80_FR_58782 80 FR 58593 - Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747-8 Airplanes; Seats With Inflatable Lap Belts

80 FR 58593 - Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747-8 Airplanes; Seats With Inflatable Lap Belts

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

Page Range58593-58597
FR Document2015-24725

These special conditions are issued for Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with seats with inflatable lap belts. 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 189 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 189 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58593-58597]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24725]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2392; Special Conditions No. 25-589-SC]


Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747-8 Airplanes; Seats With 
Inflatable Lap Belts

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for Boeing Model 747-8 
airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature 
associated with seats with inflatable lap belts. 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: 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-2015-2392 
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 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: Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin 
Safety Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-2194, facsimile (425) 227-1232.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 inflatable lap 
belts for head-injury protection on certain seats in Boeing Model 747-8 
airplanes.
    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

[[Page 58594]]

capacity of 605 passengers and two crew members, and a maximum takeoff 
weight of 987,000 pounds.
    The Boeing Company requested special conditions to allow inflatable 
lap belts on Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes, similar to Special 
Conditions no. 25-386-SC for Boeing Model 737 series airplanes; 25-
187A-SC for Boeing Model 777 series airplanes; 25-148-SC for Boeing 
Model 767 series airplanes; and 25-431-SC for Boeing Model 787 series 
airplanes. These special conditions will allow installation of 
inflatable lap belts for head-injury protection on certain seats in 
Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes. Section 121.311(j) of 14 CFR requires 
that no person may operate a transport-category airplane type-
certificated after January 1, 1958, and manufactured on or after 
October 27, 2009, in passenger-carrying operations after October 27, 
2009, unless all passenger and flight-attendant seats on the airplane, 
operated under part 121 rules, meet the requirements of Sec.  25.562 in 
effect on or after June 16, 1988.
    The Boeing Model 747-8 airplane, operated under part 121, must meet 
all of the requirement of Sec.  25.562 for passenger and flight-
attendant seats. Therefore, it is in the interest of installers to show 
full compliance to Sec.  25.562, so that an operator under part 121 may 
be able to use the airplane without having to conduct additional 
certification work. The FAA also notes that some foreign civil 
airworthiness authorities have invoked these same operator requirements 
in the form of airworthiness directives.
    Occupants must be protected from head injury, as required by Sec.  
25.785, either by eliminating any injurious object within the striking 
radius of the head, or by installing padding. Traditionally, this has 
required either a setback of 35 inches from any bulkhead or other rigid 
interior feature or, where not practical, the installation of specified 
types of padding. The relative effectiveness of these established means 
of injury protection was not quantified. With the adoption of Amendment 
25-64 to part 25, specifically Sec.  25.562, a new standard was created 
that quantifies required head-injury protection.
    Each seat-type design approved for crew or passenger occupancy 
during takeoff and landing, as required by Sec.  25.562, must 
successfully complete dynamic tests or be demonstrated by rational 
analysis based on dynamic tests of a similar type seat. In particular, 
the regulations require that persons not suffer serious head injury 
under the conditions specified in the tests, and that protection must 
be provided, or the seat be designed, so that head impact does not 
exceed a HIC value of 1,000 units. While the test conditions described 
for HIC are detailed and specific, it is the intent of the requirement 
that an adequate level of head-injury protection be provided for 
passengers in a severe crash.
    Because Sec. Sec.  25.562 and 25.785 and associated guidance do not 
adequately address seats with inflatable lap belts, the FAA recognizes 
that appropriate pass/fail criteria need to be developed that fully 
address the safety concerns specific to occupants of these seats.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 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 incorporated by reference 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 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

    Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes will incorporate the following novel 
or unusual design feature: Seats with inflatable lap belts. The 
inflatable lap belt is designed to limit occupant forward excursion in 
the event of an accident. This will reduce the potential for head 
injury, thereby reducing the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) measurement as 
required by Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), 
25.562(c)(5). The inflatable lap belt functions similarly to an 
automotive inflatable airbag, but in this case, the airbag is 
integrated into the lapbelt, and inflates away from the seated 
occupant. While inflatable airbags are now standard in the automotive 
industry, the use of an inflatable lap belt is novel for commercial 
aviation.

Discussion

    The inflatable lap belt has two potential advantages over other 
means of head-impact protection. First, it can provide significantly 
greater protection than would be expected with energy-absorbing pads, 
and second, it can provide essentially equivalent protection for 
occupants of all stature. These are significant advantages from a 
safety standpoint, because such devices will likely provide a level of 
safety that exceeds the minimum standards of part 25. Conversely, 
inflatable lap belts in general are active systems and must be relied 
upon to activate properly when needed, as opposed to an energy-
absorbing pad or upper torso restraint that is passive and always 
available. Therefore, the potential advantages must be balanced against 
this and other potential disadvantages to develop standards for this 
design feature.
    The FAA has considered the installation of inflatable lap belts to 
have two primary safety concerns: First, that they perform properly 
under foreseeable operating conditions; and second, that they do not 
perform in a manner or at such times as would constitute a hazard to 
the airplane or occupants. This latter point has the potential to be 
the more rigorous of the requirements, owing to the active nature of 
the system.
    The inflatable lap belt will rely on electronic sensors for 
signaling, and will employ an automatic inflation mechanism for 
activation, so that it is available when needed. These same devices 
could be susceptible to

