Abstract: An emergency exit assembly for an aircraft, including a window frame, a window assembly having an outer surface abutting the inner surface of the window frame around its perimeter, and retaining elements spaced around the perimeter of the window assembly. The retaining elements are each connected to the window frame and bias the window assembly toward and against the inner surface of the window frame. Each retaining element has a force-release portion so that the window assembly can be disengaged from the window frame through release of the force-release portion. The force-release portion may be a frangible portion breakable upon application of the pulling force. A cable with one or more handle(s) may be connected to the retaining elements to apply the pulling force. A method of accessing an emergency exit of an aircraft is also discussed.