What is the first step in the ejection sequence after pulling the handle?

The correct answer highlights the importance of safety procedures in the ejection sequence. After the handle is pulled, the first step is for the PIRD (Powered Initiated Restraint Device) to retract the shoulder straps. This retraction is crucial as it prepares the aircrew for the ejection process by ensuring that they are not restrained by the harness when the seat begins to separate from the aircraft.

This step is vital because it enhances the chances of a successful ejection by allowing the pilot to move freely out of the aircraft as the ejection seat initiates its exit. Proper sequencing of events during an ejection is critical for reducing the risk of injury and is designed to maximize safety for the individual being ejected.

The sequence that follows includes the separation of the seat from the aircraft, the activation of the rocket motor, and the deployment of emergency oxygen, all of which are contingent upon the appropriate initial step of securing the pilot’s readiness for ejection.