80 FR 36469 - Special Conditions: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Boeing Model 747-8 Series Airplanes; Therapeutic Oxygen for Medical Use

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 122 (June 25, 2015)

Page Range		36469-36470
FR Document		2015-15546

These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (L-3 Communications), will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is therapeutic oxygen for medical use installed in an executive-interior airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 122 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 122 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36469-36470]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15546]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0758; Special Conditions No. 25-586-SC]


Special Conditions: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Boeing 
Model 747-8 Series Airplanes; Therapeutic Oxygen for Medical Use

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Boeing Model 747-8 
series airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by L-3 Communications 
Integrated Systems (L-3 Communications), will have a novel or unusual 
design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in 
the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This 
design feature is therapeutic oxygen for medical use installed in an 
executive-interior airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations 
do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design 
feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety 
standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a 
level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing 
airworthiness standards.

DATES: Effective June 25, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hettman, FAA, Propulsion and 
Mechanical Systems, ANM-112, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2683; facsimile 425-227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On May 10, 2011, L-3 Communications applied for a supplemental type 
certificate (STC) for therapeutic oxygen for medical use in the Boeing 
Model 747-8 series airplanes equipped with executive interiors. The 
Boeing Model 747-8 series airplane, which is a derivative of the Boeing 
Model 747-400 airplane currently approved under Type Certificate No. 
A20WE, is a four-engine jet transport airplane that will have a maximum 
takeoff weight of 970,000 lbs. The Model 747-8 airplane will have 153 
seats approved for taxi, takeoff, and landing (19 crewmembers and 134 
passengers).
    Section 25.1445 includes standards for oxygen distribution systems 
when oxygen is supplied to flightcrew and passengers. If a common 
source of supply is used, Sec.  25.1445(a)(2) requires a means to 
separately reserve the minimum supply required by the flightcrew. This 
requirement was included in Sec.  25.1445 when the regulations were 
codified, and was originally added to Civil Air Regulations 4b.831 at 
Amendment 4b-13, effective September 21, 1949.
    It is apparent that the regulation is intended to protect the 
flightcrew by ensuring that an adequate supply of oxygen is available 
to complete a descent and landing following a loss of cabin pressure. 
When the regulation was written, the only passenger oxygen system 
designs were supplemental oxygen systems intended to protect passengers 
from hypoxia in the event of a decompression. Existing passenger oxygen 
systems did not include design features that would allow the flightcrew 
to control oxygen to passengers during flight. There are no similar 
requirements when oxygen is supplied from the same source to passengers 
for use during a decompression and for discretionary/first-aid use any 
time during the flight. In the proposed design, the passenger and 
therapeutic oxygen systems use the same source of oxygen. The 
flightcrew oxygen emergency system uses a dedicated source of oxygen 
independent from the passenger oxygen system. An oxygen duration chart 
and operation procedures will be incorporated into the ``Flight Crew 
Operating Manual'' and ``Flight Manual Supplement,'' as part of the 
STC, to provide information to the flightcrew to determine when to 
cease operation of the therapeutic system as a means by which to 
reserve the minimum supply of supplemental passenger oxygen.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101, L-3 Communications must show 
that the Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes, as changed, continue to 
meet the applicable provisions of the regulations listed in Type 
Certificate No. A20WE, or the applicable regulations in effect on the 
date of application for the change, except for earlier amendments as 
agreed upon by the FAA.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 
25) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the 
Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes because of a novel or unusual 
design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions 
of Sec.  21.16.
    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, these special conditions would also apply to the other model 
under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes 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 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type 
certification basis under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The L-3 Communications modifications to the Boeing Model 747-8 
series airplanes will incorporate the following novel or unusual design 
feature:
    L-3 Communications is seeking certification of an interior 
modification to Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes to include 
executive and medical patient transport. As a part of the executive 
interior installation, the airplane will be outfitted with a 
therapeutic oxygen system. The therapeutic oxygen system shares the 
same supply of oxygen with the existing passenger oxygen system and 
consists of multiple constant flow oxygen outlets located throughout 
the cabin. The

[[Page 36470]]

flightcrew can turn the therapeutic oxygen system on and off from the 
flight deck to allow use at any point during the flight, and to 
preserve a sufficient remaining oxygen reserve, in the event 
therapeutic oxygen is used for medical purposes, to accommodate the 
passengers in the event of an emergency oxygen situation.
    The gaseous passenger oxygen system will be modified to accommodate 
additional supply cylinders and several therapeutic oxygen outlets 
located throughout the cabin. Each therapeutic outlet will provide a 
constant flow of oxygen at either 2 or 4 liters per minute. The 
flightcrew will be able to control the flow of therapeutic oxygen at 
any time during flight. Therapeutic oxygen systems previously have been 
certified, and were generally considered an extension of the passenger 
oxygen system for the purpose of defining the applicable regulations. 
As a result, the applicable regulations included those that applied to 
oxygen systems in general, or supplemental oxygen systems.

