[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 212 (Thursday, November 2, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64478-64482]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-9025]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. NM354; Notice No. 25-06-09A-SC]


Special Conditions: Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Boeing 
Model 777 Series Airplane; Overhead Cross Aisle Stowage Compartments

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions (amended).

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SUMMARY: The FAA amends and supersedes proposed special conditions for 
the Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. The previous notice (Notice No. 
25-06-09-SC) published on October 18, 2006 (71 FR 61432), did not 
reflect the final FAA position on the novel design feature, and was 
thus in error. This airplane, modified by Boeing Commercial Airplane 
Group, will have novel or unusual design features associated with 
overhead cross aisle stowage compartments. The applicable airworthiness 
regulations do not contain

[[Page 64479]]

adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. 
These amended proposed special conditions contain the additional safety 
standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of 
safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness 
standards.

DATES: We must receive your comments on or before November 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may mail or deliver comments on these amended proposed 
special conditions in duplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: Rules Docket (ANM-113), Docket 
No. NM354, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. You 
must mark your comments: Docket No. NM354.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe/Cabin 
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:

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 amended proposed special 
conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written 
comments.
    We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning these amended proposed special conditions. You may inspect 
the docket before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to 
review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section 
of this preamble between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing 
date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is 
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change 
these amended proposed special conditions based on the comments we 
receive.
    If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of your comments on 
these amended proposed special conditions, include with your comments a 
pre-addressed, stamped postcard on which the docket number appears. We 
will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it back to you.

Background

    On April 20, 2005, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Seattle, 
Washington, applied for a supplemental type certificate to permit 
installation of overhead cross aisle stowage compartments in Boeing 777 
series airplanes. The Boeing Model 777 series airplanes are large twin 
engine airplanes with four or five pairs of Type A exits. The Boeing 
777 airplanes can be configured with various passenger capacities and 
range.
    The regulations do not address the novel and unusual design 
features associated with the installation of overhead cross aisle 
stowage compartments installed on the Boeing Model 777, making these 
amended proposed special conditions necessary. Generally, the 
requirements for overhead stowage compartments are similar to stowage 
compartments in remote crew rest compartments (i.e., located on lower 
lobe, main deck or overhead) already in use on Boeing Model 777 and 747 
series airplanes. Remote crew rest compartments have been previously 
installed and certified in the main passenger cabin area, above the 
main passenger area, and below the passenger cabin area adjacent to the 
cargo compartment of the Boeing Model 777-200, and -300 series 
airplanes. On October 18, 2006, a Notice of Proposed Special Conditions 
was published to address the novel design feature. However, the notice 
inadvertently did not reflect the FAA's final position on the proposed 
requirements. This amended notice corrects that error.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101, Boeing Commercial Airplane 
Group must show that the Boeing Model 777, as changed, continues to 
meet the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by 
reference in Type Certificate No. T00001SE or the applicable 
regulations in effect on the date of application for the change. The 
regulations incorporated by reference in the type certificate are 
commonly referred to as the ``original type certification basis.'' The 
regulations incorporated by reference in Type Certificate No. T00001SE 
for the Boeing Model 777 series airplanes include Title 14 Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR), part 25, as amended by Amendments 25-1 
through 25-100, with exceptions, for various models. Refer to Type 
Certificate No. T00001SE, as applicable, for a complete description of 
the certification basis for this model, including certain special 
conditions that are not relevant to these amended proposed special 
conditions.
    If the Administrator finds the applicable airworthiness regulations 
(part 25 as amended) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety 
standards for the Boeing Model 777 because of a novel or unusual design 
feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.16.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Boeing Model 777 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 Sec.  11.19, under 
Sec.  11.38 and they become part of the type certification basis under 
Sec.  21.101.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a change to modify any 
other model included on the same type certificate to incorporate the 
same or similar novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions 
would also apply to the other model under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Boeing Model 777 will incorporate the following novel or 
unusual design features: The installation of powered lift-enabled 
stowage compartments that rise into the overhead area and lower into 
the cabin.
    The overhead cross aisle stowage compartments are configured to 
allow stowage of galley type standard containers as well as coats, 
bags, and other items typically stowed in closets or bins. These 
stowage compartments will be located above the emergency exit cross 
aisles of Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. Because the compartment is 
lowered into the main cabin, it could affect egress if it cannot be 
raised again. The overhead compartment may lower into a cross aisle as 
defined in Sec.  25.813, but it may also lower into other potential 
egress paths. For the purposes of these amended proposed special 
conditions, the same criteria apply, whether or not the egress path is 
required by Sec.  25.813. Therefore, as used in these amended proposed 
special conditions, the term ``overhead cross aisle stowage 
compartment'' addresses all such compartments.
    Each stowage compartment is accessed from the main deck by a 
powered lift that lowers and raises the stowage compartment between the 
overhead and the main deck. In addition, the lift can be hand cranked 
up and down in the event of a power or

