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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No.

32 / Friday, February 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 8791

incorporate non-traditional, large, non- with seats that include non-traditional, behind this change is that these seat
metallic panels that may either be a large, non-metallic panels that would installations affect survivability during a
single component or multiple affect survivability during a post-crash post-crash fire event and should be
components in a concentrated area in fire event. The applicable airworthiness implemented as soon as possible.
their design. regulations do not contain adequate or Additionally, the public has been
2. The applicant may designate up to appropriate safety standards for this previously notified of the FAA’s intent
and including 1.5 square feet of non- design feature. These special conditions to issue similar special conditions on
traditional, non-metallic panel material contain the additional safety standards other airplane makes and models.
per seat place that does not have to that the Administrator considers
Background
comply with special condition Number necessary to establish a level of safety
1, above. A triple seat assembly may equivalent to that established by the On August 8, 2005, Boeing
have a total of 4.5 square feet excluded existing airworthiness standards. Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
on any portion of the assembly (e.g., DATES: The effective date of these Seattle, Washington 98124, applied for
outboard seat place 1 square foot, special conditions is March 17, 2008. a design change to Type Certificate No.
middle 1 square foot, and inboard 2.5 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
A20WE for installation of seats that
square feet). Alan Sinclair, FAA, Airframe/Cabin include non-traditional, large, non-
3. Seats do not have to meet the test Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport metallic panels in Boeing Model 747
requirements of Title 14 CFR part 25, Airplane Directorate, Aircraft series airplanes. The Boeing Model 747
Appendix F, parts IV and V, when Certification Service, 1601 Lind series airplanes, currently approved
installed in compartments that are not Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington under Type Certificate No. A20WE, are
otherwise required to meet these 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2195; swept-wing, conventional tail, four
requirements. Examples include: facsimile (425) 227–1232; electronic engine, turbofan-powered, dual aisle,
a. Airplanes with passenger capacities mail alan.sinclair@faa.gov. large-sized transport category airplanes.
of 19 or less, The applicable regulations to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: airplanes currently approved under
b. Airplanes that do not have § 25.853,
Amendment 25–61 or later, in their Change to Special Condition Number 4 Type Certificate No. A20WE do not
certification basis and do not need to require seats to meet the more stringent
The FAA previously notified the
comply with the requirements of 14 CFR flammability standards required of
public of our intent to issue special
121.312, and large, non-metallic panels in the cabin
conditions for seats with non-
c. Airplanes exempted from § 25.853, interior. At the time the applicable rules
traditional, large, non-metallic panels
Amendment 25–61 or later. on various airplane makes and models. were written, seats were designed with
4. Only airplanes associated with new Notice of Proposed Special Conditions a metal frame covered by fabric, not
seat certification programs approved No. 25–06–13–SC, applicable to Boeing with large, non-metallic panels. Seats
after the effective date of these special Model 737 series airplanes, was also met the then recently adopted
conditions will be affected by the published in the Federal Register on standards for flammability of seat
requirements in these special November 9, 2006 (71 FR 65761). The cushions. With the seat design being
conditions. Previously certificated special conditions were issued on June mostly fabric and metal, the
interiors on the existing airplane fleet 29, 2007 (Docket No. NM 359, Special contribution to a fire in the cabin had
and follow-on deliveries of airplanes Conditions No. 25–358–SC), published been minimized and was not considered
with previously certificated interiors are in the Federal Register on July 10, 2007 a threat. For these reasons, seats did not
not affected. (72 FR 37425), and became effective on need to be tested to heat release and
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February August 9, 2007. Both the Notice and the smoke emission requirements.
7, 2008. Seat designs have now evolved to
Final Special Conditions contained
Kevin Hull,
occasionally include non-traditional,
these words:
large, non-metallic panels. Taken in
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane We anticipate that seats with non-
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
total, the surface area of these panels is
traditional, large, non-metallic panels will be on the same order as the sidewall and
[FR Doc. E8–2864 Filed 2–14–08; 8:45 am] installed in other makes and models of
airplanes. We have made the determination
overhead stowage bin interior panels.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
to require special conditions for all To provide the level of passenger
applications requesting the installation of protection intended by the
seats with non-traditional, large, non-metallic airworthiness standards, these non-
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
panels until the airworthiness requirements traditional, large, non-metallic panels in
can be revised to address this issue. Having the cabin must meet the standards of
Federal Aviation Administration
the same standards across the range of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
airplane makes and models will ensure a (CFR), part 25, Appendix F, parts IV and
14 CFR Part 25 level playing field for the aviation industry.
V, heat release and smoke emission
[Docket No. NM381; Notice No. 25–368–SC] Special condition number 4 in the 737 requirements.
special conditions limits the
Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747 applicability of the special conditions to Type Certification Basis
Series Airplanes; Seats with Non- new seat certification programs applied Under the provisions of 14 CFR
Traditional, Large, Non-Metallic Panels for after the effective date of the special 21.101, Boeing must show that the
AGENCY: Federal Aviation conditions. In these special conditions Model 747 series airplanes, as changed,
Administration (FAA), DOT. the FAA changed the applicability to continue to meet the applicable
ACTION: Final special conditions. make the special conditions applicable provisions of the regulations
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to new seat certification programs that incorporated by reference in Type


