Emergency evacuation from double - deck aircraft

Airbus Industrie is considering building a family of double-deck aircraft. A research project was initiated primarily to investigate the effects of the height of the new upper deck on human performance in case of an emergency, but it was also investigated whether factors such as visibility, slide design, and passenger safety instruction might influence individuals‘ performance. A performance model was developed that includes (a) situational / technical and individual dispositional factors, (b) cognitive and emotional reactions to the situation, and (c) performance features. Based on this model, new tools were developed for assessing dispositions and reactions, for analyzing behaviors at the exit, in the slide, and on ground, and for measuring times for the evacuation steps. These tools were applied in partial tests that were carried out on a double-deck mock-up with one exit. Airbus Industrie is considering building a family of double-deck aircraft with a capacity of 550-850 passengers. This aircraft will have a full-length upper deck with a twin-aisle cabin. The height of the upper deck is connected to a number of new issues. One such issue is the process of evacuation in case of an emergency. After all, the height of the door sill on the upper deck will be around 8 m, or possibly up to 11,5 m, for instance in the event of a broken gear when the body of the aircraft is in a slanted position. Hesitation of passengers at the exit could impair the performance of evacuees. A research project was initiated by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus in Hamburg to study the psychological effects of the new upper deck situation on human performance. The major task consists of investigating the effects of the height of the upper deck, but we will also investigate whether other factors, such as visibility, slide design, and passenger safety instruction might influence performance in these circumstances as well.