[Federal Register: November 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 212)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 64478-64482]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02no06-14]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. NM354; Notice No. 25-06-09A-SC]
Special Conditions: Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Boeing
Model 777 Series Airplane; Overhead Cross Aisle Stowage Compartments
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions (amended).
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SUMMARY: The FAA amends and supersedes proposed special conditions for
the Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. The previous notice (Notice No.
25-06-09-SC) published on October 18, 2006 (71 FR 61432), did not
reflect the final FAA position on the novel design feature, and was
thus in error. This airplane, modified by Boeing Commercial Airplane
Group, will have novel or unusual design features associated with
overhead cross aisle stowage compartments. The applicable airworthiness
regulations do not contain
[[Page 64479]]
adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features.
These amended proposed special conditions contain the additional safety
standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of
safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness
standards.
DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 13, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may mail or deliver comments on these amended proposed
special conditions in duplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: Rules Docket (ANM-113), Docket
No. NM354, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. You
must mark your comments: Docket No. NM354.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe/Cabin
Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone (425) 227-2194; facsimile (425) 227-1232.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the amended proposed special
conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written
comments.
We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
concerning these amended proposed special conditions. You may inspect
the docket before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to
review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section
of this preamble between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing
date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change
these amended proposed special conditions based on the comments we
receive.
If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of your comments on
these amended proposed special conditions, include with your comments a
pre-addressed, stamped postcard on which the docket number appears. We
will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it back to you.
Background
On April 20, 2005, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Seattle,
Washington, applied for a supplemental type certificate to permit
installation of overhead cross aisle stowage compartments in Boeing 777
series airplanes. The Boeing Model 777 series airplanes are large twin
engine airplanes with four or five pairs of Type A exits. The Boeing
777 airplanes can be configured with various passenger capacities and
range.
The regulations do not address the novel and unusual design
features associated with the installation of overhead cross aisle
stowage compartments installed on the Boeing Model 777, making these
amended proposed special conditions necessary. Generally, the
requirements for overhead stowage compartments are similar to stowage
compartments in remote crew rest compartments (i.e., located on lower
lobe, main deck or overhead) already in use on Boeing Model 777 and 747
series airplanes. Remote crew rest compartments have been previously
installed and certified in the main passenger cabin area, above the
main passenger area, and below the passenger cabin area adjacent to the
cargo compartment of the Boeing Model 777-200, and -300 series
airplanes. On October 18, 2006, a Notice of Proposed Special Conditions
was published to address the novel design feature. However, the notice
inadvertently did not reflect the FAA's final position on the proposed
requirements. This amended notice corrects that error.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of Sec. 21.101, Boeing Commercial Airplane
Group must show that the Boeing Model 777, as changed, continues to
meet the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by
reference in Type Certificate No. T00001SE or the applicable
regulations in effect on the date of application for the change. The
regulations incorporated by reference in the type certificate are
commonly referred to as the ``original type certification basis.'' The
regulations incorporated by reference in Type Certificate No. T00001SE
for the Boeing Model 777 series airplanes include Title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), part 25, as amended by Amendments 25-1
through 25-100, with exceptions, for various models. Refer to Type
Certificate No. T00001SE, as applicable, for a complete description of
the certification basis for this model, including certain special
conditions that are not relevant to these amended proposed special
conditions.
If the Administrator finds the applicable airworthiness regulations
(part 25 as amended) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety
standards for the Boeing Model 777 because of a novel or unusual design
feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of
Sec. 21.16.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Boeing Model 777 must comply with the fuel vent and
exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise
certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in Sec. 11.19, under
Sec. 11.38 and they become part of the type certification basis under
Sec. 21.101.
Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a change to modify any
other model included on the same type certificate to incorporate the
same or similar novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions
would also apply to the other model under Sec. 21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Boeing Model 777 will incorporate the following novel or
unusual design features: The installation of powered lift-enabled
stowage compartments that rise into the overhead area and lower into
the cabin.
The overhead cross aisle stowage compartments are configured to
allow stowage of galley type standard containers as well as coats,
bags, and other items typically stowed in closets or bins. These
stowage compartments will be located above the emergency exit cross
aisles of Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. Because the compartment is
lowered into the main cabin, it could affect egress if it cannot be
raised again. The overhead compartment may lower into a cross aisle as
defined in Sec. 25.813, but it may also lower into other potential
egress paths. For the purposes of these amended proposed special
conditions, the same criteria apply, whether or not the egress path is
required by Sec. 25.813. Therefore, as used in these amended proposed
special conditions, the term ``overhead cross aisle stowage
compartment'' addresses all such compartments.
Each stowage compartment is accessed from the main deck by a
powered lift that lowers and raises the stowage compartment between the
overhead and the main deck. In addition, the lift can be hand cranked
up and down in the event of a power or
[[Page 64480]]
lift motor failure. A smoke detection system will be provided in the
overhead cross aisle stowage compartments.