Discussion

    No specific regulations address the design and installation of 
oxygen systems used specifically for therapeutic applications. Existing 
requirements, such as Sec. Sec.  25.1309, 25.1441(b) and (c), 25.1451, 
and 24.1453, in the Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes certification 
basis applicable to this STC project, provide some design standards 
appropriate for oxygen system installations. However, additional design 
standards for systems supplementing the existing oxygen system are 
needed to complement the existing applicable requirements. The addition 
of equipment involved in this installation, and the unsafe conditions 
that can exist when the oxygen content of an enclosed area becomes too 
high because of system leaks, malfunction, or damage from external 
sources, make it necessary to ensure that adequate safety standards are 
applied to the design and installation of the oxygen system in Boeing 
Model 747-8 series airplanes. These potential hazards also necessitate 
development and application of appropriate additional design and 
installation standards.
    These special conditions contain the additional safety standards 
that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of 
safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness 
standards.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions No. 25-15-05-SC for the L-3 
Communications modifications to the Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes 
was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2015 (80 FR 24225). 
No comments were received, and the special conditions are adopted as 
proposed.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to 
Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes. Should L-3 Communications apply at 
a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other 
model included on Type Certificate No. A20WE to incorporate the same 
novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply 
to that model as well.
    Under standard practice, the effective date of final special 
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the 
Federal Register; however, as the certification date for the L-3 
Communications modifications to Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes is 
imminent, the FAA finds that good cause exists to make these special 
conditions effective upon publication.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model series of 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 Special Conditions

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes as 
modified by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems.
    The distribution system for the therapeutic-oxygen system must be 
designed and installed as follows:
    When oxygen is supplied to passengers for both supplemental and 
therapeutic purposes, the distribution system must be designed for 
either--
    1. A source of supplemental supply for protection from hypoxia 
following a loss of cabin pressure, and a separate source for 
therapeutic purposes, or
    2. A common source of supply, with means to separately reserve the 
minimum supply required by the passengers for supplemental use 
following a loss of cabin pressure.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 17, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15546 Filed 6-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 122 / Thursday, June 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 36469

