DOC AIRBUS | AMM A320FPASSENGER COMPARTMENT EMERGENCY EXIT - DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
1. General
For the evacuation of the passengers there are four overwing emergency exits as well as four regular passenger/ crew doors. The emergency exits are closed with plug-in type hatches made of aluminum alloy. Two emergency exit hatches are installed on each side of the center fuselage.
The four emergency exit hatches specified as type "III" have the same function. It is possible to open them from the inner and outer side of the passenger compartment. The locations of the four emergency exit hatches in the center fuselage are as follows:
The technical data of the emergency exit hatches are as follows:
Size: 508 x 1020 mm (20 x 40.1 in.) - Weight: 15.0 kg (33.07 lb.)
For the evacuation of the passengers there are two overwing emergency exits as well as four regular passenger/ crew doors. The emergency exits are closed with plug-in type hatches made of aluminum alloy. One emergency exit hatch is installed on each side of the center fuselage.
The two emergency exit hatches specified as type "III" have the same function. It is possible to open them from the inner and outer side of the passenger compartment. The locations of the two emergency exit hatches in the center fuselage are as follows:
The technical data of the emergency exit hatches are as follows:
Size: 508 x 1020 mm (20 x 40.1 in.) - Weight: 15.0 kg (33.07 lb.)
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL For the evacuation of the passengers there are four overwing emergency exits as well as four regular passenger/ crew doors. The emergency exits are closed with plug-in type hatches made of aluminum alloy. Two emergency exit hatches are installed on each side of the center fuselage.
General View of the Emergency Exit HatchesThe four emergency exit hatches specified as type "III" have the same function. It is possible to open them from the inner and outer side of the passenger compartment. The locations of the four emergency exit hatches in the center fuselage are as follows:
- the forward left emergency exit hatch in Z833 between FR38 and FR39 ,
- the rear left emergency exit hatch in Z834 between FR40 and FR41,
- the forward right emergency exit hatch in Z843 between FR38 and FR39,
- the rear right emergency exit hatch in Z844 between FR40 and FR41.
The technical data of the emergency exit hatches are as follows:
Size: 508 x 1020 mm (20 x 40.1 in.) - Weight: 15.0 kg (33.07 lb.)
For the evacuation of the passengers there are two overwing emergency exits as well as four regular passenger/ crew doors. The emergency exits are closed with plug-in type hatches made of aluminum alloy. One emergency exit hatch is installed on each side of the center fuselage.
The two emergency exit hatches specified as type "III" have the same function. It is possible to open them from the inner and outer side of the passenger compartment. The locations of the two emergency exit hatches in the center fuselage are as follows:
- the left emergency exit hatch in Z834 between FR40 and FR41,
- the right emergency exit hatch in Z844 between FR40 and FR41.
The technical data of the emergency exit hatches are as follows:
Size: 508 x 1020 mm (20 x 40.1 in.) - Weight: 15.0 kg (33.07 lb.)
2. Component Location
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL NOTE: The components of the emergency exit hatch Z843 are shown in the table below. The components of the emergency exit hatches Z833, Z834 and Z844 are the same.
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| FIN I FUNCTIONAL DESIGNATION I PANELIZONEIACCESS I ATA |
| I I I I DOOR I REF. |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| HATCH STRUCTURE 843 52-21-00 |
| CABIN WINDOW 843 56-21-00 |
| HATCH SEAL 843 52-21-11 |
| INSULATION 843 52-21-13 |
| HATCH LINING 843 25-23-47 |
| SLIDE RELEASE MECHANISM 843 52-21-11 |
| HATCH CONTROL HANDLE 843 52-21-11 |
| LOCKING SHAFT UNIT 843 52-21-11 |
| ROLLER GUIDE ASSEMBLIES 843 52-21-11 |
NOTE: The components of the emergency exit hatch Z834 are shown in the table below. The components of the emergency exit hatch Z844 are the same.