SUMMARY: These special conditions are are approved after the effective date of Certificate No. A20WE, or the applicable
for Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. the special conditions. This change regulations in effect on the date of
These airplanes will have a novel or could affect pending as well as future application for the change. The
unusual design feature(s) associated project applications. The rationale regulations incorporated by reference in

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8792 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations

the type certificate are commonly models offer interior arrangements that Discussion
referred to as the ‘‘original type include passenger seats that incorporate In the early 1980s the FAA conducted
certification basis.’’ The regulations non-traditional, large, non-metallic extensive research on the effects of post-
incorporated by reference in Type panels in lieu of the traditional metal crash flammability in the passenger
Certificate No. A20WE are as follows: frame covered by fabric. The cabin. As a result of this research and
• For Model 747–100, –100B, –100B flammability properties of these panels service experience, we adopted new
SUD, –200B, –200C, –300, 747SR and have been shown to significantly affect standards for interior surfaces
747SP airplanes—Title 14 CFR part 25, the survivability of the cabin in the case associated with large surface area parts.
as amended by Amendment 25–1 of fire. These seats are considered a Specifically, the rules require
through Amendment 25–8, Amendment novel design for transport category measurement of heat release and smoke
25–15, Amendment 25–17, Amendment airplanes that include Amendment 25– emission (part 25, Appendix F, parts IV
25–18, Amendment 25–20 and 61 and Amendment 25–66 in the
and V) for the affected parts. Heat
Amendment 25–39. certification basis, and were not
release has been shown to have a direct
• For Model 747–400 airplanes—Title considered when those airworthiness
correlation with post-crash fire survival
14 CFR part 25, as amended by standards were established.
The existing regulations do not time. Materials that comply with the
Amendment 25–1 through Amendment
provide adequate or appropriate safety standards (i.e., § 25.853 entitled
25–59. For Model 747–400F airplanes,
standards for seat designs that ‘‘Compartment interiors’’ as amended by
Title 14 CFR part 25, as amended by
incorporate non-traditional, large, non- Amendment 25–61 and Amendment
Amendment 25–1 through Amendment
metallic panels in their designs. In order 25–66) extend survival time by
25–67.
• For Model 747–400D airplanes— to provide a level of safety that is approximately 2 minutes over materials
Title 14 CFR part 25, as amended by equivalent to that afforded to the that do not comply.
balance of the cabin, additional At the time these standards were
Amendment 25–1 through Amendment
airworthiness standards, in the form of written, the potential application of the
25–70.
In addition, the certification basis special conditions, are necessary. These requirements of heat release and smoke
includes certain special conditions, special conditions supplement § 25.853. emission to seats was explored. The seat
exemptions, or later amended sections The requirements contained in these frame itself was not a concern because
of the applicable part that are not special conditions consist of applying it was primarily made of aluminum and
relevant to these special conditions. the identical test conditions required of there were only small amounts of non-
If the Administrator finds that the all other large panels in the cabin, to metallic materials. It was determined
