80_FR_58775 80 FR 58586 - Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747-8, Dynamic Test Requirements for Single-Occupant, Oblique (Side-Facing) Seats With Airbag Devices

80 FR 58586 - Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747-8, Dynamic Test Requirements for Single-Occupant, Oblique (Side-Facing) Seats With Airbag Devices

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 189 (September 30, 2015)

Page Range58586-58589
FR Document2015-24724

These special conditions are issued for Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features associated with oblique-angled, single-occupant seats equipped with airbag systems. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These 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.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 189 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 189 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58586-58589]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24724]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0309; Special Conditions No. 25-594-SC]


Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747-8, Dynamic Test Requirements 
for Single-Occupant, Oblique (Side-Facing) Seats With Airbag Devices

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for Boeing Model 747-8 
airplanes. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features 
associated with oblique-angled, single-occupant seats equipped with 
airbag systems. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain 
adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 
These 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: The effective date of these special conditions is September 30, 
2015. We must receive your comments by November 16, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-0309 
using any of the following methods:
    Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and 
follow the online instructions for sending your comments 
electronically.
    Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12-140, West 
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC, 20590-0001.
    Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in 
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9

[[Page 58587]]

a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal 
information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the 
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all 
comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the 
individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an 
association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Shelden, Airframe and Cabin 
Safety, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-2785; facsimile 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice of, and 
opportunity for, prior public comment on these special conditions are 
impracticable because these procedures would significantly delay 
issuance of the design approval and thus delivery of the affected 
airplane.
    In addition, the substance of these special conditions has been 
subject to the public-comment process in several prior instances with 
no substantive comments received. The FAA therefore finds that good 
cause exists for making these special conditions effective upon 
issuance.

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 will consider all comments we receive by the closing date for 
comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments 
we receive.

Background

    On February 3, 2014, the Boeing Company applied for an amendment to 
Type Certificate no. A20WE to allow installation of single-occupant, 
oblique-angled (side-facing) seats with airbag devices in Boeing Model 
747-8 airplanes.
    Boeing requested special conditions to allow installation of 
oblique business-class passenger seats in the Boeing Model 747-8 
airplane. The seating configuration Boeing proposes in Certification 
Plan no. 15090, ``Installation of Business Class Zodiac Seats and 
Furniture for 747-8 TRX RC076,'' consists of Zodiac Cirrus III model 
side-facing, pod-style, business-class seats (with surrounding shells 
and front-row furniture) installed at an angle of up to 30 degrees to 
the airplane longitudinal centerline. These seats will include 
inflatable restraint (airbag) systems for occupant restraint and injury 
protection.
    The Model 747-8 airplane, a derivative of the Model 747-400 
airplane, is a bi-level, wide-body airplane powered by four wing-
mounted General Electric GEnx-2B engines. The airplane will have a 
maximum seating capacity of 605 passengers and two crew members, and a 
maximum takeoff weight of 987,000 pounds.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) 21.101, Boeing must show that the Model 747-8 airplane meets 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. The regulations listed in the type certificate are 
commonly referred to as the ``original type certification basis.'' The 
regulations listed in Type Certificate no. A20WE are as follows:
    14 CFR part 25, Amendments 25-1 through 25-120, with exceptions 
permitted by Sec.  21.101. In addition, the certification basis 
includes certain special conditions, exemptions, or later amended 
sections of the applicable part that are not relevant to these special 
conditions.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes because 
of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed 
under Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended 
later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or 
unusual design feature, or should any other model already included on 
the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the same 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 airplane 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 business-class seating configuration Boeing proposes is novel 
or unusual due to the seat installation at 30 degrees to the airplane 
centerline, the airbag-system installation, and the seat/occupant 
interface with the surrounding furniture that introduces occupant 
alignment and loading concerns. The proposed business-class seating 
configuration also is beyond the limits of current acceptable 
equivalent-level-of-safety findings.
    Ongoing research is progressing to establish acceptable limits. 
Until those limits become available, the FAA proposes a set of interim 
limits based on the current literature available, current National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations, and 
preliminary test data from the research program.
    The existing regulations do not provide adequate or appropriate 
safety standards for occupants of oblique-angled seats with airbag 
systems. To provide a level of safety that is equivalent to that 
afforded occupants of forward- and aft-facing seats, additional 
airworthiness standards, in the form of special conditions, are 
necessary. These special conditions supplement part 25 and, more 
specifically, supplement Sec. Sec.  25.562 and 25.785. The requirements 
contained in these special conditions consist of both test conditions 
and injury pass/fail criteria.