[[Page 58595]]

inadvertent activation, causing deployment in a potentially unsafe 
manner. The consequences of such deployment must be considered in 
establishing the reliability of the system. Boeing must substantiate 
that the effects of an inadvertent deployment in flight are either not 
a hazard to the airplane, or that such deployment is an extremely 
improbable occurrence (less than 10-9 per flight hour). The 
effect of an inadvertent deployment on a passenger or crewmember that 
might be positioned close to the inflatable lap belt should also be 
considered. The person could be either standing or sitting. A minimum 
reliability level will have to be established for this case, depending 
upon the consequences, even if the effect on the airplane is 
negligible.
    The potential for an inadvertent deployment could be increased as a 
result of conditions in service. The installation must take into 
account wear and tear so that the likelihood of an inadvertent 
deployment is not increased to an unacceptable level. In this context, 
an appropriate inspection interval and self-test capability are 
considered necessary. Other outside influences are lightning and high-
intensity radiated fields (HIRF). Existing regulations regarding 
lightning, Sec.  25.1316, and HIRF, Sec.  25.1317, are applicable. For 
compliance with those conditions, if inadvertent deployment could cause 
a hazard to the airplane, the inflatable lap belt is considered a 
critical system; if inadvertent deployment could cause injuries to 
persons, the inflatable lap belt should be considered an essential 
system. Finally, the inflatable lap-belt installation should be 
protected from the effects of fire, so that an additional hazard is not 
created by, for example, a rupture of a pyrotechnic squib.
    To function as an effective safety system, the inflatable lap belt 
must function properly and must not introduce any additional hazards to 
occupants as a result of its functioning. The inflatable lap belt 
differs variously from traditional occupant-protection systems and 
requires special conditions to ensure adequate performance.
    Because the inflatable lap belt is essentially a single-use device, 
it could potentially deploy under crash conditions that are not 
sufficiently severe as to require head-injury protection from the 
inflatable lap belt. And because an actual crash is frequently composed 
of a series of impacts before the airplane comes to rest, this could 
render the inflatable lap belt useless if a larger impact follows the 
initial impact. This situation does not exist with energy-absorbing 
pads or upper-torso restraints, which tend to provide continuous 
protection regardless of severity or number of impacts in a crash 
event. Therefore, the inflatable lap-belt installation should be such 
that the inflatable lap belt will provide protection when it is 
required, by not expending its protection during a less-severe impact. 
Also, it is possible to have several large impact events during the 
course of a crash, but there will be no requirement for the inflatable 
lap belt to provide protection for multiple impacts.
    Given that each occupant's restraint system provides protection for 
that occupant only, the installation must address unoccupied seats. It 
will be necessary to show that the required protection is provided for 
each occupant regardless of the number of occupied seats, and that 
unoccupied seats may have lap belts that are active.
    The inflatable lap belt should be effective for a wide range of 
occupants. The FAA has historically considered the range from the 5th 
percentile female to the 95th percentile male as the range of occupants 
that must be taken into account. In this case, the FAA is proposing 
consideration of a broader range of occupants due to the nature of the 
lap-belt installation and its close proximity to the occupant. In a 
similar vein, these persons could have assumed the brace position for 
those accidents where an impact is anticipated. Test data indicate that 
occupants in the brace position do not require supplemental protection, 
so it would not be necessary to show that the inflatable lap belt will 
enhance the brace position. However, the inflatable lap belt must not 
introduce a hazard when it is deployed into a seated, braced occupant.
    Another area of concern is the use of seats so equipped by 
children, whether they are lap-held, sitting in approved child-safety 
seats, or occupying the seat directly. Although specifically prohibited 
by FAA operating regulations, the use of the supplementary loop belt 
(``belly belt'') may be required by other civil aviation authorities, 
and should also be considered with the end goal of meeting those 
regulations. Similarly, if the seat is occupied by a pregnant woman, 
the installation needs to address such usage, either by demonstrating 
that it will function properly, or by adding appropriate limitation on 
usage.
    The inflatable lap belt will be electrically powered. Likewise, the 
system could possibly fail due to a separation in the fuselage. Because 
this system is intended as crash/post-crash protection means, failure 
due to fuselage separation is not acceptable. As with emergency 
lighting, the restraint system should function properly if such a 
separation occurs at any point in the fuselage.
    Because the inflatable lap belt is likely to have a large volume 
displacement, the inflated bag could potentially impede egress of 
passengers. However, the lap-belt bag deflates to absorb energy, so it 
is likely that an inflatable lap belt would be deflated by the time 
passengers begin to leave their seats. Nonetheless, it is appropriate 
to specify a time interval after which the inflatable lap belt may not 
impede rapid egress. The maximum time allowed for an exit to open fully 
after actuation is 10 seconds, according to Sec.  25.809(b)(2). 
Therefore, the FAA has established 10 seconds as the time interval that 
the inflatable lap belt must not impede rapid egress from the seat 
after it is deployed. In actuality, it is unlikely that a flight 
attendant would prepare an exit this quickly in an accident severe 
enough to warrant deployment of the inflatable lap belt. The inflatable 
lap belt will likely deflate much more quickly than 10 seconds.
    This potential impediment to rapid egress is even more critical at 
the seats installed in the emergency-exit rows. Installation of 
inflatable restraints at the Type III exit rows presents different 
egress concerns as compared with front-row seats. However, the need to 
address egress is already part of the special conditions, so there is 
no change to the special conditions at this time. As noted below, the 
method of compliance with the special conditions may involve specific 
considerations when an inflatable restraint is installed at Type III 
exits. Section 25.813 clearly requires access to the exit from the main 
aisle in the form of an unobstructed passageway, and no interference in 
opening the exit. The restraint system must not create an impediment to 
the access to, and the opening of, the exit. These lap belts should be 
evaluated in the exit row under existing regulations (Sec. Sec.  25.809 
and 25.813) and guidance material. The inflatable lap belts must also 
be evaluated in post-crash conditions, and should be evaluated using 
representative restraint systems in the bag-deployed condition.
    This evaluation would include reviewing the access to, and opening 
of, the exit, specifically for obstructions in the egress path; and any 
interferences in opening the exit. Each unique interior configuration 
must be considered, e.g., passageway width, single or dual passageways 
with outboard seat removed, etc. If the restraint creates any 
obstruction or interference, it is likely that it could impede rapid 
egress from the airplane. In some cases, the

