FAA · Safety Alerts for Operators (SAFO)
SAFO 08017: Embraer ERJ-170/190 — Unintended Deployment of the Emergency Evacuation Escape Slide
In Brief
What It Addresses
This SAFO calls attention to the possibility of injury to ground personnel caused by the inadvertent deployment of the emergency evacuation escape slide when opening doors from outside the Embraer Model ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 aircraft.
Why It Matters
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety recommendation was submitted to the Office of Accident Investigation (AAI) informing them of the possibility of an Embraer Model ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 inadvertent escape slide deployment when opening the passenger or service doors from outside the aircraft. Inadvertent escape slide deployment can happen in the following situation: the escape slide lever is in the armed (down) position, the lock/vent flap handle is up (vent flap is open), and the external door handle is actuated from outside of the aircraft.
Recommended Action
Directors of safety and directors of operations should immediately make this hazard known to their flight crews and all ground personnel. Additionally, directors of operations should ensure that proper door opening policies and procedures are followed.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: Embraer ERJ-170/190 — Unintended Deployment of the Emergency Evacuation Escape Slide
Purpose: This SAFO calls attention to the possibility of injury to ground personnel caused by the inadvertent deployment of the emergency evacuation escape slide when opening doors from outside the Embraer Model ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 aircraft.
Background: A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety recommendation was submitted to the Office of Accident Investigation (AAI) informing them of the possibility of an Embraer Model ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 inadvertent escape slide deployment when opening the passenger or service doors from outside the aircraft. Inadvertent escape slide deployment can happen in the following situation: the escape slide lever is in the armed (down) position, the lock/vent flap handle is up (vent flap is open), and the external door handle is actuated from outside of the aircraft.
The FAA, Airport Safety and Operations Division, issued CERTALERT No. 06-03, dated February 9, 2006, informing airport operators and FAA airport certification safety inspectors of this potential hazard to rescue personnel. The aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, is aware of the problem and issued, on November 07, 2005, the Service News Letters SNL 170-52-0006 and SNL 190-52-0001 to advise operators about the correct operation of the passenger and service doors from outside the aircraft.
In addition, Service Bulletins 170-52-0025, 190-52-0005, and 190-52-0008 were issued on April 17, 2006, to provide instructions for installation of placards on the exterior of each door informing operators of the correct procedures. Embraer also issued Service Bulletins 170-52-0031 on February 1, 2007, and 190-52-0013 on February 15, 2007. These service bulletins contain instructions to modify the handle box mechanism to make the slide handle move to the disarm (up) position when the door is opened from the outside, independent of the vent flap handle position.
Recommended Action: Directors of safety and directors of operations should immediately make this hazard known to their flight crews and all ground personnel. Additionally, directors of operations should ensure that proper door opening policies and procedures are followed. Sources for the correct door opening procedures include the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Part I Chapter 52-11-00, the Ramp Maintenance Manual (RMM) Part I, the Airplane Operations Manual, and the Flight Attendant Manual. Directors of maintenance should review the referenced service bulletins for incorporation of the recommended modifications in their aircraft.
Contact: Questions or comments regarding this SAFO should be directed to the Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300) at (202) 267-1675.
SAFOSafety Alert for Operators
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
SAFO 08017
DATE: 07/22/08
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-300
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
SAFO 08017