Originally Posted by
UAL T38 Phlyer
I flew the -100 and -200 at Evergreen. We were shown a training film (TWA) with a "pilot" using the reel, similar to the Lufthansa film shown here. The instructor had been a long-time TWA indoc instructor.
After the film, the instructor told us the "pilot" was in fact a Hollywood stuntman in a pilot uniform. Not shown:
When he hit the ground, he had a dislocated shoulder.
We also had the "diapers." Rubberized canvas shorts you could hook the reels to with clips (you could do either hand-hold, or connect to the shorts).
Neither one sounded enticing, but I figured if I needed it, I'd rather use the pants, than slide down a razor-blade.
Having used an inertia reel here's my thoughts-
You absolutely don't want to use the diaper unless you're incapacitated. It takes a lot longer to get into and out of. And as previously stated you're going to be using this thing to get out of the airplane in a hurry.
Make sure and deploy the handle so you can get both hands on it.
In the 767 face towards the front of the airplane and don't take a big step off.
Make sure your passport is in your pocket if you're in a foreign country.