[[Page 58588]]

Discussion

    Amendment 25-15 to part 25, dated October 24, 1967, introduced the 
subject of side-facing seats, and a requirement that each occupant in a 
side-facing seat must be protected from head injury by a safety belt 
and a cushioned rest that will support the arms, shoulders, head, and 
spine.
    Subsequently, Amendment 25-20, dated April 23, 1969, clarified the 
definition of side-facing seats to require that each occupant of a 
seat, positioned at more than an 18-degree angle to the vertical plane 
of the airplane longitudinal centerline, must be protected from head 
injury by a safety belt and an energy-absorbing rest that will support 
the arms, shoulders, head, and spine; or by a safety belt and shoulder 
harness that will prevent the head from contacting any injurious 
object. The FAA concluded that an 18-degree angle would provide an 
adequate level of safety based on tests that were performed at that 
time, and thus adopted that standard.
    Part 25 was amended June 16, 1988, by Amendment 25-64, to revise 
the emergency-landing conditions that must be considered in the design 
of the airplane. Amendment 25-64 revised the static-load conditions in 
14 CFR 25.561, and added the new Sec.  25.562 that requires dynamic 
testing for all seats approved for occupancy during takeoff and 
landing. The intent of Amendment 25-64 is to provide an improved level 
of safety for occupants on transport-category airplanes. Because most 
seating is forward-facing on transport-category airplanes, the pass/
fail criteria developed in Amendment 25-64 focused primarily on these 
seats. As a result, the FAA issued Policy Memorandums ANM-03-115-30 and 
PS-ANM-100-2000-00123 to provide the additional guidance necessary to 
demonstrate the level of safety required by the regulations for side-
facing seats.
    To reflect current research findings, the FAA developed a 
methodology to address all fully side-facing seats (i.e., seats 
positioned in the airplane with the occupant facing 90 degrees to the 
vertical plane of the airplane centerline), and has documented those 
requirements in a set of new special conditions. The FAA issued Policy 
Statement PS-ANM-25-03-R1 to define revised injury criteria associated 
with neck and leg injuries.
    The proposed Model 747-8, a Transaero Airlines business-class seat 
installation, is novel such that the current Model 747-8 airplane 
certification basis does not adequately address protection of the 
occupant's neck and spine for seat configurations that are positioned 
at an angle greater than 18 degrees from the airplane centerline. 
Therefore, The Boeing Company's proposed configuration will require new 
special conditions.
    These special conditions will provide head injury criteria, neck 
injury criteria, spine injury criteria, and body-to-wall contact 
criteria. They 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.

Applicability

    These special conditions are applicable to the Boeing Model 747-8 
airplanes configured with the business-class seating defined in Boeing 
Certification Plan. Should Boeing apply at a later date for a change to 
the type certificates to include another model incorporating the same 
novel or unusual design feature, or should any other model already 
included on the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the 
same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would 
apply to the other model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability.
    The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the 
notice and comment period in several prior instances and has been 
derived without substantive change from those previously issued. It is 
unlikely that prior public comment would result in a significant change 
from the substance contained herein. Therefore, because a delay would 
significantly affect the certification of the airplane, which is 
imminent, the FAA has determined that prior public notice and comment 
are unnecessary and impracticable, and good cause exists for adopting 
these special conditions upon publication in the Federal Register. The 
FAA is requesting comments to allow interested persons to submit views 
that may not have been submitted in response to the prior opportunities 
for comment described above.

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 the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane.

