Can the escape slide be used if it has not inflated?

The escape slide is a critical safety feature on an aircraft, designed to facilitate quick evacuation during an emergency. If the slide has not inflated, it cannot effectively perform its intended function. An uninflated slide would lack the proper structure and support needed for passengers to safely and efficiently exit the aircraft.

Inflated slides are designed to slow the descent for individuals leaving the aircraft, providing a safe landing area away from potential hazards. If the slide is not inflated, it can pose a significant risk of injury to evacuees as they would be transitioning from a height directly to the ground without the cushioning and controlled descent that the inflated slide provides. Therefore, the correct understanding is that if the escape slide is not inflated, it cannot be used safely.