CS 26.110 Emergency exit markings

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

Compliance with point 26.110 of UK Part-26 is demonstrated by complying with CS 25.811(a) to (d), and (f)&(g), or equivalent, and CS 25.811(e) or equivalent, or with the following:

(a) Each passenger emergency exit, its means of access, and its means of opening are conspicuously marked.

(b) The identity and location of each passenger emergency exit is recognisable from a distance equal to the width of the cabin.

(d) The location of each passenger emergency exit is indicated by a sign visible to occupants approaching along the main passenger aisle (or aisles). There is:

(1) a passenger emergency exit locator sign above the aisle (or aisles) near each passenger emergency exit, or at another overhead location if it is more practical because of low headroom, except that one sign may serve more than one exit if each exit can be seen readily from the sign;

(2) a passenger emergency exit marking sign next to each passenger emergency exit, except that one sign may serve two such exits if they can both be seen readily from the sign; and

(3) a sign on each bulkhead or divider that prevents fore and aft vision along the passenger cabin to indicate emergency exits beyond and obscured by the bulkhead or divider, except that if this is not possible, the sign may be placed at another appropriate location.

Each sign listed in this sub-paragraph may use the word ‘exit’ in its legend in place of the term ‘emergency exit’ or a universal symbolic exit sign. The design of the exit signs is chosen to provide a consistent set throughout the cabin. (See GM1 26.110(d))

(e) The location of the operating handle and instructions for opening exits from the inside of the aeroplane are clearly shown in the following manner:

(1) each passenger emergency exit has, on or near the exit, a marking that is readable from a distance of 76 cm (30 inches);

(2) each passenger emergency exit operating handle and the cover removal instructions, if the handle is covered, are:

(i) self-illuminated with an initial brightness of at least 0.51 candela/m² (160 microlamberts); or

(ii) conspicuously located and well illuminated by the emergency lighting even in conditions of occupant crowding at the exit.

(3) Reserved

(4) All Type II and larger passenger emergency exits with a locking mechanism released by motion of a handle, are marked by a red arrow with a shaft at least 19 mm (0.75 inch) wide, adjacent to the handle, that indicates the full extent and direction of the unlocking motion required. The word OPEN is horizontally situated adjacent to the arrow head and is in red capital letters at least 25 mm (1 inch) high. The arrow and word OPEN are located on a background which provides adequate contrast. (See GM1 26.110(e)(4))

(f) Each emergency exit that is openable from the outside, and its means of opening is marked on the outside of the aeroplane. In addition, the following apply:

(1) The outside marking for each passenger emergency exit in the side of the fuselage includes one 5 cm (2 inch) coloured band outlining the exit.

(2) Each outside marking including the band, has colour contrast to be readily distinguishable from the surrounding fuselage surface. The contrast is such that if the reflectance of the darker colour is 15% or less, the reflectance of the lighter colour is at least 45%. ‘Reflectance’ is the ratio of the luminous flux reflected by a body to the luminous flux it receives. When the reflectance of the darker colour is greater than 15%, at least a 30% difference between its reflectance and the reflectance of the lighter colour is provided.

(3) In the case of exits other than those in the side of the fuselage, such as ventral or tail cone exits, the external means of opening, including instructions if applicable, are conspicuously marked in red, or bright chrome yellow if the background colour is such that red is inconspicuous. When the opening is located on only one side of the fuselage, a conspicuous marking to that effect is provided on the other side.