Side-Facing Seats Special Conditions

    In addition to the requirements of Sec.  25.562:
    1. Head Injury Criteria.
    Compliance with Sec.  25.562(c)(5) is required, except that, if the 
anthropomorphic test device (ATD) has no apparent contact with the 
seat/structure but has contact with an airbag, a head-injury criterion 
(HIC) unlimited score in excess of 1000 is acceptable, provided the 
HIC15 score (calculated in accordance with 49 CFR 571.208) for that 
contact is less than 700.
    2. Body-to-Wall/Furnishing Contact.
    If a seat is installed aft of structure (e.g., an interior wall or 
furnishing) that does not provide a homogenous contact surface for the 
expected range of occupants and yaw angles, then additional analysis 
and/or test(s) may be required to demonstrate that the injury criteria 
are met for the area that an occupant could contact. For example, if 
different yaw angles could result in different airbag performance, then 
additional analysis or separate test(s) may be necessary to evaluate 
performance.
    3. Neck Injury Criteria.
    The seating system must protect the occupant from experiencing 
serious neck injury. The assessment of neck injury must be conducted 
with the airbag device activated, unless there is reason to also 
consider that the neck-injury potential would be higher for impacts 
below the airbag-device deployment threshold.
    a. The Nij (calculated in accordance with 49 CFR 
571.208) must be below 1.0, where Nij =Fz/
Fzc + My/Myc, and Nij 
critical values are:

i. Fzc = 1530 lb for tension
ii. Fzc = 1385 lb for compression
iii. Myc = 229 lb-ft in flexion
iv. Myc = 100 lb-ft in extension

    b. In addition, peak Fz must be below 937 lb in tension 
and 899 lb in compression.
    c. Rotation of the head about its vertical axis, relative to the 
torso, is limited to 105 degrees in either direction from forward-
facing.
    d. The neck must not impact any surface that would produce 
concentrated loading on the neck.
    4. Spine and Torso Injury Criteria
    a. The shoulders must remain aligned with the hips throughout the 
impact

[[Page 58589]]

sequence, or support for the upper torso must be provided to prevent 
forward or lateral flailing beyond 45 degrees from the vertical during 
significant spinal loading. Alternatively, the lumbar spine tension 
(Fz) cannot exceed 1200 lb.
    b. Significant concentrated loading on the occupant's spine, in the 
area between the pelvis and shoulders during impact, including rebound, 
is not acceptable. During this type of contact, the interval for any 
rearward (X-direction) acceleration exceeding 20g must be less than 3 
milliseconds as measured by the thoracic instrumentation specified in 
49 CFR part 572, subpart E, filtered in accordance with SAE 
International (SAE) J211-1.
    c. Occupant must not interact with the armrest or other seat 
components in any manner significantly different than would be expected 
for a forward-facing seat installation.
    5. Longitudinal test(s), conducted to measure the injury criteria 
above, must be performed with the FAA Hybrid III ATD, as described in 
SAE 1999-01-1609. The test(s) must be conducted with an undeformed 
floor, at the most-critical yaw case(s) for injury, and with all 
lateral structural supports (armrests/walls) installed.

    Note: Boeing must demonstrate that the installation of seats via 
plinths or pallets meets all applicable requirements. Compliance 
with the guidance contained in FAA Policy Memorandum PS-ANM-100-
2000-00123, dated February 2, 2000, titled ``Guidance for 
Demonstrating Compliance with Seat Dynamic Testing for Plinths and 
Pallets,'' is acceptable to the FAA.

