The escape slides on aircraft are treated as which type of slides?

The escape slides on aircraft are primarily designed to operate automatically when deployed in an emergency situation, which is essential for the rapid evacuation of passengers. However, they are also classified as manual slides because they can be deployed manually when necessary, depending on the aircraft and situation during an emergency.

When you look at classifying these slides, it's important to recognize that while they are typically automatic due to their mechanism, having a manual operation allows crew members more control in various scenarios, such as if the automatic deployment fails or if there are circumstances necessitating manual activation. This dual functionality is critical for ensuring safety and preparedness during emergencies.

The classification of the slides as simply manual does not accurately represent their operational versatility, hence the understanding that all slides can be treated as manual when needed is essential for both flight crew training and emergency preparedness protocols. This highlights the importance of flexibility and readiness in emergency situations on an aircraft.