In an emergency, what should be assessed before opening the exit of the aircraft?

Before opening an aircraft exit in an emergency situation, it is crucial to assess the outside conditions. This assessment includes evaluating for potential hazards or dangers such as fire, smoke, or debris that may pose risks to passengers and crew when they exit the aircraft. Additionally, there may be situations where the ground is unstable or there are obstacles (like other aircraft or vehicles) that could harm evacuees.

Understanding the outside environment allows for safer decision-making; it helps ensure that opening the exit does not inadvertently expose individuals to immediate danger. Other factors, such as inside conditions, while important for the overall assessment of the situation, primarily impact evacuation procedures once the exit is opened. Weather conditions and time of day may also play a role in the overall operational context but are secondary to directly ensuring safety outside the aircraft upon exit.