Inflatable Airbag Systems Special Conditions

    If inflatable airbag systems are installed on single-place side-
facing seats, the airbag systems must meet Special Conditions no. 25-
589-SC.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 1, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-24724 Filed 9-29-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

58586 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations by calling (202) 267–9677. Commenters 14 CFR Part 121 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40101, must identify the docket or notice 40103, 40105, 40109, 40113, 44110, 44502, Air carriers, Aircraft, Aviation safety, number of this rulemaking. 44701–44702, 44711, and 46102. Charter flights, Reporting and All documents the FAA considered in recordkeeping requirements. developing this rule, including ■ 2. In § 11.201, in paragraph (b), revise economic analyses and technical The Amendment the entry to Part 121 to read as follows: reports, may be accessed from the In consideration of the foregoing, the § 11.201 Office of Management and Budget Internet through the Federal Federal Aviation Administration (OMB) control numbers assigned under the eRulemaking Portal referenced in item amends chapter I of title 14, Code of Paperwork Reduction Act. (1) above. Federal Regulations as follows: * * * * * List of Subjects PART 11—GENERAL RULEMAKING (b) * * * 14 CFR Part 11 PROCEDURES Reporting and recordkeeping ■ 1. The authority citation for part 11 requirements. continues to read as follows: 14 CFR Part or sec- tion identified and Current OMB control number described * * * * * * * Part 121 ................. 2120–0008, 2120–0028, 2120–0535, 2120–0571, 2120–0600, 2120–0606, 2120–0614, 2120–0616, 2120–0631, 2120– 0651, 2120–0653, 2120–0691, 2120–0702, 2120–0739, 2120–0760 * * * * * * * PART 121—OPERATING others, may be carried aboard an ACTION: Final special conditions; request REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, airplane without complying with the for comments. AND SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS passenger-carrying airplane requirements in §§ 121.309(f), 121.310, SUMMARY: These special conditions are ■ 3. The authority citation for part 121 121.391, 121.571, and 121.587; the issued for Boeing Model 747–8 is revised to read as follows: passenger-carrying operation airplanes. This airplane will have novel Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40103, requirements in part 117 and or unusual design features associated 40113, 40119, 41706, 42301 preceding note §§ 121.157(c) and 121.291; the with oblique-angled, single-occupant added by Pub. L. 112–95, sec. 412, 126 Stat. requirements pertaining to passengers in seats equipped with airbag systems. The 89, 44101, 44701–44702, 44705, 44709– §§ 121.285, 121.313(f), 121.317, 121.547, applicable airworthiness regulations do 44711, 44713, 44716–44717, 44722, 44729, and 121.573; and the information not contain adequate or appropriate 44732; 46105; Pub. L. 111–216, 124 Stat. disclosure requirements in § 121.311(k): safety standards for these design 2348 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note); Pub. L. 112–95 features. These special conditions 126 Stat 62 (49 U.S.C. 44732 note). * * * * * contain the additional safety standards Issued in Washington, DC, under the the Administrator considers necessary ■ 4. In § 121.311, add paragraph (k) to authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f), read as follows: to establish a level of safety equivalent 44701(a), and 49 U.S.C. 42301 preceding note to that established by the existing § 121.311 Seats, safety belts, and shoulder added by Public Law 112–95, sec. 412, 126 airworthiness standards. harnesses. Stat. 89, on September 18, 2015. DATES: The effective date of these * * * * * Michael P. Huerta, special conditions is September 30, (k) Seat dimension disclosure. (1) Administrator. 2015. We must receive your comments Each air carrier that conducts operations [FR Doc. 2015–24720 Filed 9–29–15; 8:45 am] by November 16, 2015. under this part and that has a Web site BILLING CODE 4910–13–P ADDRESSES: Send comments identified must make available on its Web site the width of the narrowest and widest by docket number FAA–2015–0309 passenger seats in each class of service DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION using any of the following methods: for each airplane make, model and Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to series operated by that air carrier in Federal Aviation Administration http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow passenger-carrying operations. the online instructions for sending your (2) For purposes of paragraph (k)(1) of 14 CFR Part 25 comments electronically. this section, the width of a passenger Mail: Send comments to Docket seat means the distance between the [Docket No. FAA–2015–0309; Special Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of inside of the armrests for that seat. Conditions No. 25–594–SC] Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West ■ 5. In § 121.583, revise paragraph (a) mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES introductory text to read as follows: Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747– Building Ground Floor, Washington, 8, Dynamic Test Requirements for DC, 20590–0001. § 121.583 Carriage of persons without Single-Occupant, Oblique (Side- Hand Delivery or Courier: Take compliance with the passenger-carrying Facing) Seats With Airbag Devices comments to Docket Operations in requirements of this part. Room W12–140 of the West Building (a) When authorized by the certificate AGENCY: Federal Aviation Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey holder, the following persons, but no Administration (FAA), DOT. Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58587 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through conditions based on the comments we feature, special conditions are Friday, except Federal holidays. receive. prescribed under § 21.16. Fax: Fax comments to Docket Special conditions are initially Background Operations at 202–493–2251. applicable to the model for which they Privacy: The FAA will post all On February 3, 2014, the Boeing are issued. Should the type certificate comments it receives, without change, Company applied for an amendment to for that model be amended later to to http://www.regulations.gov/, Type Certificate no. A20WE to allow include any other model that including any personal information the installation of single-occupant, oblique- incorporates the same novel or unusual commenter provides. Using the search angled (side-facing) seats with airbag design feature, or should any other function of the docket Web site, anyone devices in Boeing Model 747–8 model already included on the same can find and read the electronic form of airplanes. type certificate be modified to all comments received into any FAA Boeing requested special conditions incorporate the same novel or unusual docket, including the name of the to allow installation of oblique business- design feature, these special conditions individual sending the comment (or class passenger seats in the Boeing would also apply to the other model signing the comment for an association, Model 747–8 airplane. The seating under § 21.101. business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s configuration Boeing proposes in complete Privacy Act Statement can be Certification Plan no. 15090, In addition to the applicable found in the Federal Register published ‘‘Installation of Business Class Zodiac airworthiness regulations and special on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), Seats and Furniture for 747–8 TRX conditions, the Boeing Model 747–8 as well as at http://DocketsInfo. RC076,’’ consists of Zodiac Cirrus III airplane must comply with the fuel-vent dot.gov/. model side-facing, pod-style, business- and exhaust-emission requirements of Docket: Background documents or class seats (with surrounding shells and 14 CFR part 34, and the noise- comments received may be read at front-row furniture) installed at an angle certification requirements of 14 CFR http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. of up to 30 degrees to the airplane part 36. Follow the online instructions for longitudinal centerline. These seats will The FAA issues special conditions as accessing the docket or go to Docket include inflatable restraint (airbag) defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance Operations in Room W12–140 of the systems for occupant restraint and with § 11.38, and they become part of West Building Ground Floor at 1200 injury protection. the type certification basis under New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, The Model 747–8 airplane, a § 21.101. DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday derivative of the Model 747–400 through Friday, except Federal holidays. airplane, is a bi-level, wide-body Novel or Unusual Design Features FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John airplane powered by four wing-mounted The business-class seating Shelden, Airframe and Cabin Safety, General Electric GEnx-2B engines. The configuration Boeing proposes is novel ANM–115, Transport Airplane airplane will have a maximum seating or unusual due to the seat installation Directorate, Aircraft Certification capacity of 605 passengers and two crew at 30 degrees to the airplane centerline, Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., members, and a maximum takeoff the airbag-system installation, and the Renton, Washington 98057–3356; weight of 987,000 pounds. seat/occupant interface with the telephone 425–227–2785; facsimile surrounding furniture that introduces Type Certification Basis 425–227–1149. occupant alignment and loading SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA Under the provisions of Title 14, Code concerns. The proposed business-class has determined that notice of, and of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.101, seating configuration also is beyond the opportunity for, prior public comment Boeing must show that the Model 747– limits of current acceptable equivalent- on these special conditions are 8 airplane meets the applicable level-of-safety findings. impracticable because these procedures provisions of the regulations listed in Type Certificate no. A20WE, or the Ongoing research is progressing to would significantly delay issuance of applicable regulations in effect on the establish acceptable limits. Until those the design approval and thus delivery of date of application for the change, limits become available, the FAA the affected airplane. except for earlier amendments as agreed proposes a set of interim limits based on In addition, the substance of these upon by the FAA. The regulations listed the current literature available, current special conditions has been subject to in the type certificate are commonly National Highway Traffic Safety the public-comment process in several referred to as the ‘‘original type Administration (NHTSA) regulations, prior instances with no substantive certification basis.’’ The regulations and preliminary test data from the comments received. The FAA therefore listed in Type Certificate no. A20WE are research program. finds that good cause exists for making these special conditions effective upon as follows: The existing regulations do not issuance. 14 CFR part 25, Amendments 25–1 provide adequate or appropriate safety through 25–120, with exceptions standards for occupants of oblique- Comments Invited permitted by § 21.101. In addition, the angled seats with airbag systems. To We invite interested people to take certification basis includes certain provide a level of safety that is part in this rulemaking by sending special conditions, exemptions, or later equivalent to that afforded occupants of written comments, data, or views. The amended sections of the applicable part forward- and aft-facing seats, additional most helpful comments reference a that are not relevant to these special airworthiness standards, in the form of mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES specific portion of the special conditions. special conditions, are necessary. These conditions, explain the reason for any If the Administrator finds that the special conditions supplement part 25 recommended change, and include applicable airworthiness regulations and, more specifically, supplement supporting data. (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain §§ 25.562 and 25.785. The requirements We will consider all comments we adequate or appropriate safety standards contained in these special conditions receive by the closing date for for Boeing Model 747–8 airplanes consist of both test conditions and comments. We may change these special because of a novel or unusual design injury pass/fail criteria. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

