Common Operations Finding: Emergency Equipment Not in Place

“On board” is not enough — it must be ready and reachable

In the fast-paced world of aviation, every item on board has a purpose — especially emergency equipment. But one surprisingly common finding during SAFA/SACA inspections and internal cabin audits is:

Safety equipment not stored in its designated location.

It’s not about missing equipment. It’s about misplaced equipment, items that are present on the aircraft, but not where they’re supposed to be.

Emergency equipment must be ready, not relocated

🔍 Why This Happens

This issue doesn’t stem from neglect, but from a combination of:

• Lack of understanding about the importance of having equipment readily accessible

• “Just for now” thinking — equipment is moved temporarily but never returned

• Lack of discipline in final cabin checks or failure to prioritize stowage standards

When operations are rushed, or cabin space is tight, these shortcuts can easily become habits.

Why It’s a Finding

Emergency equipment is not just required , it must be:

✔️ Located exactly as shown in the Emergency Equipment Layout (EEL)

✔️ Immediately accessible in case of an emergency

✔️ Securely stowed and clearly marked

If an inspector can’t find an item where the EEL says it should be, it’s reportable, even if it’s technically on board.

When seconds matter, searching isn’t an option.

✅ What Can Be Done

This is one of the easiest findings to eliminate, when the why is clearly explained:

• Train cabin crew on the purpose behind stowage, not just what goes where, but why it must stay there

• Use a Read & Sign bulletin or targeted Safety Notice to reinforce expectations

• Share findings in briefings and provide clear examples during training

• Include equipment verification in standard turnaround checks, not just on the first flight of the day

Final Thought

When it comes to emergency equipment, location is not optional.

“On board but out of place” means it’s not ready. It’s not reachable. It’s not compliant.

If it’s not where it should be, it may not be there when you need it.