Who should operate safety ejection systems and when should canopies be jettisoned?

• A. Any on-scene responder may operate safety ejection systems.
• B. The aircraft crew must operate them from within the cockpit.
• C. Safety ejection systems should never be used in emergencies.
• D. Only trained personnel with proper equipment should safety ejection systems; jettison canopies/hatches only as a last resort.

Answer: (D)

Access to safety ejection systems and canopy jettison is tightly controlled because these actions involve energetic components and carry significant hazards. Only trained personnel with the proper equipment should operate ejection systems, following approved procedures to prevent harm to rescuers and occupants. Canopies or hatches should be jettisoned only as a last resort to gain access or enable rescue when no safer option remains, and again only by those with the correct training and tools, coordinated with aircraft systems and safety protocols.