Discussion of the Amended Proposed Special Conditions
In general, the requirements listed in these amended proposed
special conditions for overhead cross aisle stowage compartments are
similar to those previously approved for overhead crew rest
compartments in earlier certification programs, such as for the Boeing
Model 777 and Model 747 series airplanes. These amended proposed
special conditions establish compartment access, power lift, electrical
power, smoke/fire detection, fire extinguisher, fire containment, smoke
penetration, and compartment design criteria for the overhead cross
aisle stowage compartments. The overhead stowage compartments are not a
direct analogy to stowage compartments in remote crew rest compartments
installed and certified for Boeing Model 777 series airplanes, but the
safety issues raised are similar. Features similar to those considered
in the development of previous special conditions for fire protection
will be included here also. The proposed requirements would provide an
equivalent level of safety to that provided by other Boeing Model 777
series airplanes with similar overhead compartments.
Operational Evaluations and Approval
The FAA's Aircraft Certification Service will administer these
amended proposed special conditions, which specify requirements for
design approvals (that is, type design changes and supplemental type
certificates) of overhead cross aisle stowage compartments.
The Aircraft Evaluation Group of the FAA's Flight Standards Service
must evaluate and approve the operational use of overhead cross aisle
stowage compartments prior to use. The Aircraft Evaluation Group must
receive all instructions for continued airworthiness, including service
bulletins, prior to the FAA accepting and issuing approval of the
modification.
Proposed Special Condition No. 1, Compartment Access and Placards
Appropriate placards, or other means, are required to address door
access and locking to prohibit or prevent passenger access and
operation of the overhead storage compartment. There must also be a
means to preclude anyone from being trapped inside the stowage
compartment, if it is large enough for a person to enter. If there is
more than one door providing access, each door must be equipped with
these means.
Proposed Special Condition No. 2, Power Lift
The power lift must be designed so the overhead stowage compartment
will not jam in the down position, even if lowered on top of a hard
structure. The lift must operate at a speed that allows anyone
underneath the compartment to move clear without injury. The lift
controls must be placed clear of the compartment door and must be
pressed continuously for lift operation. Training on operation
procedures must be added to appropriate manuals.
Proposed Special Condition No. 3, Manual Operation
There must be a means to manually operate the lift that is
independent of the electrical drive system. The lift must be operable
by a range of occupants, including a fifth percentile female. The
manual means must be capable of lowering the overhead stowage
compartment quickly to the main deck to fight a fire. The manual system
must be capable of raising the compartment quickly so the cross aisle
or other egress path (if applicable) is not blocked in an emergency. If
electrical or manual power is removed, there must be a means, such as a
brake, to prevent the compartment from unrestricted movement, i.e.,
falling. Training on manual operation must be added to appropriate
manuals.
Proposed Special Condition No. 4, Handheld Fire Extinguisher
For compartments larger than 25 cubic feet, a handheld fire
extinguisher appropriate to fight the kinds of fire likely to occur in
the overhead stowage compartment must be provided. This handheld fire
extinguisher must be adjacent to the overhead compartment. This
extinguisher must be in addition to those required for the passenger
cabin.
Proposed Special Condition No. 5, Fire Containment
This special condition requires either the installation of a
manually activated fire extinguishing system that is accessible from
outside the overhead stowage compartment, or a demonstration that the
crew could satisfactorily perform the function of extinguishing a fire
under the prescribed conditions. A manually activated built-in fire
extinguishing system would be required only if a crewmember could not
successfully locate and get access to the fire during a demonstration
where the crewmember is responding to the alarm. For the duration of
the flight, the system must have adequate capacity to suppress any fire
occurring in the stowage compartment considering the fire threat,
volume of the compartment and the ventilation rate.
Proposed Special Condition No. 6, Smoke Penetration
The design of the compartment must provide means to exclude
hazardous quantities of smoke or extinguishing agent originating in the
compartment from entering other occupied areas. The means must take
into account the time period during which the compartment may be
accessed to manually fight a fire, if applicable.
During the one-minute smoke detection time (see Special Condition
No. 7), penetration of a small quantity of smoke (one that would
dissipate within 3 minutes under normal ventilation conditions) from
this overhead stowage compartment design into an occupied area on this
airplane configuration would be acceptable based on the limitations
placed in this and other associated special conditions. These special
conditions place sufficient restrictions in the quantity and type of
material allowed in the overhead stowage compartment that threat from a
fire in this remote area would be equivalent to that experienced on the
main cabin.
If a built-in fire extinguishing system is used in lieu of manual
fire fighting, then the fire extinguishing system must be designed so
that no hazardous quantities of extinguishing agent will enter other
compartments occupied by passengers or crew.
