Additional emergency equipment

This regulation requires Part 135 operators flying airplanes with more than 19 passenger seats to install specific emergency equipment beyond basic requirements.

Key requirements include:

• Evacuation slides or other assist devices at exits more than 6 feet above ground (must deploy automatically when armed during taxi, takeoff, and landing)
• Conspicuous exit markings visible from across the cabin, with illuminated signs above or near each emergency exit
• Independent emergency lighting that illuminates exit signs and provides minimum aisle lighting, automatically activating if main power fails
• Floor proximity escape path lighting for newer aircraft (type certificated after 1958)
• Manual controls for emergency lights accessible from both the cockpit and flight attendant stations, which must remain on for at least 10 minutes after landing

These systems must be armed or activated during all ground operations and flight. The regulation ensures passengers can locate and use exits even in darkness or smoke.

*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.*