[[Page 64480]]

lift motor failure. A smoke detection system will be provided in the 
overhead cross aisle stowage compartments.

Discussion of the Amended Proposed Special Conditions

    In general, the requirements listed in these amended proposed 
special conditions for overhead cross aisle stowage compartments are 
similar to those previously approved for overhead crew rest 
compartments in earlier certification programs, such as for the Boeing 
Model 777 and Model 747 series airplanes. These amended proposed 
special conditions establish compartment access, power lift, electrical 
power, smoke/fire detection, fire extinguisher, fire containment, smoke 
penetration, and compartment design criteria for the overhead cross 
aisle stowage compartments. The overhead stowage compartments are not a 
direct analogy to stowage compartments in remote crew rest compartments 
installed and certified for Boeing Model 777 series airplanes, but the 
safety issues raised are similar. Features similar to those considered 
in the development of previous special conditions for fire protection 
will be included here also. The proposed requirements would provide an 
equivalent level of safety to that provided by other Boeing Model 777 
series airplanes with similar overhead compartments.

Operational Evaluations and Approval

    The FAA's Aircraft Certification Service will administer these 
amended proposed special conditions, which specify requirements for 
design approvals (that is, type design changes and supplemental type 
certificates) of overhead cross aisle stowage compartments.
    The Aircraft Evaluation Group of the FAA's Flight Standards Service 
must evaluate and approve the operational use of overhead cross aisle 
stowage compartments prior to use. The Aircraft Evaluation Group must 
receive all instructions for continued airworthiness, including service 
bulletins, prior to the FAA accepting and issuing approval of the 
modification.

Proposed Special Condition No. 1, Compartment Access and Placards

    Appropriate placards, or other means, are required to address door 
access and locking to prohibit or prevent passenger access and 
operation of the overhead storage compartment. There must also be a 
means to preclude anyone from being trapped inside the stowage 
compartment, if it is large enough for a person to enter. If there is 
more than one door providing access, each door must be equipped with 
these means.

Proposed Special Condition No. 2, Power Lift

    The power lift must be designed so the overhead stowage compartment 
will not jam in the down position, even if lowered on top of a hard 
structure. The lift must operate at a speed that allows anyone 
underneath the compartment to move clear without injury. The lift 
controls must be placed clear of the compartment door and must be 
pressed continuously for lift operation. Training on operation 
procedures must be added to appropriate manuals.

Proposed Special Condition No. 3, Manual Operation

    There must be a means to manually operate the lift that is 
independent of the electrical drive system. The lift must be operable 
by a range of occupants, including a fifth percentile female. The 
manual means must be capable of lowering the overhead stowage 
compartment quickly to the main deck to fight a fire. The manual system 
must be capable of raising the compartment quickly so the cross aisle 
or other egress path (if applicable) is not blocked in an emergency. If 
electrical or manual power is removed, there must be a means, such as a 
brake, to prevent the compartment from unrestricted movement, i.e., 
falling. Training on manual operation must be added to appropriate 
manuals.