[[Page 58596]]

passenger is the one who will open the exit, such as a Type III over-
wing hatch. Project-specific means-of-compliance guidance is likely 
necessary if these restraint systems are installed at the Type III exit 
rows.
    Note that the special conditions are applicable to the inflatable 
lap-belt system as installed. The special conditions are not an 
installation approval. Therefore, while the special conditions relate 
to each such system installed, the overall installation approval is 
separate, and must consider the combined effects of all such systems 
installed.
    Boeing will install inflatable lap belts, a novel design feature, 
on certain seats of Model 747-8 airplanes, to reduce the potential for 
head injury if an accident occurs. The inflatable lap belt works 
similar to an automotive inflatable air bag, except that the air bag in 
the Boeing design is integrated into the lap belt of the restraint 
system.
    The performance criteria for head-injury protection in objective 
terms is stated in Sec.  25.562. However, none of these criteria are 
adequate to address the specific issues raised concerning seats with 
inflatable lap belts. The FAA has therefore determined that, in 
addition to the requirements of part 25, special conditions are needed 
to address requirements particular to the installation of seats with 
inflatable lap belts.
    Accordingly, in addition to the passenger-injury criteria specified 
in Sec.  25.785, these special conditions are proposed for the Boeing 
Model 747-8 airplanes equipped with inflatable lap belts. Other 
conditions may be developed, as needed, based on further FAA review and 
discussions with the manufacturer and civil-aviation authorities.
    For a passenger-safety system, the inflatable lap belt is unique in 
that it is both an active and entirely autonomous device. While the 
automotive industry has good experience with inflatable air bags, the 
conditions of use and reliance on the inflatable lap belt as the sole 
means of injury protection are quite different. In automobile 
installations, the air bag is a supplemental system and works in 
conjunction with an upper-torso restraint. In addition, the crash event 
is more definable and typically of shorter duration, which can simplify 
the activation logic. The airplane-operating environment is also quite 
different from automobiles and includes the potential for greater wear 
and tear, and unanticipated abuse conditions (due to galley loading, 
passenger baggage, etc.). Airplanes also operate where exposure to HIRF 
could affect the lap-belt activation system.
    The current special conditions for the Boeing Model 777 airplane 
were amended to address flammability of the airbag material. During the 
development of the inflatable lap belt, the manufacturer was unable to 
develop a fabric that would meet the inflation requirements for the bag 
and the flammability requirements of part 25, Appendix F, Part 
I(a)(1)(ii). The fabrics that were developed that meet the flammability 
requirement did not produce acceptable deployment characteristics. 
However, the manufacturer was able to develop a fabric that not only 
meets the flammability requirements of part 25, Appendix F, Part 
I(a)(1)(ii), but also has acceptable deployment characteristics.
    Part I of Appendix F to part 25 specifies the flammability 
requirements for interior materials and components. There is no 
reference to inflatable restraint systems in Appendix F, because such 
devices did not exist at the time the flammability requirements were 
written. The existing requirements are based on material types as well 
as use, and have been specified in light of state-of-the-art materials 
available to perform a given function. Without a specific reference, 
the default requirement would apply to the type of material used in 
making the inflatable restraint, which is a fabric in this case. 
However, in writing special conditions, the FAA must also consider the 
use of the material, and whether the default requirement is 
appropriate. In this case, the specialized function of the inflatable 
restraint means that highly specialized materials are needed. The 
standard normally applied to fabrics is a 12-second vertical ignition 
test. However, materials that meet this standard do not perform 
adequately as inflatable restraints. Because the safety benefit of the 
inflatable restraint is significant, the flammability standard 
appropriate for these devices should not screen out suitable materials 
and thereby effectively eliminate the use of inflatable restraints. The 
FAA must establish a balance between the safety benefit of the 
inflatable restraint and its flammability performance. Presently, the 
2.5-inch-per-minute horizontal test is considered to provide that 
balance. As the state-of-the-art in materials progresses (which is 
expected), the FAA may change this standard in subsequent special 
conditions to account for improved materials.
    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.

Applicability

    These special conditions are applicable to the Boeing Model 747-8 
airplanes. Should Boeing apply at a later date for a change to the type 
certificates to include another 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 apply to the 
other model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on the Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes. It is not a rule of general 
applicability, and it affects only Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes listed 
on amended Type Certificate no. A20WE.

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 airplanes with 
inflatable lap belts installed.
    1. The inflatable lap belt must be shown to deploy and provide 
protection under crash conditions where it is necessary to prevent 
serious head injury. The means of protection must take into 
consideration a range of stature from a two-year-old child to a 95th 
percentile male. The inflatable lap belt must provide a consistent 
approach to energy absorption throughout that range of occupants. In 
addition, the following situations must be considered.
    The seat occupant is:
     Holding an infant
     a child in a child-restraint device
     a child not using a child-restraint device
     a pregnant woman
    2. The inflatable lap belt must provide adequate protection for 
each occupant regardless of the number of occupants of the seat 
assembly, considering that unoccupied seats may have an active airbag 
system in the lap belt.
    3. The design must prevent the inflatable lap belt from being 
either incorrectly buckled or incorrectly

