AIRCRAFT Evacuation Study Pays Off In Several Ways

Would you like to spend a day getting in an out of a simulated airplane as quickly as you can, over and over again?<br><br>That may not sound too appealing on the surface, but there are some good reasons

Thursday, May 3rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Would you like to spend a day getting in an out of a simulated airplane as quickly as you can, over and over again?

That may not sound too appealing on the surface, but there are some good reasons to consider it. For one, it helps the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) learn more about airplane safety. In emergency situations, every second counts. So, the FAA strives to find the fastest and most efficient configuration for evacuating the over-wing exits.

To help in the effort, a group called Aero Tech Service Associates (ATSA) recruits volunteer groups of about 50 persons to repeatedly scramble in and out of an aircraft simulator, each time with a new person opening the escape hatch.

The element that is present in a real crash, but not for the testing, is smoke. The estimated life expectancy of a person trapped in a smoke filled cabin is a mere 90 seconds. Which is a great reason to know where the exits on an airplane are located before you need them.
In order for the ATSA to finish the study, they are looking to recruit approximately 2500 volunteers, ages 18 - 65. They are looking for people who have no prior knowledge of the escape routes, so it is required that the recruits have never participated in the study before. As an incentive, they are offering a payment of $11.93 per hour for the 3-4 hour long studies. The study has proven to be a great fundraising opportunity for churches and clubs.

If you are interested in learning more the study, you can call ATSA toll free at 1-877-535-1086. Also, Jerry Johnson from ATSA is scheduled to chat live with KOTV visitors on Thursday night from 10pm to 11pm.