Proposed Special Condition No. 4, Handheld Fire Extinguisher

    For compartments larger than 25 cubic feet, a handheld fire 
extinguisher appropriate to fight the kinds of fire likely to occur in 
the overhead stowage compartment must be provided. This handheld fire 
extinguisher must be adjacent to the overhead compartment. This 
extinguisher must be in addition to those required for the passenger 
cabin.

Proposed Special Condition No. 5, Fire Containment

    This special condition requires either the installation of a 
manually activated fire extinguishing system that is accessible from 
outside the overhead stowage compartment, or a demonstration that the 
crew could satisfactorily perform the function of extinguishing a fire 
under the prescribed conditions. A manually activated built-in fire 
extinguishing system would be required only if a crewmember could not 
successfully locate and get access to the fire during a demonstration 
where the crewmember is responding to the alarm. For the duration of 
the flight, the system must have adequate capacity to suppress any fire 
occurring in the stowage compartment considering the fire threat, 
volume of the compartment and the ventilation rate.

Proposed Special Condition No. 6, Smoke Penetration

    The design of the compartment must provide means to exclude 
hazardous quantities of smoke or extinguishing agent originating in the 
compartment from entering other occupied areas. The means must take 
into account the time period during which the compartment may be 
accessed to manually fight a fire, if applicable.
    During the one-minute smoke detection time (see Special Condition 
No. 7), penetration of a small quantity of smoke (one that would 
dissipate within 3 minutes under normal ventilation conditions) from 
this overhead stowage compartment design into an occupied area on this 
airplane configuration would be acceptable based on the limitations 
placed in this and other associated special conditions. These special 
conditions place sufficient restrictions in the quantity and type of 
material allowed in the overhead stowage compartment that threat from a 
fire in this remote area would be equivalent to that experienced on the 
main cabin.
    If a built-in fire extinguishing system is used in lieu of manual 
fire fighting, then the fire extinguishing system must be designed so 
that no hazardous quantities of extinguishing agent will enter other 
compartments occupied by passengers or crew.

Proposed Special Condition No. 7, Compartment Design Criteria

    The material used to construct the overhead stowage compartment 
must meet the flammability requirements for compartment interiors in 
Sec.  25.853 and be fire resistant. Depending on the size of the 
compartment, certain fire protection features of Class B cargo 
compartments are also required. Enclosed stowage compartments equal to 
or exceeding 25 ft<SUP>3</SUP> in interior volume must be provided with 
a smoke or fire detection system to ensure that a fire can be detected 
within a one-minute detection time. This is the same requirement as has 
been applied to remote crew rest compartments.
    Enclosed stowage compartments equal to or greater than 57 
ft<SUP>3</SUP> in interior volume but less than or equal to 200 
ft<SUP>3</SUP>, must have a liner that meets the requirements of Sec.  
25.855 for a Class B cargo compartment. The overhead

[[Page 64481]]

stowage compartment may not be greater than 200 ft<SUP>3</SUP> in 
interior volume. The in-flight accessibility of very large enclosed 
stowage compartments and the subsequent impact on the crewmember's 
ability to effectively reach any part of the compartment with the 
contents of a handheld fire extinguisher would require additional fire 
protection considerations similar to those required for inaccessible 
compartments such as Class C cargo compartments.
    The overhead stowage compartment smoke or fire detection and fire 
suppression systems (including airflow management features which 
prevent hazardous quantities of smoke or fire extinguishing agent from 
entering any other compartment occupied by crewmembers or passengers) 
is considered complex in terms of paragraph 6d of Advisory Circular 
(AC) 25.1309-1A, ``System Design and Analysis.'' The FAA considers 
failure of the overhead stowage compartment fire protection system 
(that is, smoke or fire detection and fire suppression systems) in 
conjunction with an overhead stowage fire to be a catastrophic event. 
Based on the ``Depth of Analysis Flowchart'' shown in Figure 2 of AC 
25.1309-1A, the depth of analysis should include both qualitative and 
quantitative assessments (reference paragraphs 8d, 9, and 10 of AC 
25.1309-1A).
    The requirements to enable crewmember(s) quick access to the 
overhead stowage compartment and to locate a fire source inherently 
places limits on the amount of baggage stowed and the size of the 
overhead stowage compartment. The overhead stowage compartment is 
limited to stowage of galley type standard containers as well as coats, 
bags, and other items typically stowed in closets or bins. It is not 
intended to be used for the stowage of other items. The design of such 
a system to include other items may require additional special 
conditions to ensure safe operation.