Proposed Special Condition No. 7, Compartment Design Criteria
The material used to construct the overhead stowage compartment
must meet the flammability requirements for compartment interiors in
Sec. 25.853 and be fire resistant. Depending on the size of the
compartment, certain fire protection features of Class B cargo
compartments are also required. Enclosed stowage compartments equal to
or exceeding 25 ft3 in interior volume must be provided with
a smoke or fire detection system to ensure that a fire can be detected
within a one-minute detection time. This is the same requirement as has
been applied to remote crew rest compartments.
Enclosed stowage compartments equal to or greater than 57
ft3 in interior volume but less than or equal to 200
ft3, must have a liner that meets the requirements of Sec.
25.855 for a Class B cargo compartment. The overhead
[[Page 64481]]
stowage compartment may not be greater than 200 ft3 in
interior volume. The in-flight accessibility of very large enclosed
stowage compartments and the subsequent impact on the crewmember's
ability to effectively reach any part of the compartment with the
contents of a handheld fire extinguisher would require additional fire
protection considerations similar to those required for inaccessible
compartments such as Class C cargo compartments.
The overhead stowage compartment smoke or fire detection and fire
suppression systems (including airflow management features which
prevent hazardous quantities of smoke or fire extinguishing agent from
entering any other compartment occupied by crewmembers or passengers)
is considered complex in terms of paragraph 6d of Advisory Circular
(AC) 25.1309-1A, ``System Design and Analysis.'' The FAA considers
failure of the overhead stowage compartment fire protection system
(that is, smoke or fire detection and fire suppression systems) in
conjunction with an overhead stowage fire to be a catastrophic event.
Based on the ``Depth of Analysis Flowchart'' shown in Figure 2 of AC
25.1309-1A, the depth of analysis should include both qualitative and
quantitative assessments (reference paragraphs 8d, 9, and 10 of AC
25.1309-1A).
The requirements to enable crewmember(s) quick access to the
overhead stowage compartment and to locate a fire source inherently
places limits on the amount of baggage stowed and the size of the
overhead stowage compartment. The overhead stowage compartment is
limited to stowage of galley type standard containers as well as coats,
bags, and other items typically stowed in closets or bins. It is not
intended to be used for the stowage of other items. The design of such
a system to include other items may require additional special
conditions to ensure safe operation.
Applicability
These amended proposed special conditions are applicable to the
Boeing Model 777 series airplanes with overhead cross aisle stowage
compartments. Should Boeing Commercial Airplane Group apply later for a
change to the type certificate to include another model included on
Type Certificate No. T00001SE, incorporating the same novel or unusual
design feature, the special conditions would apply to that model as
well under the provisions of Sec. 21.101.
The Boeing Model 777 series airplane is scheduled for imminent
delivery. Special conditions for other types of stowage compartments in
remote areas of airplanes have been subject to the notice and public
comment procedure in several prior instances. Therefore, because a
delay would significantly affect the applicant's installation of the
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment and certification of the
airplane, we are shortening the public comment period to 10 days.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on the Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. It is not a rule of general
applicability and affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for
approval of these features on the airplane.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.
The Amended Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis
for Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. Each overhead cross aisle
stowage compartment and the adjacent area, including the structural
frame, mechanical system and drive motor, must meet the following
requirements:
1. Compartment Access and Placards. There must be a means to
prohibit or prevent passengers from entering or operating the overhead
cross aisle stowage compartment. Placards prohibiting access are
acceptable. If a compartment is large enough for a person to enter,
there must be a means to preclude anyone from being trapped inside the
stowage compartment. If a latching/locking mechanism is installed, the
door must be capable of being opened from the outside without the aid
of special tools. The mechanism must not prevent opening from the
inside of the stowage at any time.
2. Power Lift. There must be a means such as a load or force
limiter to protect the overhead cross aisle stowage compartment
electrical lift drive system from failure or jamming in the down
position in the event it is lowered on top of hard structure such as a
galley cart.
(a) The electrical lift controls must be placed so the operator is
clear of the lift and designed such that the controls must be pressed
continuously for lift operation.
(b) The electrical lift must raise and lower the stowage
compartment at a slow enough rate, and stop above the floor at such a
height, that anyone underneath can easily move clear without injury.
(c) Stowage compartment operation training procedures must be added
to the appropriate flight attendant manuals.
3. Manual Lift. There must be a means in the event of failure of
the aircraft's main power system, or of the electrically powered
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment lift system, for manually
activating the lift system.
(a) This manual means must be independent of the electrical drive
system.
(b) The manual means must be accessible and operable by a range of
occupants, including a fifth percentile female.
(c) The manual means must be capable of lowering the stowage
compartment to the main deck quickly enough to fight a fire in the
stowage compartment before overhead cross aisle stowage compartment
fire containment is compromised.