[[Page 58597]]

installed such that the inflatable lap belt would not properly deploy. 
Alternatively, it must be shown that such deployment is not hazardous 
to the occupant, and will provide the required head-injury protection.
    4. The inflatable lap-belt system must be shown not to be 
susceptible to inadvertent deployment as a result of wear and tear, or 
inertial loads resulting from in-flight or ground maneuvers (including 
gusts and hard landings), likely to be experienced in service.
    5. Deployment of the inflatable lap belt must not introduce injury 
mechanisms to the seated occupant, nor result in injuries that could 
impede rapid egress. This assessment should include an occupant who is 
in the brace position when it deploys, and an occupant whose inflatable 
lap belt is loosely fastened.
    6. An inadvertent deployment that could cause injury to a standing 
or sitting person must be shown to be improbable.
    7. It must be shown that inadvertent deployment of the airbag 
system in the lap belt, during the most critical part of the flight, 
either will not cause a hazard to the airplane or its occupants, or 
meets the requirement of Sec.  25.1309(b).
    8. The inflatable lap belt must be shown to not impede rapid egress 
of occupants 10 seconds after its deployment.
    9. The inflatable lap-belt system must be protected from lightning 
and HIRF. The threats specified in existing regulations regarding 
lightning, Sec.  25.1316, and HIRF, Sec.  25.1317, are incorporated by 
reference for the purpose of measuring lightning and HIRF protection. 
For the purposes of complying with HIRF requirements, the inflatable 
lap-belt system is considered a ``critical system'' if its deployment 
could have a hazardous effect on the airplane; otherwise it is 
considered an ``essential'' system.
    10. The inflatable lap belt must function properly after loss of 
normal airplane electrical power, and after a transverse separation of 
the fuselage at the most critical location. A separation at the 
location of the lap belt does not have to be considered.
    11. The inflatable lap belt must be shown to not release hazardous 
quantities of gas or particulate matter into the cabin.
    12. The inflatable lap-belt installation must be protected from the 
effects of fire such that no hazard to occupants will result.
    13. A means must be available for a crewmember to verify the 
integrity of the inflatable-lap-belt-activation system prior to each 
flight, or it must be demonstrated to reliably operate between 
inspection intervals.
    14. The inflatable material may not have an average burn rate of 
greater than 2.5 inches per minute when tested using the horizontal-
flammability test as defined in 14 CFR part 25, Appendix F, Part 
I(b)(5).
    15. The airbag system in the lap belt, once deployed, must not 
adversely affect the emergency-lighting system (i.e., block floor-
proximity lights to the extent that the lights no longer meet their 
intended function).

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 1, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-24725 Filed 9-29-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58593 to the airplane or its occupants, or meets DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION complete Privacy Act Statement can be the requirement of § 25.1309(b). found in the Federal Register published Federal Aviation Administration on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), 8. The inflatable lap belt must be shown to not impede rapid egress of as well as at http://DocketsInfo. 14 CFR Part 25 dot.gov/. occupants 10 seconds after its [Docket No. FAA–2015–2392; Special Docket: Background documents or deployment. Conditions No. 25–589–SC] comments received may be read at 9. The inflatable lap-belt system must http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. be protected from lightning and HIRF. Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747– Follow the online instructions for The threats specified in existing 8 Airplanes; Seats With Inflatable Lap accessing the docket or go to Docket regulations regarding lightning, Belts Operations in Room W12–140 of the § 25.1316, and HIRF, § 25.1317, are West Building Ground Floor at 1200 incorporated by reference for the AGENCY: Federal Aviation New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Administration (FAA), DOT. DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday purpose of measuring lightning and ACTION: Final special conditions; request through Friday, except Federal holidays. HIRF protection. For the purposes of complying with HIRF requirements, the for comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: inflatable lap-belt system is considered SUMMARY: These special conditions are Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin a ‘‘critical system’’ if its deployment issued for Boeing Model 747–8 Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport could have a hazardous effect on the airplanes. These airplanes will have a Airplane Directorate, Aircraft airplane; otherwise it is considered an novel or unusual design feature Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue ‘‘essential’’ system. associated with seats with inflatable lap SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; 10. The inflatable lap belt must belts. The applicable airworthiness telephone (425) 227–2194, facsimile regulations do not contain adequate or (425) 227–1232. function properly after loss of normal airplane electrical power, and after a appropriate safety standards for this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA transverse separation of the fuselage at design feature. These special conditions has determined that notice of, and contain the additional safety standards opportunity for, prior public comment the most critical location. A separation that the Administrator considers on these special conditions are at the location of the lap belt does not necessary to establish a level of safety impracticable because these procedures have to be considered. equivalent to that established by the would significantly delay issuance of 11. The inflatable lap belt must be existing airworthiness standards. the design approval and thus delivery of shown to not release hazardous DATES: The effective date of these the affected airplane. quantities of gas or particulate matter special conditions is September 30, In addition, the substance of these into the cabin. 2015. We must receive your comments special conditions has been subject to 12. The inflatable lap-belt installation by November 16, 2015. the public-comment process in several must be protected from the effects of fire ADDRESSES: Send comments identified prior instances with no substantive such that no hazard to occupants will by docket number FAA–2015–2392 comments received. The FAA therefore result. using any of the following methods: finds that good cause exists for making • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to these special conditions effective upon 13. A means must be available for a http://www.regulations.gov/and follow issuance. crewmember to verify the integrity of the online instructions for sending your the inflatable-lap-belt-activation system Comments Invited comments electronically. prior to each flight, or it must be • Mail: Send comments to Docket We invite interested people to take demonstrated to reliably operate Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of part in this rulemaking by sending between inspection intervals. Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey written comments, data, or views. The 14. The inflatable material may not Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West most helpful comments reference a have an average burn rate of greater than Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC specific portion of the special 2.5 inches per minute when tested using 20590–0001. conditions, explain the reason for any the horizontal-flammability test as • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take recommended change, and include comments to Docket Operations in supporting data. defined in 14 CFR part 25, Appendix F, Room W12–140 of the West Building We will consider all comments we Part I(b)(5). Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey receive by the closing date for 15. The airbag system in the lap belt, Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 comments. We may change these special once deployed, must not adversely a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through conditions based on the comments we affect the emergency-lighting system Friday, except Federal holidays. receive. (i.e., block floor-proximity lights to the • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Background extent that the lights no longer meet Operations at 202–493–2251. their intended function). Privacy: The FAA will post all On February 3, 2014, the Boeing comments it receives, without change, Company applied for an amendment to Issued in Renton, Washington, on to http://www.regulations.gov/, Type Certificate no. A20WE to allow September 2, 2015. including any personal information the installation of inflatable lap belts for Jeffrey E. Duven commenter provides. Using the search head-injury protection on certain seats mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, function of the docket Web site, anyone in Boeing Model 747–8 airplanes. Aircraft Certification Service. can find and read the electronic form of The Model 747–8 airplane, a [FR Doc. 2015–24726 Filed 9–29–15; 8:45 am] all comments received into any FAA derivative of the Model 747–400 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P docket, including the name of the airplane, is a bi-level, wide-body individual sending the comment (or airplane powered by four wing-mounted signing the comment for an association, General Electric GEnx-2B engines. The business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s airplane will have a maximum seating VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

