What is the purpose of the evacuation horn?

• A. Alerts the captain to continue
• B. Signals an emergency evacuation
• C. Calms passengers
• D. Terminates the evacuation

Answer: (B)

The evacuation horn is the signal that tells everyone on board that an emergency evacuation must begin immediately. Its loud, unmistakable sound is designed to grab attention in a chaotic, high-stress situation so passengers and crew can quickly move to the nearest exits with slides (if deployed) and follow the crew’s commands. It marks the moment the crew initiates egress and helps coordinate a rapid, orderly departure from the aircraft.

This signal isn’t meant to calm people—that’s accomplished through announcements and crew instructions—and it isn’t used to indicate the flight should continue or to end the evacuation. It’s specifically the cue to evacuate now, not to delay or to terminate the process.