58588 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Discussion neck and spine for seat configurations The Special Conditions Amendment 25–15 to part 25, dated that are positioned at an angle greater Accordingly, pursuant to the October 24, 1967, introduced the subject than 18 degrees from the airplane authority delegated to me by the of side-facing seats, and a requirement centerline. Therefore, The Boeing Administrator, the following special that each occupant in a side-facing seat Company’s proposed configuration will conditions are issued as part of the type must be protected from head injury by require new special conditions. certification basis for the Boeing Model a safety belt and a cushioned rest that These special conditions will provide 747–8 airplane. will support the arms, shoulders, head, head injury criteria, neck injury criteria, spine injury criteria, and body-to-wall Side-Facing Seats Special Conditions and spine. Subsequently, Amendment 25–20, contact criteria. They contain the In addition to the requirements of dated April 23, 1969, clarified the additional safety standards that the § 25.562: definition of side-facing seats to require Administrator considers necessary to 1. Head Injury Criteria. that each occupant of a seat, positioned establish a level of safety equivalent to Compliance with § 25.562(c)(5) is at more than an 18-degree angle to the that established by the existing required, except that, if the vertical plane of the airplane airworthiness standards. anthropomorphic test device (ATD) has longitudinal centerline, must be no apparent contact with the seat/ Applicability protected from head injury by a safety structure but has contact with an airbag, belt and an energy-absorbing rest that These special conditions are a head-injury criterion (HIC) unlimited will support the arms, shoulders, head, applicable to the Boeing Model 747–8 score in excess of 1000 is acceptable, and spine; or by a safety belt and airplanes configured with the business- provided the HIC15 score (calculated in shoulder harness that will prevent the class seating defined in Boeing accordance with 49 CFR 571.208) for head from contacting any injurious Certification Plan. Should Boeing apply that contact is less than 700. object. The FAA concluded that an 18- at a later date for a change to the type 2. Body-to-Wall/Furnishing Contact. degree angle would provide an adequate certificates to include another model If a seat is installed aft of structure level of safety based on tests that were incorporating the same novel or unusual (e.g., an interior wall or furnishing) that performed at that time, and thus design feature, or should any other does not provide a homogenous contact adopted that standard. model already included on the same surface for the expected range of Part 25 was amended June 16, 1988, type certificate be modified to occupants and yaw angles, then by Amendment 25–64, to revise the incorporate the same novel or unusual additional analysis and/or test(s) may be emergency-landing conditions that must design feature, these special conditions required to demonstrate that the injury be considered in the design of the would apply to the other model as well. criteria are met for the area that an airplane. Amendment 25–64 revised the occupant could contact. For example, if Conclusion different yaw angles could result in static-load conditions in 14 CFR 25.561, and added the new § 25.562 that This action affects only certain novel different airbag performance, then requires dynamic testing for all seats or unusual design features on one model additional analysis or separate test(s) approved for occupancy during takeoff airplane. It is not a rule of general may be necessary to evaluate and landing. The intent of Amendment applicability. performance. 25–64 is to provide an improved level The substance of these special 3. Neck Injury Criteria. of safety for occupants on transport- The seating system must protect the conditions has been subjected to the category airplanes. Because most seating occupant from experiencing serious notice and comment period in several is forward-facing on transport-category neck injury. The assessment of neck prior instances and has been derived airplanes, the pass/fail criteria injury must be conducted with the without substantive change from those developed in Amendment 25–64 airbag device activated, unless there is previously issued. It is unlikely that focused primarily on these seats. As a reason to also consider that the neck- prior public comment would result in a result, the FAA issued Policy injury potential would be higher for significant change from the substance Memorandums ANM–03–115–30 and impacts below the airbag-device contained herein. Therefore, because a PS–ANM–100–2000–00123 to provide deployment threshold. delay would significantly affect the the additional guidance necessary to a. The Nij (calculated in accordance certification of the airplane, which is demonstrate the level of safety required with 49 CFR 571.208) must be below imminent, the FAA has determined that by the regulations for side-facing seats. 