# AmericanAirlines@ MAINTENANCE AND ENGINEERING CENTER April 25, 2011 U.S. Department ofTransportation Docket ManagementSystem 400

## ih Street, SW, Room PL-400 Washington, DC 20591 -0001 Subject: Renewal of Exemption Number 6853D -14CFR 121.317 - Control of Passenger Information



## . I Reference: 1) FAA Issue Paper Dated March 3, 2011 from the TransportAirplane Directorate ­ Aircraft Certification SeNice 2) Exemption 6853 (original issue) Docket Number29448 3) Exemption 6853B (second extension) Docket Number FAA-2000-8153 4) Exemption 6853C (third extension) Docket Number FAA-2000-8153 5) Exemption 6853D (fourth extension) Docket Number FAA-2000-8153 Dear Sir or Madam: American Airlines' Exemption number6853D that permitsAmerican Airlinesto operate our Boeing 737 and 777 aircraftwith "No Smoking" signs always illuminated terminates on August 31, 2011. American Airlines has had no negative ordetrimental circumstance since the original issue and respectfully requests this exemption be renewed as a permanentexemption. The technical information originally submitted remains the same and will continue in effectwhen the exemption is renewed
. Listed below are the rules from which the relief is requested underSection 11.25 ofthe 14 CFR. A Renewal to Exemption number 6853D is sought that applies to: 14 CFR 121.317(a) "The sign must be constructed so thatthe crew membercan turn them on and 

### off." The Renewal exemption would: PermitAmerican Airlines to operate its two (2) fleets, B737 and B777, in the delivered condition from Boeing. With reference tothe FAA Issue Paper, Boeing has informed us they have hardwiringthe Passenger SeNice Unit "No Smoking Signs" in the "on" position for our B737 and B777 aircrafts. The hardwired "on" "No Smoking Signs" seNe as a lighted placard to complywith 14 CFR 25.791. 14 CFR 121.317 states thatthe passenger information signs "
...must be constructed so thatcrew members can turn them on and 

### off." With the "No Smoking Signs" hardwired "on", 14 CFR 121.317 is no longer relevant with respect tothe "NoSmoking Signs" since American Airlines does not allow smoking on any of its flights
. 14 CFR 25.791statesthat "Ifsmoking is to be prohibited, there must be at least one placard so stating that is legible to each person seated in the cabin". The referenced FAA Issue Paper indicates that acontinuously lighted sign meetsthe requirements ofa placard. Furthermore, the FAA issue paper advises operates with the "No Smoking Signs" hardwired tothe "on" configuration to petition foran exemption to 14 CFR 121.317.

MO P.O
. BOX582809, TULSA OKLAHOMA 74159-2809 CABLEAORESS AMAIRDocket ManagementSystem Renewal Exemption No. 68530 April 25, 2011 - Page 2
Rather than modifying each aircraft allowing acrew to turn the "No Smoking Signs" "on" and "off" to comply with 14CFR 121.317, we suggest the "No Smoking Signs" being continuously illuminated meets or exceeds the spirit and intent ofthe regulation
. This renewal exemption will continue to allow American Airlines to operate our B737 and B777 aircraft, in revenue service, with the "No Smoking Signs" continuously illuminated and incapable of having the "No Smoking Signs" extinguished. Renewingthis exemption would be in the public interest in that: 1) There would be greater assurance thatthe "No Smoking Signs" would always be illuminated and legible to each person seated in the cabin. 2) Passengers are accustomed to seeing the "No Smoking Signs" illuminated and understand the meaning. 3) By allowingthe "No Smoking Signs" to be hardwired to the "on" position will ensure the avoidance of unnecessary modification cos thatwould be passed on to the traveling public in the price ofthe ticket. 4) American Airlines currently conducts revenue service for both the B737 and B777 and a denial ofthis renewal would clearly be detriment
.Ito the flying public as well as American Airlines. Renewing this exemption will not adversely affect

## f·afety in thatthe "No Smoking Signs" will be illuminated at all times. That under no circumstan ,es does American Airlines allowsmoking on any of ourflights; therefore, there is no need to be able t switch the "No Smoking Sign" from lion" to IIoff'
. Questions or comments regarding this petition ma Engineering AD/FAR Group at (918) 292-2158.



### WMC/pmb be directed to William Bartelt, Manager of Sincerely,

# ~r Vice President Engineering, Performance 

### &QA

### April 

### 12011



## J. B. Ream

I will be out ofthe office Monday - Wednesday, April 2011. During this specified absence 

## I am delegating myauthority, described in Section 01-01 of the General Procedures Manual (GPM), to John Beavers, Emp #645289, to act on my behalf. Upon my return, such delegation shall cease. Appropriation Requests for capital expenditures are to be handled in accordance with the Financial Planning department's Standing Authorities document. 

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William M. Cavitt Emp#693576 Vice Engineering, Performance Improvement Strategies & QA WMC/cj cc: M&E Staff Staff J. Bustos