This paper points out the need for emergency evacuation of air transports involved in accidents which result in cabin interiors becoming uninhabitable. Recent transport experience in accidents, involving ditchings and accidents, involving fire following impact are cited to illustrate the importance of the evacuation system. It is pointed out that aircraft designs often result in configurations which make expeditious egress arduous. As an attempt at improving overall occupant safety, it is suggested that emergency evacuation provisions be designed and tested from a system and maximum time limit viewpoint.
