
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 5, 1991                   TAG: 9104050064
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

INCREASED SPACE ON AIRPLANES FOR EMERGENCY EXITS PROPOSED

The Transportation Department proposed Thursday that airlines be required to carve out more space near emergency exits over airplane wings to speed evacuation after a crash.

In recent runway collisions in Los Angeles and Detroit, many passengers survived the impact only to die in flames and smoke as they rushed for exits.

The proposed rule would give airlines the choice of removing the seat next to the window exit or expanding the space between rows at the window exits to at least 20 inches, 12 inches wider than at present.

"This action is aimed at making it easier for passengers who survive the impact forces of an accident to escape a burning aircraft," said Transportation Secretary Samuel K. Skinner.

James B. Busey, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, said the proposal "represents another step in our continuing efforts to enhance cabin safety and increase the chances of survival in accidents."

`James L. Kolstad, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said, "The amount of time available when a raging fire is engulfing the aircraft makes it absolutely critical that passengers get out as quickly as possible. This new regulation is going to enable more people to get out."

But Rep. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said the FAA action comes `too late for far too many lives and is no guarantee that the changes will be made in short order."

She said the FAA acted only days before a hearing of her House Government Operations transportation subcommittee was scheduled to examine FAA's alleged foot-dragging on the issue.

by CNB