58594 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations capacity of 605 passengers and two crew seat be designed, so that head impact The FAA issues special conditions as members, and a maximum takeoff does not exceed a HIC value of 1,000 defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance weight of 987,000 pounds. units. While the test conditions with § 11.38, and they become part of The Boeing Company requested described for HIC are detailed and the type certification basis under special conditions to allow inflatable specific, it is the intent of the § 21.101. lap belts on Boeing Model 747–8 series requirement that an adequate level of airplanes, similar to Special Conditions Novel or Unusual Design Features head-injury protection be provided for no. 25–386–SC for Boeing Model 737 passengers in a severe crash. Boeing Model 747–8 airplanes will series airplanes; 25–187A–SC for Boeing Because §§ 25.562 and 25.785 and incorporate the following novel or Model 777 series airplanes; 25–148–SC associated guidance do not adequately unusual design feature: Seats with for Boeing Model 767 series airplanes; address seats with inflatable lap belts, inflatable lap belts. The inflatable lap and 25–431–SC for Boeing Model 787 the FAA recognizes that appropriate belt is designed to limit occupant series airplanes. These special pass/fail criteria need to be developed forward excursion in the event of an conditions will allow installation of that fully address the safety concerns accident. This will reduce the potential inflatable lap belts for head-injury specific to occupants of these seats. for head injury, thereby reducing the protection on certain seats in Boeing Head Injury Criterion (HIC) Model 747–8 airplanes. Section Type Certification Basis measurement as required by Title 14, 121.311(j) of 14 CFR requires that no Under the provisions of 14 CFR Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), person may operate a transport-category 21.101, Boeing must show that the 25.562(c)(5). The inflatable lap belt airplane type-certificated after January Model 747–8 airplane meets the functions similarly to an automotive 1, 1958, and manufactured on or after applicable provisions of the regulations inflatable airbag, but in this case, the October 27, 2009, in passenger-carrying listed in Type Certificate no. A20WE, or airbag is integrated into the lapbelt, and operations after October 27, 2009, the applicable regulations in effect on inflates away from the seated occupant. unless all passenger and flight-attendant the date of application for the change, While inflatable airbags are now seats on the airplane, operated under except for earlier amendments as agreed standard in the automotive industry, the part 121 rules, meet the requirements of upon by the FAA. The regulations listed use of an inflatable lap belt is novel for § 25.562 in effect on or after June 16, in the type certificate are commonly commercial aviation. 1988. referred to as the ‘‘original type Discussion The Boeing Model 747–8 airplane, certification basis.’’ The regulations operated under part 121, must meet all The inflatable lap belt has two incorporated by reference in Type potential advantages over other means of the requirement of § 25.562 for Certificate no. A20WE are as follows: passenger and flight-attendant seats. of head-impact protection. First, it can 14 CFR part 25, Amendments 25–1 provide significantly greater protection Therefore, it is in the interest of through 25–120, with exceptions than would be expected with energy- installers to show full compliance to permitted by § 21.101. In addition, the absorbing pads, and second, it can § 25.562, so that an operator under part certification basis includes certain provide essentially equivalent 121 may be able to use the airplane special conditions, exemptions, or later protection for occupants of all stature. without having to conduct additional certification work. The FAA also notes amended sections of the applicable part These are significant advantages from a that some foreign civil airworthiness that are not relevant to these special safety standpoint, because such devices authorities have invoked these same conditions. will likely provide a level of safety that operator requirements in the form of If the Administrator finds that the exceeds the minimum standards of part airworthiness directives. applicable airworthiness regulations 25. Conversely, inflatable lap belts in Occupants must be protected from (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain general are active systems and must be head injury, as required by § 25.785, adequate or appropriate safety standards relied upon to activate properly when either by eliminating any injurious for Boeing Model 747–8 airplanes needed, as opposed to an energy- object within the striking radius of the because of a novel or unusual design absorbing pad or upper torso restraint head, or by installing padding. feature, special conditions are that is passive and always available. Traditionally, this has required either a prescribed under § 21.16. Therefore, the potential advantages setback of 35 inches from any bulkhead Special conditions are initially must be balanced against this and other or other rigid interior feature or, where applicable to the model for which they potential disadvantages to develop not practical, the installation of are issued. Should the type certificate standards for this design feature. specified types of padding. The relative for that model be amended later to The FAA has considered the effectiveness of these established means include any other model that installation of inflatable lap belts to of injury protection was not quantified. incorporates the same novel or unusual have two primary safety concerns: First, With the adoption of Amendment 25–64 design feature, or should any other that they perform properly under to part 25, specifically § 25.562, a new model already included on the same foreseeable operating conditions; and standard was created that quantifies type certificate be modified to second, that they do not perform in a required head-injury protection. incorporate the same novel or unusual manner or at such times as would Each seat-type design approved for design feature, these special conditions constitute a hazard to the airplane or crew or passenger occupancy during would also apply to the other model occupants. This latter point has the takeoff and landing, as required by under § 21.101. potential to be the more rigorous of the § 25.562, must successfully complete In addition to the applicable requirements, owing to the active nature mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES dynamic tests or be demonstrated by airworthiness regulations and special of the system. rational analysis based on dynamic tests conditions, the Boeing Model 747–8 The inflatable lap belt will rely on of a similar type seat. In particular, the airplanes must comply with the fuel- electronic sensors for signaling, and will regulations require that persons not vent and exhaust-emission requirements employ an automatic inflation suffer serious head injury under the of 14 CFR part 34, and the noise- mechanism for activation, so that it is conditions specified in the tests, and certification requirements of 14 CFR available when needed. These same that protection must be provided, or the part 36. devices could be susceptible to VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58595 inadvertent activation, causing provide continuous protection should function properly if such a deployment in a potentially unsafe regardless of severity or number of