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| FIN I FUNCTIONAL DESIGNATION I PANELIZONEIACCESS I ATA |
| I I I I DOOR I REF. |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| HATCH STRUCTURE 834 52-21-00 |
| CABIN WINDOW 834 56-21-00 |
| HATCH SEAL 834 52-21-11 |
| INSULATION 834 52-21-13 |
| HATCH LINING 834 25-23-47 |
| SLIDE RELEASE MECHANISM 834 52-21-11 |
| HATCH CONTROL HANDLE 834 52-21-11 |
| LOCKING SHAFT UNIT 834 52-21-11 |
| ROLLER GUIDE ASSEMBLIES 834 52-21-11 |
3. Description
Each emergency exit hatch has a slide release mechanism with two operation modes. These are the NORMAL mode and the MAINTENANCE mode.
During the NORMAL mode, the latch pin of the slide release mechanism is in the ARMED position (the latch pin is extended). When the emergency exit hatch is removed, the slide release mechanism operates the emergency escape slide automatically.
During the MAINTENANCE mode, the latch pin is in the DISARMED position (the latch pin is retracted). This prevents an operation of the emergency escape slide when the emergency exit hatch is removed during the maintenance procedure.
A proximity switch monitors the ARMED/DISARMED position of the latch pin. If the latch pin is retracted, the proximity switch sends a signal to the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) system.
To prevent accidental operation of the hatch locking mechanism, the release warning system gives two different warning signals. One signal is sent to the ECAM system and the other gives a visual warning in the cabin.
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL Each emergency exit hatch has a slide release mechanism with two operation modes. These are the NORMAL mode and the MAINTENANCE mode.
During the NORMAL mode, the latch pin of the slide release mechanism is in the ARMED position (the latch pin is extended). When the emergency exit hatch is removed, the slide release mechanism operates the emergency escape slide automatically.
During the MAINTENANCE mode, the latch pin is in the DISARMED position (the latch pin is retracted). This prevents an operation of the emergency escape slide when the emergency exit hatch is removed during the maintenance procedure.
A proximity switch monitors the ARMED/DISARMED position of the latch pin. If the latch pin is retracted, the proximity switch sends a signal to the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) system.
To prevent accidental operation of the hatch locking mechanism, the release warning system gives two different warning signals. One signal is sent to the ECAM system and the other gives a visual warning in the cabin.
4. Component Description
The primary components of each emergency exit hatch are:
The primary components of each emergency exit hatch are:
- the Hatch Structure,
- the Hatch Seal,
- the Lining and Insulation,
- the Locking Mechanism,
- the Slide Release Mechanism,
- the Roller Guide Assemblies.
A. Hatch Structure
The primary hatch structure is the beam framing, the inside framing and the chemically milled outer skin. These components are made of aluminum alloy sheet metal. They are riveted together to give the hatch its rigidity.
The beam framing is the formed horizontal beams and the formed vertical frame segments. A forged window frame is riveted in the center of the beam framing to install the cabin window into the hatch.
The inside framing is the formed vertical and horizontal edge beams and the formed edge curves. A retaining channel, made of formed sheet metal, is riveted on each horizontal edge beam to attach the hatch seal. A stop profile with an included retaining channel is riveted on each vertical edge beam. The profiles keep the hatch during the installation in line with the fuselage. They also hold the hatch against the cabin pressure when the aircraft is in flight.
To prevent the corrosion of the primary hatch structure, all components have a surface protection and are installed with a sealing compound. The surface protection of the stop profiles and the seal retaining channels is sulphuric acid anodizing plus epoxy primer and polyurethane top coat. The surface protection of all other components is chromic acid anodizing plus epoxy primer and polyurethane top coat. On the inside of the emergency exit hatch there is a water repellent agent.
The primary hatch structure is the beam framing, the inside framing and the chemically milled outer skin. These components are made of aluminum alloy sheet metal. They are riveted together to give the hatch its rigidity.
The beam framing is the formed horizontal beams and the formed vertical frame segments. A forged window frame is riveted in the center of the beam framing to install the cabin window into the hatch.
The inside framing is the formed vertical and horizontal edge beams and the formed edge curves. A retaining channel, made of formed sheet metal, is riveted on each horizontal edge beam to attach the hatch seal. A stop profile with an included retaining channel is riveted on each vertical edge beam. The profiles keep the hatch during the installation in line with the fuselage. They also hold the hatch against the cabin pressure when the aircraft is in flight.