Applicability

    These amended proposed special conditions are applicable to the 
Boeing Model 777 series airplanes with overhead cross aisle stowage 
compartments. Should Boeing Commercial Airplane Group apply later for a 
change to the type certificate to include another model included on 
Type Certificate No. T00001SE, incorporating the same novel or unusual 
design feature, the special conditions would apply to that model as 
well under the provisions of Sec.  21.101.
    The Boeing Model 777 series airplane is scheduled for imminent 
delivery. Special conditions for other types of stowage compartments in 
remote areas of airplanes have been subject to the notice and public 
comment procedure in several prior instances. Therefore, because a 
delay would significantly affect the applicant's installation of the 
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment and certification of the 
airplane, we are shortening the public comment period to 10 days.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on the Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. It is not a rule of general 
applicability and affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for 
approval of these features on the airplane.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.

The Amended Proposed Special Conditions

    Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the 
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis 
for Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. Each overhead cross aisle 
stowage compartment and the adjacent area, including the structural 
frame, mechanical system and drive motor, must meet the following 
requirements:
    1. Compartment Access and Placards. There must be a means to 
prohibit or prevent passengers from entering or operating the overhead 
cross aisle stowage compartment. Placards prohibiting access are 
acceptable. If a compartment is large enough for a person to enter, 
there must be a means to preclude anyone from being trapped inside the 
stowage compartment. If a latching/locking mechanism is installed, the 
door must be capable of being opened from the outside without the aid 
of special tools. The mechanism must not prevent opening from the 
inside of the stowage at any time.
    2. Power Lift. There must be a means such as a load or force 
limiter to protect the overhead cross aisle stowage compartment 
electrical lift drive system from failure or jamming in the down 
position in the event it is lowered on top of hard structure such as a 
galley cart.
    (a) The electrical lift controls must be placed so the operator is 
clear of the lift and designed such that the controls must be pressed 
continuously for lift operation.
    (b) The electrical lift must raise and lower the stowage 
compartment at a slow enough rate, and stop above the floor at such a 
height, that anyone underneath can easily move clear without injury.
    (c) Stowage compartment operation training procedures must be added 
to the appropriate flight attendant manuals.
    3. Manual Lift. There must be a means in the event of failure of 
the aircraft's main power system, or of the electrically powered 
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment lift system, for manually 
activating the lift system.
    (a) This manual means must be independent of the electrical drive 
system.
    (b) The manual means must be accessible and operable by a range of 
occupants, including a fifth percentile female.
    (c) The manual means must be capable of lowering the stowage 
compartment to the main deck quickly enough to fight a fire in the 
stowage compartment before overhead cross aisle stowage compartment 
fire containment is compromised.
    (d) The manual means must be capable of quickly raising the stowage 
compartment such that the cross aisle, or other egress path is not 
blocked in the event of an emergency.
    (e) Stowage compartment firefighting training procedures must be 
added to the appropriate flight attendant manuals.
    (f) The lift system must include a means, such as a brake, to 
retain the overhead cross aisle stowage compartment in any position of 
travel when the manual or electric drive force is removed.
    4. Fire Extinguisher. The means to manually fight a fire in the 
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment must consider the additional 
stowage volume and time required to manually lower the compartment 
after indication. For compartments larger than 25 ft<SUP>3</SUP> the 
following equipment must be provided directly adjacent to each overhead 
cross aisle stowage compartment: at least one approved handheld fire 
extinguisher, in addition to the fire extinguisher requirements of 
Sec.  25.851 and Sec.  121.309, appropriate for the kinds of fires 
likely to occur within the overhead stowage compartment.
    5. Fire Containment. Fires originating within the overhead cross 
aisle stowage compartment must be controlled for the duration of the 
flight without a crewmember having to access the

