Ask Captain Lim

Dear Captain Lim!
(And young)

First, so no one panic, I have, in over thirty years of flying, NEVER been in a situation where the slide/flotation device has been used! And I have hundreds, if not thousands of flights!

Here is my question: I have only seen the slide/flotation device deployed, once. And this was on a TV show, on the Discovery Channel. Now, I ALWAYS count the seat back to the exit, both forward and aft, every time I fly. I also read the exit door instructions (and pay attention to the flight crew, while they go over the information).

One thing I*ve never been able to figure out is, if I have to remove the slide in water, how do you disconnect it from the aircraft? I suspect that there is only one, maybe two companies that make these slides. Do they all work the same? (Well, do most of them work the same? ? there will always be some odd one used in a Viscount, or something!)

Happy Travels!

Vic Carpenter

Hi Vic,

Being a seasoned traveler, you seem to be a very careful and safe one at that! Yes, planes rarely ditch onto the water and most air travelers are unlikely to see one in their lifetime. Nevertheless, airlines continue to have safety instructions available in their safety-briefing card or at least have a demonstration on how to wear a life vest on the air show or video screen. What is not shown to the passengers is how to disconnect the slide raft from the aircraft. Not to worry my friend ? all the flight crew have been trained to do it!

In the most unlikely event that there are no flight crews available in your slide raft, there are always instructions near the attachment point such as these:

A. Lift up flap marked "FOR DITCHING USE ONLY"
B. Pull disconnected handle. If slide does not drop, release line manually.
C. Cut the static line with knife attached.

If the aircraft sinks before the static line is cut, the line will break.

Yes, most of these slides disconnection procedures are quite similar. Even if they do vary (on old planes), don't forget to look for the instructions nearby!

Wish you safe flying always!