What must be observed when loading near emergency exits?

• A. Block exits to secure doors
• B. Increase cargo near exits
• C. Only consider weight, not CG
• D. Avoid blocking exits, ensure unobstructed egress, maintain CG and weight limits.

Answer: (D)

The important idea is to keep emergency exit areas clear and the aircraft within its weight and balance limits. In an evacuation, every second matters, so an unobstructed path to the exits ensures passengers can get out quickly and the crew can direct them and deploy the slides without interference. At the same time, loading near exits must not shift the airplane’s center of gravity outside approved limits; heavy or awkwardly placed cargo near an exit can move the CG and affect stability and controllability. Secure and properly positioned loads in approved zones so they don’t block exits and keep weight and balance within limits. Blocking exits or concentrating cargo near doors would impede evacuation and degrade performance, while ignoring CG is unsafe.