For years I have laughed at one particular airline safety-card illustration because it appears to show a woman not simply opening the emergency exit, but fully removing the door and taking it with her like she paid for it.
That is an amazing level of commitment. Most people in a crisis are just trying to remain calm and locate the nearest exit. This woman appears to have said, “I’m leaving, and frankly I’m taking part of the plane with me.”
Maybe I’m reading it wrong. Maybe the artist intended to show the door swinging outward. But that is not what the human eye receives. What the human eye receives is a passenger making a break for it with evidence.
It also raises logistical questions. Are you required to bring the door? Is this part of the evacuation? Has the FAA been quietly expecting us to do some light carpentry under pressure?
If so, that seems like the sort of thing they should mention a little more clearly. “In the event of an emergency, remain calm, help others if possible, and apparently remove one large section of the aircraft wall.”
I also appreciate the confidence of the drawing. There’s no hesitation. No panic. No uncertainty. She’s just hauling that door away like she’s leaving a Home Depot parking lot after making one impulsive purchase too many.
Anyway, if I’m ever in an in-flight emergency, I hope I conduct myself with half the poise of the lady who, according to this diagram, successfully evacuated and improved her home at the same time.