[[Page 64482]]

compartment. Alternatively, the design of the access provisions must 
allow crewmembers equipped for firefighting to have unrestricted access 
to the compartment. If the latter approach is elected it must be 
demonstrated that a crewmember has sufficient access to enable them to 
extinguish a fire. The time for a crewmember on the main deck to react 
to the fire alarm, (and, if applicable, to don the firefighting 
equipment and to open the compartment) must not exceed the flammability 
and fire containment capabilities of the stowage compartment.
    6. Smoke Penetration. There must be a means provided to exclude 
hazardous quantities of smoke or extinguishing agent originating in the 
overhead cross aisle stowage compartment from entering any other 
compartment occupied by crewmembers or passengers. If access is 
required to comply with Special Condition 5, this means must include 
the time period when accessing the stowage compartment to manually 
fight a fire. Smoke entering any other compartment occupied by 
crewmembers or passengers, when access to the stowage compartment is 
opened to manually fight a fire, must dissipate within five minutes 
after the access to the stowage compartment is closed. Prior to the one 
minute smoke detection time (reference note 2 in paragraph (7)) 
penetration of a small quantity of smoke from the stowage compartment 
into an occupied area is acceptable. Flight tests must be conducted to 
show compliance with this requirement.
    7. Compartment Design Criteria. The overhead cross aisle stowage 
compartment must be designed to minimize the hazards to the airplane in 
the event of a fire originating in the stowage compartment.
    (a) Fire Extinguishing System. If a built-in fire extinguishing 
system is used in lieu of manual firefighting, then the fire 
extinguishing system must be designed so no hazardous quantities of 
extinguishing agent will enter other compartments occupied by 
passengers or crew. The system must have adequate capacity to suppress 
any fire occurring in the stowage compartment, considering the fire 
threat, volume of the compartment, and the ventilation rate.
    (b) Compartment Size. All overhead cross aisle stowage compartments 
must meet the design criteria given in the table below. As indicated by 
the table below, enclosed stowage compartments greater than 200 
ft<SUP>3</SUP> in interior volume are not addressed by this special 
condition.

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                                                             Fire protection features
  Stowage compartment interior   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             volumes                   Less than 25 ft3           25 ft3 to 57 ft3          57 ft3 to 200 ft3
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Materials of Construction 1.....  Yes......................  Yes......................  Yes.
Detectors 2.....................  No.......................  Yes......................  Yes.
Liner 3.........................  No.......................  Yes......................  Yes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Material: The material used to construct each enclosed stowage compartment must be at least fire resistant and
  must meet the flammability standards established for interior components (that is, 14 CFR Part 25 Appendix F,
  Parts I, IV, and V) per the requirements of Sec.   25.853. For compartments less than 25 ft3 in total interior
  volume, the design must ensure the ability to contain a fire likely to occur within the compartment under
  normal use.
2 Detectors: Enclosed stowage compartments equal to or exceeding 25 ft3 in total interior volume must be
  provided with a smoke or fire detection system to ensure that a fire can be detected within one minute. Flight
  tests must be conducted to show compliance with this requirement. Each system (or systems) must provide:
(a) A visual indication in the flight deck within one minute after the start of a fire;
(b) A warning in the main passenger cabin. This warning must be readily detectable by a flight attendant, taking
  into consideration the positioning of flight attendants throughout the main passenger compartment during
  various phases of flight.
3 Liner: If it can be shown the material used to construct the stowage compartment meets the flammability
  requirements of a liner for a Class B cargo compartment (that is, Sec.   25.855 at Amendment 25-93 and
  Appendix F, part I, paragraph (a)(2)(ii)), in addition to the above 1 Material requirement, then no liner
  would be required for enclosed stowage compartments equal to or greater than 25 ft3 in total interior volume
  but less than 57 ft3 in total interior volume. For all enclosed stowage compartments equal to or greater than
  57 ft3 in total interior volume but less than or equal to 200 ft3, a liner must be provided that meets the
  requirements of Sec.   25.855 for a Class B cargo compartment.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-9025 Filed 10-30-06; 1:07 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P