Have you ever noticed the small yellow hooks attached to the top of airplane wings? While seemingly insignificant, these attachments play a vital role in aviation safety, particularly during emergencies. While seat belts, oxygen masks, and life vests are the primary safety features that come to mind, the yellow hooks on the wings serve an equally important function.
Commercial airliners are equipped with over-wing emergency exits, designed to allow passengers to evacuate onto the wings. These exits, often smaller than other emergency exits, are typically operated by the passenger seated next to them. If you find yourself seated in one of these rows, a cabin crew member will likely inquire about your willingness to operate the exit in case of an emergency.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that all aircraft must be designed to facilitate a complete passenger evacuation within 90 seconds using only half of the available exits. This requirement ensures quick and safe exit in emergency situations. This standard, initially set at 120 minutes in March 1965, was later revised to the current 90-second requirement.
While over-wing exits are often used in emergencies, passengers might not always need to utilize them. In some cases, main exits at the front and rear of the plane could suffice. On larger aircraft like the Boeing 777, the over-wing exits are comparable in size to the front and rear doors. However, on smaller planes like the Airbus A320, they are more like hatches that need to be opened manually by the passenger seated next to them.
The yellow hooks on the wings are connected to a rope that serves as a vital guide for passengers during evacuation. In the event of a water landing, the wings can become wet and slippery. The rope provides a safe pathway for passengers to navigate to life rafts. Furthermore, the rope is used to tether the life raft to the plane, facilitating easy boarding.
The significance of these safety features was prominently demonstrated during the US Airways Flight 1549 incident on January 15, 2009. The Airbus A320, shortly after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, struck a flock of geese, causing both engines to lose power. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles successfully landed the plane on the Hudson River. Passengers exited onto the wings and were safely guided to life rafts using the ropes attached to the yellow hooks.
These yellow hooks, often overlooked, are a critical component of aviation safety, providing passengers with a reliable means of evacuation in emergencies.
