Escape System Could Still Be Used In Emergency

Quote:

---

As many of you know, Baltia submitted a request to the FAA that our Mini-Evacuation drill #7 be considered a “pass”.

Our request is based on the following:

In drill #7, all required doors opened and slides deployed as they are supposed to, in time. Our crewmembers performed their duties satisfactorily. In fact, crewmembers received accolades from the FAA for their professionalism and performance. However, slide on door R1, after proper pack opening and initial unfolding, became entangled on its internal geometric guide strap during the latter unfolding/inflating sequence.

Notwithstanding, in our view, the escape system still could have been used in emergency.

United Technologies / BF Goodrich, the slide manufacturer, concurred with Baltia’s analysis that the slide malfunction was caused by an internal slide packing error by the slide packing repair station, not following the manufacturer’s manual.

---