separation occurs at any point in the manner. The consequences of such impacts in a crash event. Therefore, the fuselage. deployment must be considered in inflatable lap-belt installation should be Because the inflatable lap belt is establishing the reliability of the system. such that the inflatable lap belt will likely to have a large volume Boeing must substantiate that the effects provide protection when it is required, displacement, the inflated bag could of an inadvertent deployment in flight by not expending its protection during potentially impede egress of passengers. are either not a hazard to the airplane, a less-severe impact. Also, it is possible However, the lap-belt bag deflates to or that such deployment is an extremely to have several large impact events absorb energy, so it is likely that an improbable occurrence (less than 10¥9 during the course of a crash, but there inflatable lap belt would be deflated by per flight hour). The effect of an will be no requirement for the inflatable the time passengers begin to leave their inadvertent deployment on a passenger lap belt to provide protection for seats. Nonetheless, it is appropriate to or crewmember that might be positioned multiple impacts. specify a time interval after which the close to the inflatable lap belt should Given that each occupant’s restraint inflatable lap belt may not impede rapid also be considered. The person could be system provides protection for that egress. The maximum time allowed for either standing or sitting. A minimum occupant only, the installation must an exit to open fully after actuation is reliability level will have to be address unoccupied seats. It will be 10 seconds, according to § 25.809(b)(2). established for this case, depending necessary to show that the required Therefore, the FAA has established 10 upon the consequences, even if the protection is provided for each occupant seconds as the time interval that the effect on the airplane is negligible. regardless of the number of occupied inflatable lap belt must not impede The potential for an inadvertent seats, and that unoccupied seats may rapid egress from the seat after it is deployment could be increased as a have lap belts that are active. deployed. In actuality, it is unlikely that result of conditions in service. The The inflatable lap belt should be a flight attendant would prepare an exit installation must take into account wear effective for a wide range of occupants. this quickly in an accident severe and tear so that the likelihood of an The FAA has historically considered the enough to warrant deployment of the inadvertent deployment is not increased range from the 5th percentile female to inflatable lap belt. The inflatable lap to an unacceptable level. In this context, the 95th percentile male as the range of belt will likely deflate much more an appropriate inspection interval and occupants that must be taken into quickly than 10 seconds. self-test capability are considered account. In this case, the FAA is This potential impediment to rapid necessary. Other outside influences are proposing consideration of a broader egress is even more critical at the seats lightning and high-intensity radiated range of occupants due to the nature of installed in the emergency-exit rows. fields (HIRF). Existing regulations the lap-belt installation and its close Installation of inflatable restraints at the regarding lightning, § 25.1316, and proximity to the occupant. In a similar Type III exit rows presents different HIRF, § 25.1317, are applicable. For vein, these persons could have assumed egress concerns as compared with front- compliance with those conditions, if the brace position for those accidents row seats. However, the need to address inadvertent deployment could cause a where an impact is anticipated. Test egress is already part of the special hazard to the airplane, the inflatable lap data indicate that occupants in the brace conditions, so there is no change to the belt is considered a critical system; if position do not require supplemental special conditions at this time. As noted inadvertent deployment could cause protection, so it would not be necessary below, the method of compliance with injuries to persons, the inflatable lap to show that the inflatable lap belt will the special conditions may involve belt should be considered an essential enhance the brace position. However, specific considerations when an system. Finally, the inflatable lap-belt the inflatable lap belt must not inflatable restraint is installed at Type installation should be protected from introduce a hazard when it is deployed III exits. Section 25.813 clearly requires the effects of fire, so that an additional into a seated, braced occupant. access to the exit from the main aisle in hazard is not created by, for example, a Another area of concern is the use of the form of an unobstructed rupture of a pyrotechnic squib. seats so equipped by children, whether passageway, and no interference in To function as an effective safety they are lap-held, sitting in approved opening the exit. The restraint system system, the inflatable lap belt must child-safety seats, or occupying the seat must not create an impediment to the function properly and must not directly. Although specifically access to, and the opening of, the exit. introduce any additional hazards to prohibited by FAA operating These lap belts should be evaluated in occupants as a result of its functioning. regulations, the use of the the exit row under existing regulations The inflatable lap belt differs variously supplementary loop belt (‘‘belly belt’’) (§§ 25.809 and 25.813) and guidance from traditional occupant-protection may be required by other civil aviation material. The inflatable lap belts must systems and requires special conditions authorities, and should also be also be evaluated in post-crash to ensure adequate performance. considered with the end goal of meeting conditions, and should be evaluated Because the inflatable lap belt is those regulations. Similarly, if the seat using representative restraint systems in essentially a single-use device, it could is occupied by a pregnant woman, the the bag-deployed condition. potentially deploy under crash installation needs to address such usage, This evaluation would include conditions that are not sufficiently either by demonstrating that it will reviewing the access to, and opening of, severe as to require head-injury function properly, or by adding the exit, specifically for obstructions in protection from the inflatable lap belt. appropriate limitation on usage. the egress path; and any interferences in And because an actual crash is The inflatable lap belt will be opening the exit. Each unique interior mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES frequently composed of a series of electrically powered. Likewise, the configuration must be considered, e.g., impacts before the airplane comes to system could possibly fail due to a passageway width, single or dual rest, this could render the inflatable lap separation in the fuselage. Because this passageways with outboard seat belt useless if a larger impact follows system is intended as crash/post-crash removed, etc. If the restraint creates any the initial impact. This situation does protection means, failure due to fuselage obstruction or interference, it is likely not exist with energy-absorbing pads or separation is not acceptable. As with that it could impede rapid egress from upper-torso restraints, which tend to emergency lighting, the restraint system the airplane. In some cases, the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

