What condition must be met before deboarding can begin?

• A. The aircraft has come to a full stop at the gate and the PIC has turned off the fasten seat belt signs
• B. Passengers must be seated at their gates
• C. The flight crew must approve each passenger individually
• D. The door must be opened by ground crew before deboarding begins

Answer: (A)

Deboarding is allowed only after the aircraft is parked at the gate and the fasten seat belt signs are turned off. Being stationary at the gate prevents any unexpected movement from injuring people, and turning off the signs signals that it’s safe for passengers to stand, gather their belongings, and exit through the doors. Once those conditions are met, ground crew can open the doors and passengers begin to deplane via the jet bridge or stairs.

The other statements aren’t gating conditions for deplaning. Passengers don’t have to be seated at the gate for deboarding to begin, and deplaning doesn’t require the flight crew to approve each individual passenger. Doors are opened by ground crew after the aircraft is parked and the sign-off has occurred, but the key safety trigger is the stop at the gate plus the signs being off.