What action should be taken if an aircraft must be evacuated on land?

When an aircraft must be evacuated on land, the priority is to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. The correct action is to use appropriate routes to avoid hazards and lead passengers safely away from the aircraft. This is crucial because the situation may involve dangers such as fire, smoke, or risk of explosion, as well as potential environmental hazards on the ground.

Safely directing passengers away helps to clear the area quickly, minimizing exposure to any risks and ensuring that all individuals are accounted for at a safe distance from the aircraft. It’s also essential that the evacuation routes are clear and well-known to those assisting in the evacuation.

Other actions, while relevant in certain contexts, do not prioritize immediate safety as effectively as guiding passengers away from the danger area. For instance, using emergency slides is essential but only in specific scenarios and does not address the immediate need to distance individuals from potential hazards. Similarly, gathering passengers in one area can create additional risks rather than facilitating movement to safety. Lastly, returning to the cabin to retrieve belongings can severely compromise safety and should never be done during an emergency evacuation.