To prevent the corrosion of the primary hatch structure, all components have a surface protection and are installed with a sealing compound. The surface protection of the stop profiles and the seal retaining channels is sulphuric acid anodizing plus epoxy primer and polyurethane top coat. The surface protection of all other components is chromic acid anodizing plus epoxy primer and polyurethane top coat. On the inside of the emergency exit hatch there is a water repellent agent.
B. Hatch Seal
The hatch seal is a special lip-type seal with a reinforced lip edge. The hatch seal is made of silicone rubber reinforced with strong fabric. It is installed in the retaining channels around the hatch. When the emergency exit hatch is installed, the seal lip is in contact with the hatch frame. Thus, the emergency exit is pressure-tight, when closed.
The hatch seal is a special lip-type seal with a reinforced lip edge. The hatch seal is made of silicone rubber reinforced with strong fabric. It is installed in the retaining channels around the hatch. When the emergency exit hatch is installed, the seal lip is in contact with the hatch frame. Thus, the emergency exit is pressure-tight, when closed.
C. Lining and Insulation
Differently formed insulation packets are installed between the components of the primary structure for sound and thermal protection. They are attached with VELCRO tapes on the inner face of the outer skin. The insulation packets are made of glasswool blankets which are covered with a wrapped foil.
A hatch lining, which is part of the cabin lining, is attached with screws to the inside framing to cover the primary structure. It has a cut-out for the cover flap to get access to the hatch control handle.
Around the hatch lining there is a gap seal to decrease the possible pressure leaks.
Differently formed insulation packets are installed between the components of the primary structure for sound and thermal protection. They are attached with VELCRO tapes on the inner face of the outer skin. The insulation packets are made of glasswool blankets which are covered with a wrapped foil.
A hatch lining, which is part of the cabin lining, is attached with screws to the inside framing to cover the primary structure. It has a cut-out for the cover flap to get access to the hatch control handle.
Around the hatch lining there is a gap seal to decrease the possible pressure leaks.
D. Locking Mechanism
The primary components of the locking mechanism are the locking shaft unit and the hatch control handle. They are installed in the upper section of the emergency exit hatch.
The locking shaft unit includes the two locking hooks and the locking shaft. When the emergency exit hatch is correctly locked, the locking hooks engage in the upper roller fitting on the fuselage. A connection rod attaches the hatch control handle to the locking shaft unit. When the hatch control handle is released, the connection rod causes a movement of the locking shaft unit. The hatch control handle has two tension springs which retain the handle in the up position.
Part of the hatch control handle are the pull lever and the flush panel which operates the locking mechanism. When the pull lever is set down, the flush panel still remains in the handle frame. The spring-loaded linkage then blocks the pull lever in its lower position. An outboard operation of the flush panel moves the pull lever down and operates the locking shaft unit.
The primary components of the locking mechanism are the locking shaft unit and the hatch control handle. They are installed in the upper section of the emergency exit hatch.
The locking shaft unit includes the two locking hooks and the locking shaft. When the emergency exit hatch is correctly locked, the locking hooks engage in the upper roller fitting on the fuselage. A connection rod attaches the hatch control handle to the locking shaft unit. When the hatch control handle is released, the connection rod causes a movement of the locking shaft unit. The hatch control handle has two tension springs which retain the handle in the up position.
Part of the hatch control handle are the pull lever and the flush panel which operates the locking mechanism. When the pull lever is set down, the flush panel still remains in the handle frame. The spring-loaded linkage then blocks the pull lever in its lower position. An outboard operation of the flush panel moves the pull lever down and operates the locking shaft unit.
E. Slide Release Mechanism
The slide release mechanism includes the guiding fitting, the spring and the latch pin. The guiding fitting is installed on the left or right edge curve of the hatch structure. A guide pin is installed in the guiding fitting and engages in the keyway of the latch pin. The spring pin locks the spring-loaded latch pin in its ARMED position if the extended latch pin is turned clockwise. If the latch pin is turned counterclockwise, the spring retracts the latch pin to its DISARMED position.
