Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00093:body:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00093
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 23522–26400

15.2 Ditching demonstration
       15.2.1 Before each type and model of aircraft with a seating capacity of more than 44 passengers is used for the carriage of passengers on charter or regular public transport operations where life rafts are required by subsection 5 the operator shall unless specifically exempted by CASA, show by demonstration in accordance with Appendix II of this section that the ditching procedures allow for the removal of the rafts and the evacuation of the occupants from the aircraft in an orderly and expeditious manner. The exits selected for the demonstration shall be approved by CASA.
      15.2.1.1 When considering whether to grant an exemption against the requirement for a ditching demonstration, CASA shall take into account the availability and realism of training equipment, ditching demonstrations carried out by the operator on similar aircraft types, and such other factors as he may consider relevant.
       15.2.2 Where a significant re-arrangement is made in the location of the life rafts or in the passenger cabin interior configuration for which a successful demonstration has been conducted, the need for further demonstration shall be referred to CASA for consideration.
Appendix II

Criteria for ditching demonstration

      1 The demonstration may be done under daylight conditions.

      2 The aircraft's normal electrical power sources shall be de-energised at the commencement of the evacuation.

      3 The demonstration shall include the pre-ditching procedures prescribed in the relevant aircraft operations manual and full use shall be made of the emergency equipment normally available. Where rafts and accessories are relocated in accordance with these procedures, they shall be restrained so as to prevent them moving under the maximum accelerations to be expected in a ditching.

      4 Not more than 50 per cent of the aircraft's emergency exits shall be used for the demonstration and they shall be representative of all the emergency exits on the aircraft. At least 1 exit used shall be a floor level exit. Exits not nominated for use in the demonstration shall be so indicated by red lights, red tape, or other acceptable means, placed outside the exits to indicate fire or other reason that the exits are unusable.

      5 Platforms or stairs shall be placed at each emergency exit and adjacent to the wings for escape from overwing exits with the top of the platforms or stairs at a height simulating the water level following a ditching.

      6 A crew complement not exceeding the number normally carried shall be on board the aircraft and each crew member shall be a member of a regularly scheduled line crew.

      7 The seating density and arrangement of the aircraft shall be representative of the highest passenger version of that aircraft the operator operates or proposes to operate.

      8