Abstract: A rescue ladder for air to ground deployment is provided with a quick release mechanism which enables the ladder to be detached from an aircraft in case of emergency. The quick release mechanism includes fastener pins mounted on a rotatable control shaft, and a safety lock for locking the control shaft against accidental rotation. Normally, the fastener pins are received in apertures provided in connector straps which extend from the rescue ladder, but when an emergency occurs, it is simply necessary to unlock the control shaft and rotate it so that the fastener pins are lifted out of the apertures in the connector straps, thus detaching the ladder. Other features of the ladder include a weighted bottom rung, and a solid steel, wheel-mounted top rung which acts as a standoff mechanism.