What is the first action after stepping through the OWE exit in a ditching?

• A. Step through the exit
• B. Inflate vest outside
• C. Jump into the water
• D. Attach lifeline to eyelet on the wing

Answer: (D)

The first action is to secure a lifeline to the wing eyelet because, in a ditching, that lifeline is the immediate tether that keeps you connected to the aircraft and creates a safe, guided path to the raft or safer water edge. Attaching the lifeline to the eyelet establishes a stable anchor point now, which helps prevent you from being separated by wind or waves and makes the subsequent evacuation flow smoother for everyone. After the line is secured, you can proceed with the remaining steps in a controlled sequence, such as inflating your vest as directed and moving toward the raft. Jumping into the water unanchored would be risky and uncoordinated with the evacuation plan.