All Airbus A300s are equipped with one of two types of flotation devices for water landings: a life vest or a buoyant seat bottom cushion. Seat cushions are removed and held to the chest, and life vests are removed from below each passenger's seat and inflated after leaving the aircraft.
In compliance with FAA regulations, the A300 has emergency lights that direct passengers to the exit locations. The lighting system, which includes exit signs, cabin lights and escape path lighting at or near floor-level, works independently of the plane's main battery to ensure operation during a power failure.
Eight emergency exits exist on the A300, four on each side of the plane. Six are Type A passenger doors and two are Type I emergency exits. Type A doors are located in pairs behind the cockpit, between the first two cabins and at the back of the plane. These doors are floor-level and measure 42 inches wide by 76 inches high and include the door that passengers enter and exit through at the airport. The Type I exits are located about midway through the rear cabin. Also floor-level, these exits are 24 inches wide by 63 inches high. Flight crew members are trained to operate both types of exits. Passengers sitting near the emergency exits are required to state that they are willing and able to operate them.
The Airbus A300's eight emergency exits are equipped with inflatable escape slides. These slides deploy automatically and inflate in six seconds. As required by the FAA, the slides are long enough to support themselves on the ground whether or not the landing gear has been activated. They can withstand winds up to 25 knots with only one person holding them. Each slide can also detach from the aircraft and act as a life boat for water landings.