1.0, where Nij =Fz/Fzc + My/Myc, and Nij prior public notice and comment are To reflect current research findings, critical values are: unnecessary and impracticable, and the FAA developed a methodology to good cause exists for adopting these i. Fzc = 1530 lb for tension address all fully side-facing seats (i.e., special conditions upon publication in ii. Fzc = 1385 lb for compression seats positioned in the airplane with the the Federal Register. The FAA is iii. Myc = 229 lb-ft in flexion occupant facing 90 degrees to the requesting comments to allow interested iv. Myc = 100 lb-ft in extension vertical plane of the airplane persons to submit views that may not b. In addition, peak Fz must be below centerline), and has documented those have been submitted in response to the 937 lb in tension and 899 lb in requirements in a set of new special prior opportunities for comment compression. conditions. The FAA issued Policy described above. c. Rotation of the head about its Statement PS–ANM–25–03–R1 to define vertical axis, relative to the torso, is revised injury criteria associated with List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 limited to 105 degrees in either mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES neck and leg injuries. Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting direction from forward-facing. The proposed Model 747–8, a and recordkeeping requirements. d. The neck must not impact any Transaero Airlines business-class seat surface that would produce installation, is novel such that the The authority citation for these concentrated loading on the neck. current Model 747–8 airplane special conditions is as follows: 4. Spine and Torso Injury Criteria certification basis does not adequately Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, a. The shoulders must remain aligned address protection of the occupant’s 44702, 44704. with the hips throughout the impact VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:03 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58589 sequence, or support for the upper torso DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION complete Privacy Act Statement can must be provided to prevent forward or be found in the Federal Register lateral flailing beyond 45 degrees from Federal Aviation Administration published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR the vertical during significant spinal 19477–19478), as well as at http:// loading. Alternatively, the lumbar spine 14 CFR Part 25 DocketsInfo.dot.gov/. tension (Fz) cannot exceed 1200 lb. [Docket No. FAA–2015–2884; Special Docket: Background documents or Conditions No. 25–595–SC] comments received may be read at b. Significant concentrated loading on http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. the occupant’s spine, in the area Follow the online instructions for Special Conditions: Embraer Model between the pelvis and shoulders EMB–545 Airplanes; Seats With accessing the docket or go to Docket during impact, including rebound, is Inflatable Lap Belts Operations in Room W12–140 of the not acceptable. During this type of West Building Ground Floor at 1200 contact, the interval for any rearward AGENCY: Federal Aviation New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, (X-direction) acceleration exceeding 20g Administration (FAA), DOT. DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday must be less than 3 milliseconds as ACTION: Final special conditions; request through Friday, except Federal holidays. measured by the thoracic for comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: instrumentation specified in 49 CFR Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin SUMMARY: These special conditions are part 572, subpart E, filtered in issued for Embraer Model EMB–545 Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport accordance with SAE International airplanes. These airplanes will have a Airplane Directorate, Aircraft (SAE) J211–1. novel or unusual design feature Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue c. Occupant must not interact with associated with seats with inflatable lap SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356; the armrest or other seat components in belts. The applicable airworthiness telephone (425) 227–2194, facsimile any manner significantly different than regulations do not contain adequate or (425) 227–1232. would be expected for a forward-facing appropriate safety standards for this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA seat installation. design feature. These special