[Federal Register: October 18, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 201)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 61432-61435]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18oc06-17]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. NM354; Notice No. 25-06-09-SC]
Special Conditions: Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Boeing
Model 777-200 Series Airplane; Overhead Cross Aisle Stowage
Compartments
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 777-
200 series airplanes. 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 adequate or appropriate safety
standards for these design features. These 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 7, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may mail or deliver comments on these 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 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 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 special conditions based on the comments we receive.
If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of your comments on
these 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
777-200 series airplanes. The Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes are
large twin engine airplanes with four pairs of Type A exits, a
passenger capacity of 440, and a range of 5000 miles. (The Boeing 777-
200 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 777-200, making
these 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 777-200 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.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of Sec. 21.101, Boeing Commercial Airplane
Group must show that the Boeing Model 777-200, 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 777-200 series airplanes include Title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), part 25, as amended by Amendments 25-1
through 25-82, except for Sec. 25.571(e)(1) which remains at Amendment
25-71, with exceptions. 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 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 777-200 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
[[Page 61433]]
conditions, the Boeing Model 777-200 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 supplemental type
certificate 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 777-200 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 emergency exit cross aisle.
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
aisle at Doors 2 and 4 of Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes.
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 lift motor failure. A smoke
detection system will be provided in the overhead cross aisle stowage
compartments.
Discussion of the Proposed Special Conditions
In general, the requirements listed in these 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 777-200
and Model 747 series airplanes. These 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-
200 series airplanes with similar overhead compartments.
Operational Evaluations and Approval
The FAA's Aircraft Certification Service will administer these
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 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.
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 Lift
There must be a means to manually operate the lift that is
independent of the electrical drive system and is capable of overcoming
jamming in the drive and lift mechanisms. The lift must be operable by
a range of occupants, including a fifth percentile female. The manual
lift must be capable of lowering the overhead stowage compartment
quickly to the main deck to fight a fire. The manual lift system must
be capable of raising the compartment quickly so the cross aisle is not
blocked in an emergency. Training on manual operation must be added to
appropriate manuals.
Proposed Special Condition No. 4, Handheld Fire Extinguisher
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.
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 or drive motor 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.
[[Page 61434]]
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 ft\3\ 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 ft\3\ in
interior volume but less than or equal to 200 ft\3\, must have a liner
that meets the requirements of Sec. 25.855 for a Class B cargo
compartment. The overhead stowage compartment may not be greater than
200 ft\3\ 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 special conditions are applicable to the Boeing Model 777-200
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 777-200 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 20 days.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on the Boeing Model 777-200 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 Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis
for Boeing Model 777-200 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. For all doors installed, 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 lift must be independent of the electrical drive
system and capable of overcoming jamming in the drive and lift
mechanisms.
(b) The manual lift must be accessible and operable by a range of
occupants, including a fifth percentile female.
(c) The manual lift 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 lift must be capable of quickly raising the stowage
compartment such that the cross aisle is not blocked in the event of an
emergency.
(e) Stowage compartment firefighting training procedures must be
added to the appropriate flight attendant manuals.
4. Fire Extinguisher. The means to manually fight a fire in the
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment or involving the compartment
motor must
[[Page 61435]]
consider the additional stowage volume and time required to manually
lower the compartment after indication. The following equipment must be
provided directly adjacent to each overhead cross aisle stowage
compartment: at least one approved handheld fire extinguisher
appropriate for the kinds of fires likely to occur within the overhead
stowage compartment and fires involving the compartment motor.
5. Fire Containment. Fires originating within the overhead cross
aisle stowage compartment or at the drive motor must be controlled
without a crewmember having to access the compartment. Alternatively,
the design of the access provisions must allow crewmembers equipped for
firefighting to have unrestricted access to the compartment and drive
motor. 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 or drive motor 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 or drive
motor.
(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 or drive motor,
considering the fire threat, volume of the compartment, and the
ventilation rate.
(b) Compartment Size. All enclosed remote stowage compartments,
including the overhead cross aisle stowage compartment, must meet the
design criteria given in the table below. As indicated by the table
below, enclosed stowage compartments greater than 200 ft \3\ in
interior volume are not addressed by this special condition.
Stowage Compartment Interior Volumes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire protection features less than 25 ft \3\ 25 ft \3\ to 57 ft \3\ 57 ft \3\ to 200 ft \3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Materials of Construction \1\.... Yes...................... Yes..................... Yes.
Detectors \2\.................... No....................... Yes..................... Yes.
Liner \3\........................ No....................... Yes..................... Yes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 ft \3\ in 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 ft \3\ in 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 ft \3\ in interior volume but less than 57 ft \3\ in interior volume. For all enclosed stowage
compartments equal to or greater than 57 ft \3\ in interior volume but less than or equal to 200 ft \3\, 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 10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-17345 Filed 10-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P