The slide release mechanism includes the guiding fitting, the spring and the latch pin. The guiding fitting is installed on the left or right edge curve of the hatch structure. A guide pin is installed in the guiding fitting and engages in the keyway of the latch pin. The spring pin locks the spring-loaded latch pin in its ARMED position if the extended latch pin is turned clockwise. If the latch pin is turned counterclockwise, the spring retracts the latch pin to its DISARMED position.
F. Roller Guide Assemblies
The roller guide assemblies include the subsequent components:
The hook brackets, attached on the hatch bottom beam, engage in their pivot fittings attached on the opening sill. Both components together put the emergency exit hatch in line with the fuselage during the installation.
A lateral guide fitting is attached on each vertical edge member of the emergency exit hatch. These fittings put the hatch in the center position during the installation. The upper roller fittings are mounted on the lintel of the fuselage. If the emergency exit hatch is locked, the locking hooks engage in the roller fittings.
The roller guide assemblies include the subsequent components:
- the hook brackets and their pivot fittings,
- the lateral guide fittings,
- the upper roller fittings.
The hook brackets, attached on the hatch bottom beam, engage in their pivot fittings attached on the opening sill. Both components together put the emergency exit hatch in line with the fuselage during the installation.
A lateral guide fitting is attached on each vertical edge member of the emergency exit hatch. These fittings put the hatch in the center position during the installation. The upper roller fittings are mounted on the lintel of the fuselage. If the emergency exit hatch is locked, the locking hooks engage in the roller fittings.
5. Operation
A. Removal of Emergency Exit Hatch from the Inner Side
To get access to the hatch control handle, pull the cover flap down from the recess. When the cover flap is removed, a proximity switch is operated and gives two different warning signals. The warnings tell the flight crew that the hatch is not correctly locked.
One signal is sent to the ECAM system and the MASTER CAUTION LIGHT on cockpit panels 130VU and 131VU come on. This causes the DOOR page to come into view on the lower ECAM display unit and the related hatch symbol is on in amber. The other signal causes the white indicator light SLIDE ARMED in the cabin lining to come on.
The condition of the hatch is also shown on the cabin status page of the flight attendant panel (FAP) (refer to ATA 23-73-00).
For the maintenance procedure only, open the cover flap to get access to the head of the latch pin. To release the latch pin, turn it a quarter turn counterclockwise. The spring of the slide release mechanism extends and causes the latch pin to retract to the DISARMED position. This causes a spring-loaded pin to operate the proximity switch which sends a signal to the ECAM system.
Pull the lever of the hatch control handle down and hold the emergency exit in position. This causes the spring-loaded linkage to fall down and engage the special bolt of the pull lever and to block it. The operation of the hatch control handle disengages the locking hooks from the upper roller fittings. Because of the shape of the emergency exit hatch, it will fall into the cabin if you do not hold it.
Carefully let the top of the hatch fall to the inner side so that it comes clear of the structure. When the emergency exit hatch moves inboard, the latch pin of the escape slide mechanism moves the release lever. This lever operates the slide release mechanism which inflates the emergency escape slide. At the same time, a spring-loaded pin operates the proximity switch which sends a signal to the ECAM system. If the escape slide mechanism is in the maintenance mode, the retracted latch pin cannot operate the release lever.
Hold the lower handle of the lining with your free hand and pull the emergency exit hatch from the recess. The hook brackets disengage from their pivot fittings. Lift the emergency exit hatch and pull it away from the opening.
For the maintenance procedure only, install a rigging pin in the provision of the hatch frame. This prevents an accidental operation of the escape slide.
To get access to the hatch control handle, pull the cover flap down from the recess. When the cover flap is removed, a proximity switch is operated and gives two different warning signals. The warnings tell the flight crew that the hatch is not correctly locked.
One signal is sent to the ECAM system and the MASTER CAUTION LIGHT on cockpit panels 130VU and 131VU come on. This causes the DOOR page to come into view on the lower ECAM display unit and the related hatch symbol is on in amber. The other signal causes the white indicator light SLIDE ARMED in the cabin lining to come on.
The condition of the hatch is also shown on the cabin status page of the flight attendant panel (FAP) (refer to ATA 23-73-00).
For the maintenance procedure only, open the cover flap to get access to the head of the latch pin. To release the latch pin, turn it a quarter turn counterclockwise. The spring of the slide release mechanism extends and causes the latch pin to retract to the DISARMED position. This causes a spring-loaded pin to operate the proximity switch which sends a signal to the ECAM system.
