What is the protocol for treating escape slides on aircraft?

The protocol for treating escape slides on aircraft emphasizes that all slides should be treated as manual. This means that crew members must always be prepared to deploy and operate the slides based on established procedures, regardless of whether they are automatic or manual. This approach ensures that in emergencies, where rapid evacuation is critical, crew can effectively handle any slide deployment without making assumptions about their functioning.

The importance of treating all slides as manual lies in the fact that aircraft systems can fail, and crew members must be trained to rely on their skills and knowledge to ensure passenger safety. These protocols are in place to mitigate risks during emergencies, as reliance on slide automation may not always guarantee functionality or prompt deployment, especially under stressful or chaotic conditions.

By ensuring all slides are treated as manual, crew are more prepared to react appropriately in various scenarios, leading to safer and more efficient evacuations.