Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft
With the new requirement that MD80 crews check the EMER exit lights during preflight; I have found that the majority of the aisle lights will NOT come on. The overhead lights work; but the aisle lights will not come on using the cockpit switch. They will come on using the Number 1 Flight ATT switch at the forward exit door. Sometimes; after turning them on then off using the FA switch; they will come on with the cockpit switch; but not all the time. I think; due to lack of use; the switch contacts in the cockpit EMER lights switch are oxidized and need to be cleaned or replaced. If I had a fire and needed to get people out of my aircraft at night; in the dark; most of my aircraft aisle lights would NOT come on by turning my EMER lights switch to ON. I suggest a fleet wide look at these switches on overnights.
MD80 Captain reports that cabin emergency exit lighting often cannot be activated using the cockpit switch but will test using the Flight Attendant switch.