(d) The manual means must be capable of quickly raising the stowage
compartment such that the cross aisle, or other egress path is not
blocked in the event of an emergency.
(e) Stowage compartment firefighting training procedures must be
added to the appropriate flight attendant manuals.
(f) The lift system must include a means, such as a brake, to
retain the overhead cross aisle stowage compartment in any position of
travel when the manual or electric drive force is removed.
4. Fire Extinguisher. The means to manually fight a fire in the
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment must consider the additional
stowage volume and time required to manually lower the compartment
after indication. For compartments larger than 25 ft3 the
following equipment must be provided directly adjacent to each overhead
cross aisle stowage compartment: at least one approved handheld fire
extinguisher, in addition to the fire extinguisher requirements of
Sec. 25.851 and Sec. 121.309, appropriate for the kinds of fires
likely to occur within the overhead stowage compartment.
5. Fire Containment. Fires originating within the overhead cross
aisle stowage compartment must be controlled for the duration of the
flight without a crewmember having to access the
[[Page 64482]]
compartment. Alternatively, the design of the access provisions must
allow crewmembers equipped for firefighting to have unrestricted access
to the compartment. If the latter approach is elected it must be
demonstrated that a crewmember has sufficient access to enable them to
extinguish a fire. The time for a crewmember on the main deck to react
to the fire alarm, (and, if applicable, to don the firefighting
equipment and to open the compartment) must not exceed the flammability
and fire containment capabilities of the stowage compartment.
6. Smoke Penetration. There must be a means provided to exclude
hazardous quantities of smoke or extinguishing agent originating in the
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment from entering any other
compartment occupied by crewmembers or passengers. If access is
required to comply with Special Condition 5, this means must include
the time period when accessing the stowage compartment to manually
fight a fire. Smoke entering any other compartment occupied by
crewmembers or passengers, when access to the stowage compartment is
opened to manually fight a fire, must dissipate within five minutes
after the access to the stowage compartment is closed. Prior to the one
minute smoke detection time (reference note 2 in paragraph (7))
penetration of a small quantity of smoke from the stowage compartment
into an occupied area is acceptable. Flight tests must be conducted to
show compliance with this requirement.
7. Compartment Design Criteria. The overhead cross aisle stowage
compartment must be designed to minimize the hazards to the airplane in
the event of a fire originating in the stowage compartment.
(a) Fire Extinguishing System. If a built-in fire extinguishing
system is used in lieu of manual firefighting, then the fire
extinguishing system must be designed so no hazardous quantities of
extinguishing agent will enter other compartments occupied by
passengers or crew. The system must have adequate capacity to suppress
any fire occurring in the stowage compartment, considering the fire
threat, volume of the compartment, and the ventilation rate.
(b) Compartment Size. All overhead cross aisle stowage compartments
must meet the design criteria given in the table below. As indicated by
the table below, enclosed stowage compartments greater than 200
ft3 in interior volume are not addressed by this special
condition.
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Fire protection features
Stowage compartment interior -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
volumes Less than 25 ft3 25 ft3 to 57 ft3 57 ft3 to 200 ft3
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Materials of Construction 1..... Yes...................... Yes...................... Yes.
Detectors 2..................... No....................... Yes...................... Yes.
Liner 3......................... No....................... Yes...................... Yes.
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1 Material: The material used to construct each enclosed stowage compartment must be at least fire resistant and
must meet the flammability standards established for interior components (that is, 14 CFR Part 25 Appendix F,
Parts I, IV, and V) per the requirements of Sec. 25.853. For compartments less than 25 ft3 in total interior
volume, the design must ensure the ability to contain a fire likely to occur within the compartment under
normal use.
2 Detectors: Enclosed stowage compartments equal to or exceeding 25 ft3 in total interior volume must be
provided with a smoke or fire detection system to ensure that a fire can be detected within one minute. Flight
tests must be conducted to show compliance with this requirement. Each system (or systems) must provide:
(a) A visual indication in the flight deck within one minute after the start of a fire;
(b) A warning in the main passenger cabin. This warning must be readily detectable by a flight attendant, taking
into consideration the positioning of flight attendants throughout the main passenger compartment during
various phases of flight.
3 Liner: If it can be shown the material used to construct the stowage compartment meets the flammability
requirements of a liner for a Class B cargo compartment (that is, Sec. 25.855 at Amendment 25-93 and
Appendix F, part I, paragraph (a)(2)(ii)), in addition to the above 1 Material requirement, then no liner
would be required for enclosed stowage compartments equal to or greater than 25 ft3 in total interior volume
but less than 57 ft3 in total interior volume. For all enclosed stowage compartments equal to or greater than
57 ft3 in total interior volume but less than or equal to 200 ft3, a liner must be provided that meets the
requirements of Sec. 25.855 for a Class B cargo compartment.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-9025 Filed 10-30-06; 1:07 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P