In an overwater evacuation, what function can the slides provide?

• A. Slides can double as rafts to float passengers
• B. Slides are only for show
• C. Slides require separate lifeboats
• D. Slides are not used on water landings

Answer: (A)

In an overwater evacuation, the slide is designed to double as a life raft. When the exit is opened, the slide inflates and becomes a buoyant platform that passengers can float on, keeping them afloat while awaiting rescue. This dual-use design is what makes slides particularly valuable in water landings: they provide immediate egress and immediate flotation without needing separate lifeboats for everyone, while still offering additional survival gear as needed. The other ideas aren’t accurate: slides aren’t just for show, and while some aircraft carry separate liferafts, the slide itself can function as a raft. Slides are indeed used in water landings.