Pull the lever of the hatch control handle down and hold the emergency exit in position. This causes the spring-loaded linkage to fall down and engage the special bolt of the pull lever and to block it. The operation of the hatch control handle disengages the locking hooks from the upper roller fittings. Because of the shape of the emergency exit hatch, it will fall into the cabin if you do not hold it.
Carefully let the top of the hatch fall to the inner side so that it comes clear of the structure. When the emergency exit hatch moves inboard, the latch pin of the escape slide mechanism moves the release lever. This lever operates the slide release mechanism which inflates the emergency escape slide. At the same time, a spring-loaded pin operates the proximity switch which sends a signal to the ECAM system. If the escape slide mechanism is in the maintenance mode, the retracted latch pin cannot operate the release lever.
Hold the lower handle of the lining with your free hand and pull the emergency exit hatch from the recess. The hook brackets disengage from their pivot fittings. Lift the emergency exit hatch and pull it away from the opening.
For the maintenance procedure only, install a rigging pin in the provision of the hatch frame. This prevents an accidental operation of the escape slide.
B. Removal of the Emergency Exit Hatch from the Outside
Push the flush panel of the hatch control handle to the inside of the handle frame. This operation moves the pull lever down and releases the locking hooks. The pull lever moves the main cover flap to the open position.
A special switch design prevents that the warnings in the cabin and cockpit come on when the emergency exit hatch is opened. Because of the shape of the emergency exit hatch, it falls into the cabin when the flush panel is pushed. The release lever operates the slide release mechanism which inflates the emergency escape slide. Push the emergency exit hatch away from the opening into the cabin.
Push the flush panel of the hatch control handle to the inside of the handle frame. This operation moves the pull lever down and releases the locking hooks. The pull lever moves the main cover flap to the open position.
A special switch design prevents that the warnings in the cabin and cockpit come on when the emergency exit hatch is opened. Because of the shape of the emergency exit hatch, it falls into the cabin when the flush panel is pushed. The release lever operates the slide release mechanism which inflates the emergency escape slide. Push the emergency exit hatch away from the opening into the cabin.
C. Installation of the Emergency Exit Hatch
Make sure that the latch pin of the slide release mechanism is in the DISARMED position. If installed, remove the rigging pin from the hatch frame. Take the emergency exit hatch and set it with the hook brackets on their pivot fitting. Push the bottom of the hatch into the opening so that the hook brackets engage in the pivot fitting. Make sure that the lip of the hatch seal is not caught in the pivot fitting.
Push the top of the hatch into the opening so that the stop profiles touch the hatch frame. Hold the emergency exit hatch in this position until it is correctly locked.
Lift the spring-loaded linkage to release the blockage of the pull lever. Then push the pull lever up until it is above the overcenter position. This operation turns the locking shaft unit and the locking hooks engage in the upper roller fittings. Make sure that the emergency exit hatch is in the correct position and correctly locked.
To extend the latch pin of the slide release mechanism in the ARMED position, push it against the spring. To lock this spring-loaded pin, turn its head a quarter turn clockwise. Then the slide release mechanism is in the NORMAL mode.
Make sure that the latch pin of the slide release mechanism is in the DISARMED position. If installed, remove the rigging pin from the hatch frame. Take the emergency exit hatch and set it with the hook brackets on their pivot fitting. Push the bottom of the hatch into the opening so that the hook brackets engage in the pivot fitting. Make sure that the lip of the hatch seal is not caught in the pivot fitting.
Push the top of the hatch into the opening so that the stop profiles touch the hatch frame. Hold the emergency exit hatch in this position until it is correctly locked.
Lift the spring-loaded linkage to release the blockage of the pull lever. Then push the pull lever up until it is above the overcenter position. This operation turns the locking shaft unit and the locking hooks engage in the upper roller fittings. Make sure that the emergency exit hatch is in the correct position and correctly locked.
To extend the latch pin of the slide release mechanism in the ARMED position, push it against the spring. To lock this spring-loaded pin, turn its head a quarter turn clockwise. Then the slide release mechanism is in the NORMAL mode.