applicable airworthiness regulations seats with non-traditional, large, non- that the overall effect on survivability
(i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain metallic panels. was negligible, whether or not the food
adequate or appropriate safety standards trays met the heat release and smoke
Definition of ‘‘Non-Traditional, Large, requirements. The requirements
for the Boeing Model 747 series
Non-Metallic Panel’’ therefore did not address seats. The
airplanes because of a novel or unusual
design feature, special conditions are A non-traditional, large, non-metallic preambles to both the Notice of
prescribed under the provisions of panel, in this case, is defined as a panel Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), Notice
§ 21.16. with exposed-surface areas greater than No. 85–10 (50 FR 15038, April 16, 1985)
In addition to the applicable 1.5 square feet installed per seat place. and the Final Rule at Amendment 25–
airworthiness regulations and special The panel may consist of either a single 61 (51 FR 26206, July 21, 1986),
conditions, the Boeing Model 747 series component or multiple components in a specifically note that seats were
airplanes must comply with the fuel concentrated area. Examples of parts of excluded ‘‘because the recently-adopted
vent and exhaust emission requirements the seat where these non-traditional standards for flammability of seat
of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise panels are installed include, but are not cushions will greatly inhibit
certification requirements of 14 CFR limited to: Seat backs, bottoms and leg/ involvement of the seats.’’
part 36. foot rests, kick panels, back shells, Subsequently, the Final Rule at
Special conditions, as defined in credenzas and associated furniture. Amendment 25–83 (60 FR 6615, March
§ 11.19, are issued in accordance with Examples of traditional exempted parts 6, 1995) clarified the definition of
§ 11.38 and become part of the type of the seat include: Arm caps, armrest minimum panel size: ‘‘It is not possible
certification basis in accordance with close-outs such as end bays and armrest- to cite a specific size that will apply in
§ 21.101. styled center consoles, food trays, video all installations; however, as a general
Special conditions are initially monitors, and shrouds. rule, components with exposed-surface
applicable to the model for which they areas of one square foot or less may be
Clarification of ‘‘Exposed’’ considered small enough that they do
are issued. Should the type certificate
for that model be amended later to ‘‘Exposed’’ is considered to include not have to meet the new standards.
include any other model that panels that are directly exposed to the Components with exposed-surface areas
incorporates the same or similar novel passenger cabin in the traditional sense, greater than two square feet may be
or unusual design feature, or should any and panels that are enveloped, such as considered large enough that they do
other model already included on the by a dress cover. Traditional fabrics or have to meet the new standards. Those
same type certificate be modified to leathers currently used on seats are with exposed-surface areas greater than
incorporate the same or similar novel or excluded from these special conditions. one square foot, but less than two square
unusual design feature, the special These materials must still comply with feet, must be considered in conjunction
conditions would also apply to the other § 25.853(a) and § 25.853(c) if used as a with the areas of the cabin in which
model under § 21.101. covering for a seat cushion, or they are installed before a determination
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§ 25.853(a) if installed elsewhere on the could be made.’’


