Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What type of access do airstairs provide?

1. Uncontrolled access to the cockpit

2. Self-stowing boarding and disembarking

3. Heavy cargo loading access

4. Passenger lounge access

The correct answer is: Self-stowing boarding and disembarking

Airstairs are designed to offer a convenient means for passengers to board and disembark from an aircraft. They are often integrated into the aircraft design or can be connected to the fuselage, allowing passengers to walk directly to and from the cabin without the need for additional equipment or facilities. This self-stowing capability is particularly advantageous as it means that the airstairs can be easily deployed when needed and stowed away when not, thus maximizing space and efficiency on the aircraft. Furthermore, airstairs eliminate the requirement for a jet bridge or ground transport for passengers, facilitating simpler and quicker boarding and disembarking processes, especially at airports that may lack such infrastructure. This direct, efficient access is essential for maintaining a high level of operational flexibility for airlines like Ryanair.