rules may consider the NRC’s process Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft operation of the therapeutic system as a
for petitions for rulemaking under 10 Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue means by which to reserve the
CFR 2.802. SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356; minimum supply of supplemental
Therefore, the NRC staff has telephone 425–227–2683; facsimile passenger oxygen.
concluded that the comments received 425–227–1320.
Type Certification Basis
on the companion proposed rule for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Amendment No. 5 to CoC No. 1031 for Under the provisions of § 21.101, L–
the MAGNASTOR® System are not Background 3 Communications must show that the
significant adverse comments as defined On May 10, 2011, L–3 Boeing Model 747–8 series airplanes, as
in NUREG/BR–0053, Revision 6, Communications applied for a changed, continue to meet the
‘‘United States Nuclear Regulatory supplemental type certificate (STC) for applicable provisions of the regulations
Commission Regulations Handbook’’ therapeutic oxygen for medical use in listed in Type Certificate No. A20WE, or
(ADAMS Accession No. ML052720461). the Boeing Model 747–8 series airplanes the applicable regulations in effect on
Therefore, this rule will become equipped with executive interiors. The the date of application for the change,
effective as scheduled. Boeing Model 747–8 series airplane, except for earlier amendments as agreed
which is a derivative of the Boeing upon by the FAA.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 22nd
day of June, 2015. Model 747–400 airplane currently If the Administrator finds that the
approved under Type Certificate No. applicable airworthiness regulations
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
A20WE, is a four-engine jet transport (i.e., Title 14, Code of Federal
Cindy Bladey, Regulations (14 CFR) part 25) do not
airplane that will have a maximum
Chief, Rules, Announcements, and Directives takeoff weight of 970,000 lbs. The contain adequate or appropriate safety
Branch, Division of Administrative Services, Model 747–8 airplane will have 153 standards for the Boeing Model 747–8
Office of Administration.
seats approved for taxi, takeoff, and series airplanes because of a novel or
[FR Doc. 2015–15607 Filed 6–24–15; 8:45 am]
landing (19 crewmembers and 134 unusual design feature, special
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P passengers). conditions are prescribed under the
Section 25.1445 includes standards provisions of § 21.16.
for oxygen distribution systems when Special conditions are initially
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION oxygen is supplied to flightcrew and applicable to the model for which they
passengers. If a common source of are issued. Should the applicant apply
Federal Aviation Administration supply is used, § 25.1445(a)(2) requires for a supplemental type certificate to
a means to separately reserve the modify any other model included on the
14 CFR Part 25 minimum supply required by the same type certificate to incorporate the
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0758; Special flightcrew. This requirement was same or similar novel or unusual design
Conditions No. 25–586–SC] included in § 25.1445 when the feature, these special conditions would
regulations were codified, and was also apply to the other model under
Special Conditions: L–3 originally added to Civil Air Regulations § 21.101.
Communications Integrated Systems, 4b.831 at Amendment 4b–13, effective In addition to the applicable
Boeing Model 747–8 Series Airplanes; September 21, 1949. airworthiness regulations and special
Therapeutic Oxygen for Medical Use It is apparent that the regulation is conditions, the Boeing Model 747–8
intended to protect the flightcrew by series airplanes must comply with the
AGENCY: Federal Aviation ensuring that an adequate supply of fuel vent and exhaust emission
Administration (FAA), DOT. oxygen is available to complete a requirements of 14 CFR part 34; and the
ACTION: Final special conditions. descent and landing following a loss of noise certification requirements of 14
cabin pressure. When the regulation was CFR part 36.
SUMMARY: These special conditions are
written, the only passenger oxygen The FAA issues special conditions, as
issued for the Boeing Model 747–8
system designs were supplemental defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
series airplanes. These airplanes, as
oxygen systems intended to protect with § 11.38, and they become part of
modified by L–3 Communications
passengers from hypoxia in the event of the type certification basis under
Integrated Systems (L–3
a decompression. Existing passenger § 21.101.
Communications), will have a novel or
oxygen systems did not include design
unusual design feature when compared features that would allow the flightcrew Novel or Unusual Design Features
to the state of technology envisioned in to control oxygen to passengers during The L–3 Communications
the airworthiness standards for flight. There are no similar requirements modifications to the Boeing Model 747–
transport category airplanes. This design when oxygen is supplied from the same 8 series airplanes will incorporate the
feature is therapeutic oxygen for source to passengers for use during a following novel or unusual design
medical use installed in an executive- decompression and for discretionary/ feature:
interior airplane. The applicable first-aid use any time during the flight. L–3 Communications is seeking
airworthiness regulations do not contain In the proposed design, the passenger certification of an interior modification
adequate or appropriate safety standards and therapeutic oxygen systems use the to Boeing Model 747–8 series airplanes
for this design feature. These special same source of oxygen. The flightcrew to include executive and medical
conditions contain the additional safety oxygen emergency system uses a patient transport. As a part of the
standards that the Administrator dedicated source of oxygen independent executive interior installation, the
considers necessary to establish a level from the passenger oxygen system. An airplane will be outfitted with a
Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES

of safety equivalent to that established oxygen duration chart and operation therapeutic oxygen system. The
by the existing airworthiness standards. procedures will be incorporated into the therapeutic oxygen system shares the
DATES: Effective June 25, 2015. ‘‘Flight Crew Operating Manual’’ and same supply of oxygen with the existing
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ‘‘Flight Manual Supplement,’’ as part of passenger oxygen system and consists of
Robert Hettman, FAA, Propulsion and the STC, to provide information to the multiple constant flow oxygen outlets
Mechanical Systems, ANM–112, flightcrew to determine when to cease located throughout the cabin. The

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36470 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 122 / Thursday, June 25, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

