passenger seats. However, the seat-to-exit ratio may be increased for underwater emergency exits large enough to permit the simultaneous egress of two passengers side by side. Passenger seats must be located in relation to the underwater emergency exits in a way to best facilitate escape with the rotorcraft capsized and the cabin flooded.

(2)     Underwater emergency exits, including their means of operation, markings, lighting and accessibility, must be designed for use in a flooded and capsized cabin.

(3)     Each underwater emergency exit must be provided with a suitable handhold, or handholds adjacently located inside the cabin, to assist occupants in locating and operating the exit, as well as in egressing through the underwater emergency exit.

(4)     The markings required by sub-paragraph (b)(3) must be designed to remain visible if the rotorcraft is capsized and the cabin is submerged.

(5)     Each operational marking (pull tab(s), operating handle, ‘push here’ decal, etc.) must be marked with black and yellow stripes.

[Amdt No: 27/5]