conditions has determined that notice of, and contain the additional safety standards opportunity for, prior public comment 5. Longitudinal test(s), conducted to that the Administrator considers on these special conditions are measure the injury criteria above, must necessary to establish a level of safety impracticable because these procedures be performed with the FAA Hybrid III equivalent to that established by the would significantly delay issuance of ATD, as described in SAE 1999–01– existing airworthiness standards. the design approval and thus delivery of 1609. The test(s) must be conducted the affected airplane. DATES: The effective date of these with an undeformed floor, at the most- In addition, the substance of these special conditions is September 30, critical yaw case(s) for injury, and with 2015. We must receive your comments special conditions has been subject to all lateral structural supports (armrests/ by November 16, 2015. the public-comment process in several walls) installed. prior instances with no substantive ADDRESSES: Send comments identified Note: Boeing must demonstrate that the by docket number FAA–2015–2884 comments received. The FAA therefore installation of seats via plinths or pallets using any of the following methods: finds that good cause exists for making meets all applicable requirements. • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to these special conditions effective upon Compliance with the guidance contained in http://www.regulations.gov/and follow issuance. FAA Policy Memorandum PS–ANM–100– the online instructions for sending your Comments Invited 2000–00123, dated February 2, 2000, titled comments electronically. ‘‘Guidance for Demonstrating Compliance • Mail: Send comments to Docket We invite interested people to take with Seat Dynamic Testing for Plinths and Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of part in this rulemaking by sending Pallets,’’ is acceptable to the FAA. Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey written comments, data, or views. The Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West most helpful comments reference a Inflatable Airbag Systems Special Building Ground Floor, Washington, specific portion of the special Conditions DC, 20590–0001. conditions, explain the reason for any • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take recommended change, and include If inflatable airbag systems are comments to Docket Operations in supporting data. installed on single-place side-facing Room W12–140 of the West Building We will consider all comments we seats, the airbag systems must meet Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey receive by the closing date for Special Conditions no. 25–589–SC. Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 comments. We may change these special Issued in Renton, Washington, on a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through conditions based on the comments we September 1, 2015. Friday, except Federal holidays. receive. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Jeffrey E. Duven, Background Operations at 202–493–2251. Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Privacy: The FAA will post all On October 14, 2010, Embraer S.A. Aircraft Certification Service. comments it receives, without change, applied for an amendment to Type [FR Doc. 2015–24724 Filed 9–29–15; 8:45 am] to http://www.regulations.gov/, Certificate No. TC00062IB to include the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P including any personal information the new Embraer Model EMB–545 airplane. commenter provides. Using the search These special conditions allow mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES function of the docket Web site, anyone installation of inflatable lap belts for can find and read the electronic form of head-injury protection on certain seats all comments received into any FAA in Embraer Model EMB–545 airplanes. docket, including the name of the The Embraer Model EMB–545 individual sending the comment (or airplane is a derivative of the Model signing the comment for an association, EMB–550 airplane currently approved business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s under Type Certificate No. TC00062IB. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 09:32:23
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 09:32:23
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal special conditions; request for comments.
DatesThe effective date of these special conditions is September 30, 2015. We must receive your comments by November 16, 2015.
ContactJohn Shelden, Airframe and Cabin Safety, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2785; facsimile 425-227-1149.
FR Citation80 FR 58586 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
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