Novel or Unusual Design Features seat. Non-traditional, large, non-metallic In the late 1990s, the FAA issued
The Boeing Model 747 series panels covered with traditional fabrics Policy Memorandum 97–112–39,
airplanes will incorporate the following or leathers will be tested without their Guidance for Flammability Testing of
novel or unusual design features: These coverings or covering attachments. Seat/Console Installations, October 17,

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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 8793

1997 (http://rgl.faa.gov). That memo issue regarding seats with non- model incorporating the same novel or
was issued when it became clear that traditional, large, non-metallic panels unusual design feature, the special
seat designs were evolving to include must be addressed. The FAA discussed conditions would apply to that model as
large, non-metallic panels with surface this issue with Boeing and stated that all well.
areas that would impact survivability subsequent special conditions related to
Conclusion
during a cabin fire event, comparable to this matter would be based on the
partitions or galleys. The memo noted project approval date. This action affects only certain novel
that large surface area panels must To clarify what we mean by the or unusual design features on one model
comply with heat release and smoke approval date, the approval date is the series of airplanes. It is not a rule of
emission requirements, even if they date of approval of the affected general applicability.
were attached to a seat. If the FAA had amended type certificate or
supplemental type certificate. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
not issued such policy, seat designs
could have been viewed as a loophole Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
These Special Conditions Are Not Being
to the airworthiness standards that and recordkeeping requirements.
Applied to Other Airplane
would result in an unacceptable Manufacturers ■ The authority citation for these
decrease in survivability during a cabin special conditions is as follows:
fire event. Boeing did not request a specific
In October of 2004, an issue was change in this comment, but did draw Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
raised regarding the appropriate attention to the fact that the standards 44702, 44704.
flammability standards for passenger promulgated by these special conditions The Special Conditions
seats that incorporated non-traditional, have not yet achieved a ‘‘level playing
field for the aviation industry.’’ Boeing ■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority
large, non-metallic panels in lieu of the
stated that it agreed with the FAA’s delegated to me by the Administrator,
traditional metal covered by fabric. The
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office and goals to ensure that all parties in the the following special conditions are
Transport Standards Staff reviewed this industry are treated fairly, and the new issued as part of the type certification
design and determined that it standards are applied uniformly. basis for Boeing Model 747 series
represented the kind and quantity of However, Boeing noted that it is not airplanes.
material that should be required to pass apparent that those goals have yet been 1. Except as provided in paragraph 3
the heat release and smoke emissions met. of these special conditions, compliance
requirements. We have determined that FAA Response: As projects are with Title 14 CFR part 25, Appendix F,
special conditions would be identified that include seats with large, parts IV and V, heat release and smoke
promulgated to apply the standards non-metallic panels, the FAA will issue emission, is required for seats that
defined in 14 CFR 25.853(d) to seats special conditions for the affected incorporate non-traditional, large, non-
with large, non-metallic panels in their airplane makes and models. We are metallic panels that may either be a
design. currently working on several other single component or multiple
special condition packages for airplanes components in a concentrated area in
Discussion of Comments produced by other manufacturers. In their design.
Notice of proposed special conditions addition, we are considering rulemaking 2. The applicant may designate up to
No. 25–07–13–SC, pertaining to Boeing to revise § 25.853 to address this issue. and including 1.5 square feet of non-
Model 747 series airplanes, was These special conditions are adopted traditional, non-metallic panel material
published in the Federal Register on as proposed. per seat place that does not have to
October 29, 2007 (72 FR 61077). We comply with special condition Number
Applicability 1, above. A triple seat assembly may
only received comments from Boeing.
As discussed above, these special have a total of 4.5 square feet excluded
Change ‘‘Approved’’ to ‘‘Applied for’’ in conditions are applicable to Boeing on any portion of the assembly (e.g.,
Special Condition Number 4 Model 747 series airplanes. It is not our outboard seat place 1 square foot,
Boeing requested that the word intent, however, to require seats with middle 1 square foot, and inboard 2.5
‘‘approved’’ in the following sentence be large, non-metallic panels to meet square feet).
changed to ‘‘applied for.’’ § 25.853, Appendix F, parts IV and V, if 3. Seats do not have to meet the test
Only airplanes associated with new seat they are installed in cabins of airplanes requirements of Title 14 CFR part 25,
certification programs approved after the that otherwise are not required to meet Appendix F, parts IV and V, when
effective date of these special conditions will these standards. Because the heat installed in compartments that are not
be affected by the requirements in these release and smoke testing requirements otherwise required to meet these
special conditions. of § 25.853, Appendix F, parts IV and V, requirements. Examples include:
Boeing also requested clarification are not part of the type certification a. Airplanes with passenger capacities
regarding what is meant by ‘‘approved.’’ basis of the Model 747, these special of 19 or less,
FAA Response: Special condition conditions are only applicable if the b. Airplanes that do not have § 25.853,
number 4 was revised from what was Model 747 series airplanes are in 14 Amendment 25–61 or later, in their
issued for the final special conditions CFR part 121 operations. Section certification basis and do not need to
applicable to Model 737 airplanes. The 121.312 requires compliance with the comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
Model 737 final special conditions heat release and smoke testing 121.312, and
contained the phrase ‘‘applied for.’’ requirements of § 25.853, for certain c. Airplanes exempted from § 25.853,
That phrase was changed to ‘‘approved’’ airplanes, irrespective of the type Amendment 25–61 or later.
in these final special conditions to certification bases of those airplanes. 4. Only airplanes associated with new
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ensure that these special conditions are For the Model 747, these are the seat certification programs approved
applicable to as many Model 747 airplanes that would be affected by after the effective date of these special
certification projects as possible. The these special conditions. Should Boeing conditions will be affected by the
737 special conditions, in effect, apply at a later date for a change to the requirements in these special
notified Boeing that the flammability type certificate to include another conditions. Previously certificated