58596 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations passenger is the one who will open the to HIRF could affect the lap-belt that established by the existing exit, such as a Type III over-wing hatch. activation system. airworthiness standards. Project-specific means-of-compliance The current special conditions for the Boeing Model 777 airplane were Applicability guidance is likely necessary if these restraint systems are installed at the amended to address flammability of the These special conditions are Type III exit rows. airbag material. During the development applicable to the Boeing Model 747–8 Note that the special conditions are of the inflatable lap belt, the airplanes. Should Boeing apply at a later applicable to the inflatable lap-belt manufacturer was unable to develop a date for a change to the type certificates system as installed. The special fabric that would meet the inflation to include another model that conditions are not an installation requirements for the bag and the incorporates the same novel or unusual approval. Therefore, while the special flammability requirements of part 25, design feature, or should any other conditions relate to each such system Appendix F, Part I(a)(1)(ii). The fabrics model already included on the same installed, the overall installation that were developed that meet the type certificate be modified to approval is separate, and must consider flammability requirement did not incorporate the same novel or unusual the combined effects of all such systems produce acceptable deployment design feature, these special conditions installed. characteristics. However, the would apply to the other model as well. Boeing will install inflatable lap belts, manufacturer was able to develop a fabric that not only meets the Conclusion a novel design feature, on certain seats of Model 747–8 airplanes, to reduce the flammability requirements of part 25, This action affects only certain novel potential for head injury if an accident Appendix F, Part I(a)(1)(ii), but also has or unusual design features on the occurs. The inflatable lap belt works acceptable deployment characteristics. Boeing Model 747–8 airplanes. It is not similar to an automotive inflatable air Part I of Appendix F to part 25 a rule of general applicability, and it bag, except that the air bag in the Boeing specifies the flammability requirements affects only Boeing Model 747–8 for interior materials and components. airplanes listed on amended Type design is integrated into the lap belt of There is no reference to inflatable Certificate no. A20WE. the restraint system. restraint systems in Appendix F, The performance criteria for head- List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 because such devices did not exist at the injury protection in objective terms is Aircraft, Aviation safety, reporting time the flammability requirements stated in § 25.562. However, none of and recordkeeping requirements. were written. The existing requirements these criteria are adequate to address the are based on material types as well as The authority citation for these specific issues raised concerning seats use, and have been specified in light of special conditions is as follows: with inflatable lap belts. The FAA has state-of-the-art materials available to therefore determined that, in addition to Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, perform a given function. Without a 44702, 44704. the requirements of part 25, special specific reference, the default conditions are needed to address requirement would apply to the type of The Special Conditions requirements particular to the material used in making the inflatable installation of seats with inflatable lap Accordingly, pursuant to the restraint, which is a fabric in this case. authority delegated to me by the belts. However, in writing special conditions, administrator, the following special Accordingly, in addition to the the FAA must also consider the use of conditions are issued as part of the type passenger-injury criteria specified in the material, and whether the default certification basis for Boeing Model § 25.785, these special conditions are requirement is appropriate. In this case, 747–8 airplanes with inflatable lap belts proposed for the Boeing Model 747–8 the specialized function of the inflatable installed. airplanes equipped with inflatable lap restraint means that highly specialized 1. The inflatable lap belt must be belts. Other conditions may be materials are needed. The standard shown to deploy and provide protection developed, as needed, based on further normally applied to fabrics is a 12- under crash conditions where it is FAA review and discussions with the second vertical ignition test. However, necessary to prevent serious head manufacturer and civil-aviation materials that meet this standard do not injury. The means of protection must authorities. perform adequately as inflatable take into consideration a range of stature For a passenger-safety system, the restraints. Because the safety benefit of from a two-year-old child to a 95th inflatable lap belt is unique in that it is the inflatable restraint is significant, the percentile male. The inflatable lap belt both an active and entirely autonomous flammability standard appropriate for must provide a consistent approach to device. While the automotive industry these devices should not screen out energy absorption throughout that range has good experience with inflatable air suitable materials and thereby of occupants. In addition, the following bags, the conditions of use and reliance effectively eliminate the use of situations must be considered. on the inflatable lap belt as the sole inflatable restraints. The FAA must The seat occupant is: means of injury protection are quite establish a balance between the safety • Holding an infant different. In automobile installations, benefit of the inflatable restraint and its • a child in a child-restraint device the air bag is a supplemental system and flammability performance. Presently, • a child not using a child-restraint works in conjunction with an upper- the 2.5-inch-per-minute horizontal test device torso restraint. In addition, the crash is considered to provide that balance. • a pregnant woman event is more definable and typically of As the state-of-the-art in materials 2. The inflatable lap belt must provide shorter duration, which can simplify the progresses (which is expected), the FAA adequate protection for each occupant mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES activation logic. The airplane-operating may change this standard in subsequent regardless of the number of occupants of environment is also quite different from special conditions to account for the seat assembly, considering that automobiles and includes the potential improved materials. unoccupied seats may have an active for greater wear and tear, and These special conditions contain the airbag system in the lap belt. unanticipated abuse conditions (due to additional safety standards that the 3. The design must prevent the galley loading, passenger baggage, etc.). Administrator considers necessary to inflatable lap belt from being either Airplanes also operate where exposure establish a level of safety equivalent to incorrectly buckled or incorrectly VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 189 / Wednesday, September 30, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 58597 installed such that the inflatable lap belt demonstrated to reliably operate Mail: Send comments to Docket would not properly deploy. between inspection intervals. Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of Alternatively, it must be shown that 14. The inflatable material may not Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey such deployment is not hazardous to the have an average burn rate of greater than Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West occupant, and will provide the required 2.5 inches per minute when tested using Building Ground Floor, Washington, head-injury protection. the horizontal-flammability test as DC, 20590–0001. 4. The inflatable lap-belt system must defined in 14 CFR part 25, Appendix F, Hand Delivery or Courier: Take be shown not to be susceptible to Part I(b)(5). comments to Docket Operations in inadvertent deployment as a result of 15. The airbag system in the lap belt, Room W12–140 of the West Building wear and tear, or inertial loads resulting once deployed, must not adversely Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey from in-flight or ground maneuvers affect the emergency-lighting system Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 (including gusts and hard landings), (i.e., block floor-proximity lights to the a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through likely to be experienced in service. extent that the lights no longer meet Friday, except Federal holidays. 5. Deployment of the inflatable lap their intended function). belt must not introduce injury Fax: Fax comments to Docket Issued in Renton, Washington, on mechanisms to the seated occupant, nor September 1, 2015. Operations at 202–493–2251. result in injuries that could impede Jeffrey E. Duven, Privacy: The FAA will post all rapid egress. This assessment should Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, comments it receives, without change, include an occupant who is in the brace Aircraft Certification Service. to http://www.regulations.gov/, position when it deploys, and an [FR Doc. 2015–24725 Filed 9–29–15; 8:45 am] including any personal information the occupant whose inflatable lap belt is BILLING CODE 4910–13–P commenter provides. Using the search loosely fastened. function of the docket Web site, anyone 6. An inadvertent deployment that can find and read the electronic form of could cause injury to a standing or DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION all comments received into any FAA sitting person must be shown to be docket, including the name of the improbable. Federal Aviation Administration individual sending the comment (or 7. It must be shown that inadvertent signing the comment for an association, deployment of the airbag system in the 14 CFR Part 25 business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s lap belt, during the most critical part of complete Privacy Act Statement can be [Docket No. FAA–2015–3367; Special the flight, either will not cause a hazard Conditions No. 25–596–SC] found in the Federal Register published to the airplane or its occupants, or meets on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), the requirement of § 25.1309(b). Special Conditions: Flight Structures, as well as at http://DocketsInfo. 8. The inflatable lap belt must be Inc., Boeing Model 777–200 Dynamic dot.gov/. shown to not impede rapid egress of Test Requirements for Single- Docket: Background documents or occupants 10 seconds after its Occupant, Oblique (Side-Facing) Seats comments received may be read at deployment. With Airbag Devices http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. 9. The inflatable lap-belt system must AGENCY: Federal Aviation Follow the online instructions for be protected from lightning and HIRF. Administration (FAA), DOT. accessing the docket or go to Docket The threats specified in existing ACTION: Final special conditions; request Operations in Room W12–140 of the regulations regarding lightning, for comments. West Building Ground Floor at 1200 § 25.1316, and HIRF, § 25.1317, are New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, incorporated by reference for the SUMMARY: These special conditions are DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday purpose of measuring lightning and issued for Boeing Model 777–200 through Friday, except Federal holidays. HIRF protection. For the purposes of airplanes. This airplane, as modified by complying with HIRF requirements, the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Flight Structures, Inc., will have novel inflatable lap-belt system is considered Shelden, Airframe and Cabin Safety, or unusual design features associated a ‘‘critical system’’ if its deployment ANM–115, Transport Airplane with oblique-angled, single-occupant could have a hazardous effect on the Directorate, Aircraft Certification seats equipped with airbag systems. The airplane; otherwise it is considered an Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., applicable airworthiness regulations do ‘‘essential’’ system. Renton, Washington 98057–3356; 10. The inflatable lap belt must not contain adequate or appropriate telephone 425–227–2785; facsimile function properly after loss of normal safety standards for these design 425–227–1149. airplane electrical power, and after a features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA transverse separation of the fuselage at the Administrator considers necessary has determined that notice of, and the most critical location. A separation to establish a level of safety equivalent opportunity for, prior public comment at the location of the lap belt does not to that established by the existing on these special conditions are have to be considered. 11. The inflatable lap belt must be airworthiness standards. impracticable because these procedures shown to not release hazardous DATES: The effective date of these would significantly delay issuance of quantities of gas or particulate matter special conditions is September 30, the design approval and thus delivery of into the cabin. 2015. We must receive your comments the affected airplane. 12. The inflatable lap-belt installation by November 16, 2015. In addition, the substance of these mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES must be protected from the effects of fire ADDRESSES: Send comments identified special conditions has been subject to such that no hazard to occupants will by docket number FAA–2015–3367 the public-comment process in several result. using any of the following methods: prior instances with no substantive 13. A means must be available for a Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to comments received. The FAA therefore crewmember to verify the integrity of http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow finds that good cause exists for making the inflatable-lap-belt-activation system the online instructions for sending your these special conditions effective upon prior to each flight, or it must be comments electronically. issuance. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:12 Sep 29, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\30SER1.SGM 30SER1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 09:31:38
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 09:31:38
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.
ContactJayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057- 3356; telephone (425) 227-2194, facsimile (425) 227-1232.
FR Citation80 FR 58593 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR