FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-77/11

Title and Subtitle: Emergency escape of handicapped air travelers

Report Date: July 1977

Authors: Blethrow JG, Garner JD, Lowrey DL, Busby DE, Chandler RF

Abstract: This report describes a study conducted by the Civil Aeromedical Institute to investigate potential problems related to the emergency evacuation of civil aircraft carrying handicapped passengers.

The study includes an analysis of the movement of individual handicapped subjects in an aircraft cabin and the results of evacuation tests in which a portion of the test subjects either were handicapped or simulated handicaps. Data are given relative to assistance to handicapped passengers, the effects of groups of handicapped passengers, seating location, floor slope, and exit type on the evacuation time. Suggestions by handicapped subjects and a summary of recent aircraft accidents involving evacuation of handicapped passengers are included as appendices to the report.

Key Words: Emergency evacuation, Handicapped, Simulated handicapped

No. of Pages: 72