During a ditching, life vests must be inflated _________ of the aircraft.

During a ditching, life vests must be inflated _________ of the aircraft.

• A. Outside
• B. When you reach the water
• C. Inside
• D. Under the seat

Answer: (A)

During a ditching, buoyancy is essential as you evacuate and enter the water, so you want to be afloat as soon as possible after leaving the aircraft. Inflating the life vest outside the aircraft ensures you gain buoyancy once you are clear of the cabin and in the water, without the vest getting in the way or hindering your exit. If you inflate inside, the vest becomes bulky and can obstruct the doorway, snag on seats or other passengers, and slow down evacuation. Inflating inside also risks the vest hindering others as you move toward the exit. Inflating after you’re outside or in the water provides the safest, most efficient buoyancy situation for everyone involved.

During a ditching, buoyancy is essential as you evacuate and enter the water, so you want to be afloat as soon as possible after leaving the aircraft. Inflating the life vest outside the aircraft ensures you gain buoyancy once you are clear of the cabin and in the water, without the vest getting in the way or hindering your exit. If you inflate inside, the vest becomes bulky and can obstruct the doorway, snag on seats or other passengers, and slow down evacuation. Inflating inside also risks the vest hindering others as you move toward the exit. Inflating after you’re outside or in the water provides the safest, most efficient buoyancy situation for everyone involved.