flightcrew can turn the therapeutic Communications modifications to the minimum supply required by the
oxygen system on and off from the flight Boeing Model 747–8 series airplanes passengers for supplemental use
deck to allow use at any point during was published in the Federal Register following a loss of cabin pressure.
the flight, and to preserve a sufficient on April 30, 2015 (80 FR 24225). No Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 17,
remaining oxygen reserve, in the event comments were received, and the 2015.
therapeutic oxygen is used for medical special conditions are adopted as Jeffrey E. Duven,
purposes, to accommodate the proposed. Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
passengers in the event of an emergency Aircraft Certification Service.
oxygen situation. Applicability
[FR Doc. 2015–15546 Filed 6–24–15; 8:45 am]
The gaseous passenger oxygen system As discussed above, these special
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
will be modified to accommodate conditions are applicable to Boeing
additional supply cylinders and several Model 747–8 series airplanes. Should
therapeutic oxygen outlets located L–3 Communications apply at a later DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
throughout the cabin. Each therapeutic date for a supplemental type certificate
outlet will provide a constant flow of to modify any other model included on Federal Aviation Administration
oxygen at either 2 or 4 liters per minute. Type Certificate No. A20WE to
The flightcrew will be able to control incorporate the same novel or unusual 14 CFR Part 25
the flow of therapeutic oxygen at any design feature, these special conditions
time during flight. Therapeutic oxygen would apply to that model as well. [Docket No. FAA–2015–0426; Special
systems previously have been certified, Conditions No. 25–576–SC]
Under standard practice, the effective
and were generally considered an date of final special conditions would
extension of the passenger oxygen Special Conditions: Bombardier
be 30 days after the date of publication Aerospace Incorporated, Models BD–
system for the purpose of defining the in the Federal Register; however, as the
applicable regulations. As a result, the 500–1A10 and BD–500–1A11 Series
certification date for the L–3 Airplanes; Electronic Flight-Control
applicable regulations included those Communications modifications to
that applied to oxygen systems in System (EFCS): Pitch-and Roll-
Boeing Model 747–8 series airplanes is Limiting Functions
general, or supplemental oxygen imminent, the FAA finds that good
systems. cause exists to make these special AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Discussion conditions effective upon publication. Administration (FAA), DOT.
Conclusion ACTION: Final special conditions.
No specific regulations address the
design and installation of oxygen This action affects only certain novel SUMMARY: These special conditions are
systems used specifically for therapeutic or unusual design features on one model issued for the Bombardier Aerospace
applications. Existing requirements, series of airplanes. It is not a rule of Model BD–500–1A10 and BD–500–
such as §§ 25.1309, 25.1441(b) and (c), general applicability, and affects only 1A11 series airplanes. These airplanes
25.1451, and 24.1453, in the Boeing the applicant who applied to the FAA will have a novel or unusual design
Model 747–8 series airplanes for approval of these features on the feature associated with a fly-by-wire
certification basis applicable to this STC airplane. EFCS that limits pitch- and roll-limiting
project, provide some design standards functions to prevent the airplane from
appropriate for oxygen system List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 attaining certain pitch attitudes and roll
installations. However, additional Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting angles. This system generates the actual
design standards for systems and recordkeeping requirements. surface commands that provide for
supplementing the existing oxygen stability augmentation and flight control
system are needed to complement the The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows: for all three airplane axes (longitudinal,
existing applicable requirements. The lateral, and directional). The applicable
addition of equipment involved in this Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, airworthiness regulations do not contain
installation, and the unsafe conditions 44702, 44704.
adequate or appropriate safety standards
that can exist when the oxygen content The Special Conditions for this design feature. These special
of an enclosed area becomes too high conditions contain the additional safety
because of system leaks, malfunction, or Accordingly, pursuant to the
standards that the Administrator
damage from external sources, make it authority delegated to me by the
considers necessary to establish a level
necessary to ensure that adequate safety Administrator, the following special
of safety equivalent to that established
standards are applied to the design and conditions are issued as part of the type
by the existing airworthiness standards.
installation of the oxygen system in certification basis for Boeing Model
747–8 series airplanes as modified by L– DATES: Effective July 27, 2015.
Boeing Model 747–8 series airplanes.
These potential hazards also necessitate 3 Communications Integrated Systems. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe
development and application of The distribution system for the Jacobsen, FAA, Standardization Branch,
appropriate additional design and therapeutic-oxygen system must be ANM–111 Transport Airplane
installation standards. designed and installed as follows: Directorate, Aircraft Certification
These special conditions contain the When oxygen is supplied to Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
additional safety standards that the passengers for both supplemental and Renton, Washington 98057–3356;
Administrator considers necessary to therapeutic purposes, the distribution telephone 425–227–2011; facsimile
establish a level of safety equivalent to system must be designed for either— 425–227–1149.
Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES

that established by the existing 1. A source of supplemental supply SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
airworthiness standards. for protection from hypoxia following a
loss of cabin pressure, and a separate Background
Discussion of Comments source for therapeutic purposes, or On December 10, 2009, Bombardier
Notice of proposed special conditions 2. A common source of supply, with Aerospace applied for a type certificate
No. 25–15–05–SC for the L–3 means to separately reserve the for their new Model BD–500–1A10 and

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 14:17:20
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 14:17:20

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final special conditions.
Dates		Effective June 25, 2015.
Contact		Robert Hettman, FAA, Propulsion and Mechanical Systems, ANM-112, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98057- 3356; telephone 425-227-2683; facsimile 425-227-1320.
FR Citation		80 FR 36469
CFR Associated		Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

80 FR 36469 - Special Conditions: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Boeing Model 747-8 Series Airplanes; Therapeutic Oxygen for Medical Use

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 122 (June 25, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration