U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 

# Advisory Circular

Subject: Flightcrew Member Rest Facilities Date: DRAFT
Initiated by: AFS

- 200 AC No: AC 12 1

- 31 A Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations ( 14 CFR) “proposed”
p art 117

. Prior to utilizing onboard crewmember rest facilities, all 14 CFR parts 121 and 135 certificate holders must obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval regarding the classification and adequacy of onboard rest facilities. The Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) is responsible for developing the technical standards for crewmembe r sleeping quarters and rest facilities. Part 117 identifies sleeping spaces as “Rest Facilities” and p art 135 identifies them as “Sleeping Facilities

. ” These terms are interchangeable for the purpose of this AC.

a. Provision of Crewmember Rest Facilities

. Th is AC references criteria that may be used for the design and installation of crewmember rest facilities on transport category aircraft capable of augmented flightcrew operations. If, in addition to providing rest facilities, an operator voluntarily provid es an area for storing personal articles and for changing clothing, then this AC provides useful information and advice for their design and installation.

b. Guidance for Other 14 CFR Parts

. For operators conducting operations under parts other than parts 121 and 135, this AC references FAA

- acceptable criteria and guidance that may be useful for the design and installation of flightcrew sleeping quarters and rest facilities on transport category aircraft capable of long

- range operations with augmented or enlar ged flightcrew complements.

2. RELATED 14 CFR SECTIONS.

a. 14 CFR Part 25 Subpart D , Design and Construction. Part 25, §§ 25.789, 25.791, 25.831, and 25.853, 25.1301, 25.1445, and 25.1529.

b. Part 121 Subpart J , Special Airworthiness Requirements. Part 21, § 121.28 5.

c. Part 121 Subpart K , Instrument and Equipment Requirements. Sections 121.311(b), 121.317, 121.327 , and 121.32 9.

d. Part 135 Subpart B , Flight Operations. Part 135, § 135.128(a).

e. Part 135 Subpart C , Aircraft and Equipment. Section 135. 157.AC 120

- 31A DATE

Page 2 Par 2 f. Part 135 Subpart F , Crewmember Flight Time and Duty Period Limitations and Rest Requirements. Section 135.269(b)(5).

g. 14 CFR Part 125 Subpart B , Certification Rules and Miscellaneous Requirements

. Part 125, § 125.37(b).

h. Part 117, Flight crew Member Duty and Rest Requirements

.

3. RELATED READING MATERIAL. This AC and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4101/3, Crew Rest Facilities, should be used in conjunction with ARP4101, Flight Deck Layout and Facilities, for the design and installation o f crewmember rest facilities. The following SAE documents may also be applicable and may be obtained for a fee from:

SAE Industry Technologies Consortia 161 Thorn Hill Road Warrendale, PA 15086 724

- 776

- 4970 institut e@sae.org

a. SAE ARP1323, Type Measurements of Aircraft Interior Sound Pressure Levels During Cruise.

b. SAE ARP4245, Quantities for Description of the Acoustical Environment of the Interior of the Aircraft.

c. Additional Information

. The following report provides additional information and detail concerning crewmember rest facilities onboard aircraft.

**•** Netherlands organization for Applied Scientific Research ( TNO ) Report, Extension of Flying Duty Period by In

- Flight Relief, project number 032.13267, dated September 2007.

4. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this document, these terms are defined as follows:

a. Rest Facilities. Means a bunk, seat, room, or other accommodations that provides a crewmember with sleep opportunity. (TNO Report, part 117, § 117.3.)

b. Free Space. An area designated for the use of the crew to change and stow clothing. ( AC 121

- 31, SAE ARP4101/3 definition

. )

c. Class 1 R est Facility

. Means a bunk that allows for a horizontal flat sleeping position and is separate from the flight deck and passenger cabin in an area that is temperature controlled, allows the crewmember to control light, and provides isolation from noise and disturbance. ( Section 117.3, sound definition SAE ARP4101/3 and horizontal flat definition SAE ARP4101/3

. )DATE AC 120

- 31A

Par 4 Page 3 d. Class 2 Rest Facility

. Means a seat in an aircraft cabin that allows for a flat or near flat sleeping position, is separated from passengers by a minimum of a curtain to provide darkness and some sound mitigation, and is reasonably free from disturbance by passengers or crewmembers. ( S ection 117.3

. )

e. Class 3 R est F acility. Means a seat in an aircraft cabin or flight deck that reclines at least 40 degrees and provides leg and foot support. ( Section 117.3

. )

f. Sleeping Surface. Any surface such as a bed, bunk, or seat that meets the guideline s referenced in this AC.

g. Significance of R est F acility C lassification. Each rest facility has a classification ranking from 1 through 3 that defines the flight duty period limits, predicated upon the classification of rest facility, for augmented flightcre w operations. A class 1 facility provides for the longest flight duty periods, a class 2 provides for the second longest flight duty period, and a class three provides for the third longest flight duty periods.

5. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS.

a. Crewmember Rest F acilities. The location of crewmember rest facilities in an aircraft is an important decision that should be based on an analysis of the following factors to ensure that an adequate environment is provided to enable crewmember s to obtain sleep of adequate quality. (SAE ARP4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

(1) There should be a sufficient number of sleeping surfaces provided to accommodate the maximum number of crewmembers that would be expected to use these surfaces during the same period of time. (SAE ARP4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

(2) For crewmember sleeping quarters, adequate volume should be provided for sleeping. The recommended volume per individual is 1. 0 m3 ( 35 feet3). (SAE ARP4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

(3) For crewmember rest facilities, adequate volume should be provided for sleeping,
per sonal articles storage, and changing of clothes. The following volumes are recommended:

**•** Individual sleeping space volume: 1. 0 m3 ( 35 feet3). ( SAE ARP4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

**•** Free space adjacent to the sleeping surfaces for ingress and egress and changing of clo thes: 1.85 m3 ( 65 feet3). (SAE ARP4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

b. Sleeping Surfaces. The following are acceptable criteria for sleeping surfaces:

(1) Class 1 f acility

.

**•** Dimensions for each sleeping surface of 1. 98 x 0.76m ( 78 x 30 inches)

. ( SAE ARP4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )AC 120

- 31A DATE

Page 4 Par 5 **•** The s leeping surfaces should be designed so that they are flat and as level as practicable during cruise flight. (SAE ARP 4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

**•** Suitable means should be provided to ensure occupant privacy for each sleeping surface area ; e.g., curtains in an over

- a nd

- under arrangement or a divider curtain in a side

- by

- side arrangement. (SAE ARP 4101/3, AC 121

- 31

. )

(2) Class 2 rest facility

.

**•** Is a seat in an aircraft cabin that allows for a flat or near flat sleeping position, i t should recline to at least 80° back angle t o the vertical and have a seat width at least 20 inches. Examples are so

- called "Lie

- Flat" seats, or "Flat Bed" seats. (Section 117.3, TNO Report

, R ecommendation paragraph 5.2.5

. )

(3) Class 3 rest facility

.

**•** Is a seat in an aircraft cabin that reclines to at le ast 40° from the vertical and providing sufficient leg and foot support. ( Section 117.3, TNO Report recommendation paragraph 5.2.5

. )

c. Isolation. The following are acceptable criteria for isolation of flightcrew rest facilities.

(1) Class 1 rest facility

.

**•** The cr ewmember rest facility should be in a location where intrusive noise, odors, and vibration have minimum effect on sleep. The spectrum of the sound within this facility should be limited to broadband without annoying tones. Special attention should be given to the existence of doors, passenger convenience systems, public address systems, etc., in the immediate area to minimize intrusive noise and ensure they have minimal effect on sleep. A noise level during cruise flight in the range of 70 to 75 dB (A) is c onsidered a reasonable design objective. ( AC 121

- 31 SAE ARP4101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245, additional language from the Air Transportation Division ( AFS

- 200 ) Memo to Long Beach ( LGB )

- AEG March 26, 2009

. )

(2) Class 2 rest facility

.

**•** A common grouping of seats (row subsection) that should be shared only by other crewmembers. The seat should be separated from the cockpit and passengers by acoustic curtains or panels and provisions for darkening and sound mitigation of the sleep environment should be available. (T NO Report Recommendation

, paragraph 5.2.5

. )

d. Environmental (Class 1 R est Facility O nly). Airflow and temperature control should provide a uniformly well

- ventilated atmosphere free from drafts, cold spots, and temperature gradient. The FAA recommends that th e rest facility be designated a nonsmoking area. ( AC 121

- 31 SAE ARP4101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245

. )DATE AC 120

- 31A

Par 5 Page 5 e. Public Address (PA) System (Class 1 R est Facility Only ). The FAA recommends that the PA system or an alternative means should include provisions to provid e only relevant information to crewmembers in the crewmember rest facility ; e.g., in

- flight emergencies, aircraft

depressurization, or preparation of compartment occupants for landing. ( AC 121

- 31

, SAE ARP4101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245

. )

f. Emergency Lighti ng ( Class 1 Rest Facility Only ). Emergency lighting should be provided in crewmember rest facilities. ( AC 121

- 31

, SAE ARP4101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245

. )

g. Stowage and Restraints ( Class 1 Rest Facility Only ). In accordance with the applicable 14 CFR, suita ble personal articles stowage and occupant restraint systems must be provided to each occupant of sleeping surfaces as well as each occupant of any seats located in crewmember rest facilities. ( AC 121

- 31

, SAE ARP4101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245

. )

h. Emergency and Other Equipment ( Class 1 R est F acility O nly).

(1) Approved oxygen equipment must be provided for each crewmember that uses a sleeping surface and crewmember rest facility seat, including an aural alert to awaken a sleeping crewmember. ( AC 121

- 31, SAE ARP4 101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245, language developed by AEG’s AC 121

- 31 Draft for March 2000

. )

(2) There should be one or more lighted "FASTEN SEAT BELTS" signs within the view of the occupants of each sleeping surface and seat located within a crewmember rest facility. These lighted signs should be dimmable for sleeping purposes. ( AC 121

- 31 SAE ARP4101/3, SAE ARP 1323, SAE ARP 4245, language developed by AEG’s AC 121

- 31 Draft for March 2000

. )

(3) If the operating rules and the operator permit smoking in a crewmember rest facility, the following apply:

(a) One or more lighted "NO SMOKING" signs within the view of the occupants of each sleeping surface and seat located in a crewmember rest facility should be provided. These lighted signs should be dimmable for sleeping purp oses; and

(b) An adequate number of self

- contained, removable ashtrays for each seat in the facility must be provided. (Language developed by AEG’s AC 121

- 31 Draft for March 2000

. )

(4) If the operating rules and the operator do not permit smoking in a crewmember r est facility, then one or more “NO SMOKING” placards legible to the occupants of each sleeping surface and seat located in the facility must be provided.

(5) A means, such as an interphone, must be available for the cockpit crewmembers to communicate with the sleeping crewmember. (Language developed by AEG’s AC 121

- 31 Draft for March 2000

. )AC 120

- 31A DATE

Page 6 Par 6 6. REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR THE USE OF FLIGHTCREW MEMBER REST FACILITIES. Before using an aircraft with an augmented flightcrew, the certificate holder must ensure the aircraft onboard rest facility receives FAA qualification meeting one of the three classifications prescribed in part 117. The certificate holder also must receive o peration s

s pecification (OpSpec) AXXX authorizing them to conduct augmented operations.

a. Qualificatio n and Classification of Flighcrew Rest Facilities.

(1) Before conducting augmented flightcrew operations, the certificate holder must have a qualification analysis statement (QAS) for each specific aircraft used for augmented flightcrew operations that qualifi es the rest facility as either a class 1, 2, or 3. The classification of the onboard rest facilities (i.e., class 1, 2, and 3) defines the maximum flight duty period an augmented flightcrew may operate. The QAS is a statement and analysis qualifying the re st facility as meeting one of three rest facility classifications. A c lass 1 rest facility provides for the longest flight duty period; whereas, a c lass 3 provides the shortest flight duty period of the three classes.

(2) Evaluation and qualification of onboar d rest facilities will follow one of three paths; newly installed class 1, newly installed class 2 and 3, and previously qualified rest facilities ( class 1, 2, or 3).

b. Qualifying Newly Installed Class 1 Rest F acilities

. (1) Newly installed onboard class 1 rest facilities must be evaluated and qualified by the AEG in concert with the appropriate Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). The AEG will coordinate with the certificate holding district office (CHDO) throughout the evaluation to involve the principal operat ions inspector (POI) and principal maintenance inspector (PMI) having oversight responsibility of the certificate holder. If the evaluation meets the specifications prescribed in part 117, the AEG may issue a QAS for that aircraft.

(2) Early identification of the certification project is essential for ensuring a timely evaluation of the facility for adequacy. The certificate holder should make a request to FAA for the installation and use of crewmember rest facilities. Requests for approval should include evide nce that the rest facility has been certified for occupancy in accordance with the requirements of p art 25 as being part of the original type

- certificate (TC) , amended TC , or S upplemental T ype C ertificate (STC)

. (3) Proposed instructions for continued airworth iness should be included with the request. Also, in the event that the design of the rest facility requires some preparation by the crew prior to use, such as expanding sections, the evaluation request should include appropriate preparation procedures, rec ommended qualification/training requirements, and proposed actions to be taken in the event that the facility becomes inoperative.

(4) The evaluating AEG will complete a report on the QAS for that aircraft including any qualifications regarding the findings ; i .e., location of toilets, galleys, etc., in the near vicinity of the facility such that if changes were made in the near environment of the facility a re

- evaluation of the adequacy of the facility would be required. This report should be made a part of the aircraft’s permanent record.DATE AC 120

- 31A

Par 6 Page 7 c. Qualifying Newly Installed Class 2 and 3 Rest Facilities

. New installation of class 2 and 3 crewmember onboard rest facilities will be evaluated by the POI in concert with the PMI having oversight responsibilities of the certi ficate holder. The PMI will inspect the rest facility for proper installation. The PMI or POI will conduct a visual operational inspection to determine the rest facility currently meets the specifications prescribed in part 117. Once the POI and PMI have d etermined the rest facility meets either the class 2 or 3 specification, the PMI may issue a QAS for that aircraft. The AEG will serve in an advisory role to the CHDO.

d. Requalification of Previously Qualified Rest Facilities

. (1) Evaluation of crewmember onboa rd rest facilities previously qualified will be the responsibility of the POI in concert with the PMI. The POI and PMI will inspect the QAS to ensure the qualification meets the classification of rest facility the certificate holder intends to

use. The POI or PMI will conduct a visual operational inspection to determine the rest facility currently meets the specifications prescribed in part 117. The AEG will serve in an advisory role to the CHDO.

(2) Once the aircraft’s onboard rest facility has been qualified, the FAA will issue a QAS that will remain part of the aircraft permanent records. The QAS will remain in effect until a modification to the rest facility or a component of the rest facility that renders it noncompliant with the specifications prescribed i n part 117, or the FAA determines the rest facility no longer meets the specification(s) prescribed for that classification.

(3) Modifications and repairs that alter any part of the original specifications of the rest facility may disqualify the rest facility from the previously qualified classification. In the event an inoperative component or installed equipment associated with the rest facility is covered under the certificate holder’s approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for that aircraft, and appropriatel y deferred in accordance with the certificate holder’s procedures, the certificate holder must comply with the applicable provisos for that deferral. If the deferred item has been corrected and returned to service, the rest facility qualification will resu me without a subsequent evaluation and qualification by the FAA. Otherwise, the aircraft may only be used for

un

- augmented flightcrew operations until such time as the deferred item(s) have been corrected and returned to service.

(4) ”Draft” OpSpec AXXX. The c ertificate holder must also have “draft” OpSpec AXXX issued containing specific information including the aircraft N number, make/model/series, classification of rest facility, and number of sleep surfaces. “Draft” OpSpec AXXX authorizes specific aircraft for flightcrew member augmentation using the onboard flightcrew rest facilities listed. Additionally, the certificate holder must develop augmentation operating procedures relative to the use of the specific onboard rest facilities. The air carrier should submit these procedures at the same time it applies for FAA qualification of a flightcrew rest facility. Augmentation operating procedures, at a minimum, must include the following:

**•** Flightcrew augmentation procedures,

**•** Use of augmentation table in part 117,AC 120

- 31A DATE

Page 8 Par 6 **•** MEL procedures, if applicable

,

**•** Loss of cabin altitude,

**•** Emergency communications,

**•** Smoke in the cabin, and

**•** Fires in the rest facility.

(a) ”Draft” Op Spec AXXX authorizes the certificate holder to conduct augmented flightcrew operations using a specific aircraft and a qualified rest facility. This OpSpec must contain the following information: the aircraft N number, make/model/series, classification of rest facility, and number of sleep surfaces.

(b) Once the qualification process and visual operational inspection ar e complete, the QAS has been issued, and the POI is satisfied with the air carrier’s operating procedures, the principal inspector may issue “Draft” Op Spec AXXX in accordance with the guidance in FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management Sy stem (FSIMS)

.

7. CONTACT INFORMATION

. For more information about the content of this AC , please contact AFS

- 200, at 202

- 267

- 8166

.

John M. Allen Director, Flight Standards Service