How often should emergency exits be checked for accessibility?

Emergency exits must be regularly checked for accessibility, with this task typically integrated into pre-flight checks. Regular checks ensure that all safety equipment, including emergency exits, is operational and unobstructed, crucial for maintaining passenger safety in the event of an emergency. During pre-flight checks, crew members have the opportunity to inspect the exits thoroughly, ensuring that they are not blocked by any objects and that all mechanisms are functioning properly.

While checking emergency exits during passenger boarding is important for overall safety, it might not be as comprehensive or systematic as the regular checks conducted in pre-flight checks. Similarly, although it might seem logical to check exits before meal service, this could lead to an oversight in ensuring that exits are consistently monitored at all necessary times. Routine checks as part of pre-flight protocols align with aviation safety standards and are essential for ensuring that emergency procedures are effective and that crew members are prepared to act quickly should an emergency arise.