Exit seating

This regulation governs who can sit in exit row seats on Part 135 flights (scheduled commuter and on-demand charter operations). It applies to aircraft with 20+ passenger seats for on-demand operations and 10+ seats for commuter operations.

The certificate holder must determine whether each passenger is suitable to sit in an exit seat—meaning seats with direct access to exits or seats you'd have to pass through to reach an exit. Passengers cannot occupy these seats if they're under 15, lack the physical ability to operate exits and assist others, cannot understand instructions in English (or the briefing language), have visual or hearing limitations beyond glasses/contacts or hearing aids, or have responsibilities like caring for small children.

Exit seats must have information cards explaining the emergency functions passengers may need to perform, including operating exits, deploying slides, and helping others evacuate. Passengers must comply with crew instructions about exit seating and self-identify if they don't meet the criteria.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*