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8794 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 32 / Friday, February 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations

interiors on the existing airplane fleet Docket Office at telephone 1–800–647– site. All communications received on or
and follow-on deliveries of airplanes 5527 is on the ground floor of the before the closing date for comments
with previously certificated interiors are building at the above address. will be considered, and this rule may be
not affected. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe amended or withdrawn in light of the
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February Yadouga, Central Service Center, comments received.
7, 2008. System Support Group, Federal The Rule
Kevin Hull, Aviation Administration, Southwest
Region, Fort Worth, TX 76193–0530; This amendment to Title 14, Code of
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. telephone (817) 222–5597.
establishes Class E airspace at
[FR Doc. E8–2853 Filed 2–14–08; 8:45 am] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Huntsville, AR, providing the airspace
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
The Direct Final Rule Procedure required to support the new VOR/DME
or GPS RWY 12 approach developed for
The FAA anticipates that this IFR landings at Huntsville Municipal
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION regulation will not result in adverse or Airport. Controlled airspace extending
negative comments, and, therefore, upward from 700 feet above the surface
Federal Aviation Administration issues it as a direct final rule. Unless a is required to encompass all SIAPs and
written adverse or negative comment or for the safety of IFR operations at
14 CFR Part 71 a written notice of intent to submit an Huntsville Municipal Airport.
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0004; Airspace adverse or negative comment is received Designations for Class E airspace areas
Docket No. 08–ASW–2] within the comment period, the extending upward from 700 feet above
regulation will become effective on the the surface of the earth are published in
Establishment of Class E Airspace; date specified above. After the close of the FAA Order 7400.9R, signed August
Huntsville, AR the comment period, the FAA will 15, 2007 and effective September 15,
publish a document in the Federal 2007, which is incorporated by
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Register indicating that no adverse or reference in 14 CFR part 71.1., Class E
Administration (FAA), DOT.
negative comments were received and designations listed in this document
ACTION: Direct final rule; request for
confirming the effective date of the rule. will be published subsequently in the
comments. If the FAA receives, within the Order.
SUMMARY: This action establishes Class comment period, an adverse or negative
comment, or written comment notice of Agency Findings
E airspace at Huntsville, AR. Controlled
airspace is necessary to accommodate intent to submit such a comment, a The regulations adopted herein will
aircraft using new Area Navigation document withdrawing the direct final not have substantial direct effect on the
(RNAV) Global Positioning System rule will be published in the Federal States, on the relationship between the
(GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Register, and a notice of proposed national government and the States, or
Procedures (SIAPs). This action is rulemaking may be published with a on the distribution of power and
necessary to enhance the safety and new comment period. responsibilities among various levels of
management of Instrument Flight Rules Comments Invited government. Therefore, it is determined
(IFR) aircraft operations at Huntsville that this final rule does not have
Municipal Airport, Huntsville, Although this action is in the form of federalism implication under Executive
Arkansas. a direct final rule, and was not preceded Order 13132.
by a notice of proposed rulemaking, The FAA has determined that this
DATES: Effective Dates: 0901 UTC April interested persons are invited to regulation only involves an established
10, 2008. Comments for inclusion in the comment on this rule by submitting body of technical regulations for which
rules Docket must be received March 31, such written data, views, or arguments frequent and routine amendments are
2008. The Director of the Federal as they may desire. Comments that necessary to keep them operationally
Register approves this incorporation by provide the factual basis supporting the current, in non-controversial and
reference action under Title 1, Code of views and suggestions presented are unlikely to result in adverse or negative
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to particularly helpful in developing comments. It, therefore, (1) is not a
the annual revision of FAA Order reasoned regulatory decisions on the ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
7400.9 and publication of conforming direct final rule. Comments are Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
amendments. specifically invited on the overall ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this regulatory, aeronautical, economic, Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
proposal to the U.S. Department of environmental, and energy-related FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 aspects of the direct final rule. does not warrant preparation of a
New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Commenters wishing the FAA to Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, acknowledge receipt of their comments impact is so minimal since this is a
Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must on this rule must submit with those routine matter that will only affect air
identify the docket number FAA–2008– comments a self-addressed, stamped traffic procedures and air navigation, it
0004/Airspace Docket No. 08–ASW–2, postcard on which the following is certified that this rule, when
at the beginning of your comments. You statement is made: ‘‘Comments to promulgated, will not have a significant
may also submit comments through the Docket No. FAA–2008–0004, Airspace economic impact on a substantial
Internet at http://regulations.gov. You Docket No. 08–ASW–2.’’ The postcard number of small entities under the
may review the public docket will be date/time stamped and returned criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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containing the proposal, any comments to the commenter. Communications The FAA’s authority to issue rules
received, and any final disposition in should identify both docket numbers regarding aviation safety is found in
person in the Docket Office between 9 and be submitted in triplicate to the Title 49, of the United States Code.
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through address specified under the caption Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
Friday, except Federal holidays. The ADDRESSES above or through the Web authority of the FAA Administrator.

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