Special Conditions: AmSafe, Incorporated; Quest Aircraft Company, LLC., Kodiak Model 100; Inflatable Four-Point Restraint Safety Belt With an Integrated Airbag Device, 31446-31449 [E7-11018]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 109 / Thursday, June 7, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
a later date for a supplemental type
certificate to modify any other model on
the same type certificate to incorporate
the same novel or unusual design
feature, the special conditions would
apply to that model as well under the
provisions of § 21.101.
2. For the purpose of these special
conditions, the following definition
applies: Critical Functions: Functions
whose failure would contribute to, or
cause, a failure condition that would
prevent the continued safe flight and
landing of the airplane.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel
or unusual design features on one model
of airplane. 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.
The substance of these special
conditions has been subjected to the
notice and comment period in several
prior instances and has been derived
without substantive change from those
previously issued. It is unlikely that
prior public comment would result in a
significant change from the substance
contained herein. For this reason, and
because a delay would significantly
affect the certification of the airplane,
which is imminent, the FAA has
determined that prior public notice and
comment are unnecessary and
impracticable, and good cause exists for
adopting these special conditions upon
issuance. The FAA is requesting
comments to allow interested persons to
submit views that may not have been
submitted in response to the prior
opportunities for comment described
above.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on May 25,
2007.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–11044 Filed 6–6–07; 8:45 am]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and
symbols.
Citation
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and
44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR
11.38 and 11.19.
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 Cirrus Design Corporation
SR22 airplane modified by Op
Technologies, Inc. to add an EFIS.
1. Protection of Electrical and
Electronic Systems from High Intensity
Radiated Fields (HIRF). Each system
that performs critical functions must be
designed and installed to ensure that the
operations, and operational capabilities
of these systems to perform critical
functions, are not adversely affected
when the airplane is exposed to high
intensity radiated electromagnetic fields
external to the airplane.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES
I
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 23
[Docket No. CE268; Special Conditions No.
23–208–SC]
Special Conditions: AmSafe,
Incorporated; Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC., Kodiak Model 100; Inflatable
Four-Point Restraint Safety Belt With
an Integrated Airbag Device
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions; request
for comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: These special conditions are
issued for the installation of an AmSafe,
Inc., Inflatable Four-Point Restraint
Safety Belt with an Integrated Airbag
Device on Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC, Kodiak Model 100. These
airplanes, as modified by the
installation of this Inflatable Safety Belt,
will have novel and unusual design
features associated with the upper-torso
restraint portions of the four-point
safety belt, which contains an integrated
airbag device. 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 May 25, 2007.
Comments must be received on or
before July 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Mail two copies of any
comments to: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Regional
Counsel, ACE–7, Attention: Rules
Docket, Docket No. CE268, 901 Locust,
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
You may also deliver two copies of your
comments to the Regional Counsel at
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the above address. Comments must be
marked: Docket No. CE268. You may
inspect comments in the Rules Docket
weekdays, except Federal holidays,
between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Bob Stegeman, Federal Aviation
Administration, Aircraft Certification
Service, Small Airplane Directorate,
ACE–111, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
Missouri, 816–329–4140, fax 816–329–
4090, e-mail Robert.Stegeman@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA
has determined that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment is
impractical because these procedures
would significantly delay issuance of
approval and thus delivery of the
affected aircraft. 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 persons to take
part in this rulemaking by sending
written data, views, or comments. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the special
conditions, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. We ask that you send
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
about these 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 the
preamble between 7:30 am and 4 pm,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
We will consider all comments we
receive by 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 special conditions
based on the comments we receive.
If you want us to let you know we
received your comments on these
special conditions, send us a preaddressed, stamped postcard on which
the docket number appears. We will
stamp the date on the postcard and mail
it back to you.
Background
On March 6, 2000, Quest Aircraft
Company, LLC applied for a type
certificate, for the installation of a four-
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 109 / Thursday, June 7, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
point safety belt restraint system
incorporating an inflatable airbag for the
pilot, co-pilot, and passenger seats of
the Quest Aircraft Company, LLC,
Kodiak Model 100 airplane. The Quest
Aircraft Company Kodiak Model 100 is
a single engine, normal category
airplane.
The inflatable restraint system is a
four-point safety belt restraint system
consisting of a lap belt and shoulder
harnesses. An inflatable airbag is
attached to one shoulder harness. The
inflatable portion of the restraint system
will rely on sensors to electronically
activate the inflator for deployment. The
inflatable restraint system will be
available on the pilot, co-pilot, and
passenger seats.
If an emergency landing occurs, the
airbag will inflate and provide a
protective cushion between the
occupant’s head and the structure
within the airplane. This will reduce the
potential for head and torso injury. The
inflatable restraint behaves in a manner
similar to an automotive airbag;
however, in this case, the airbag is
integrated into the shoulder harness.
While airbags and inflatable restraints
are standard in the automotive industry,
the use of an inflatable four-point
restraint system is novel for general
aviation operations.
The FAA has determined that this
project will be accomplished on the
basis of providing the same current level
of safety as the conventional
certification basis airplane occupant
restraint systems. The FAA has two
primary safety concerns with the
installation of airbags or inflatable
restraints:
• That they perform properly under
foreseeable operating conditions; and
• That they do not perform in a
manner or at such times as to impede
the pilot’s ability to maintain control of
the airplane or constitute a hazard to the
airplane or occupants.
The latter point has the potential to be
the more rigorous of the requirements.
An unexpected deployment while
conducting the takeoff or landing phases
of flight may result in an unsafe
condition. The unexpected deployment
may either startle the pilot or generate
a force sufficient to cause a sudden
movement of the control yoke. Either
action could result in a loss of control
of the airplane, the consequences of
which are magnified due to the low
operating altitudes during these phases
of flight. The FAA has considered this
when establishing these special
conditions.
The inflatable restraint system relies
on sensors to electronically activate the
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inflator for deployment. These sensors
could be susceptible to inadvertent
activation, causing deployment in a
potentially unsafe manner. The
consequences of an inadvertent
deployment must be considered in
establishing the reliability of the system.
Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, must
show that the effects of an inadvertent
deployment in flight are not a hazard to
the airplane or that an inadvertent
deployment is extremely improbable. In
addition, general aviation aircraft are
susceptible to a large amount of
cumulative wear and tear on a restraint
system. The potential for inadvertent
deployment may increase as a result of
this cumulative damage. Therefore, the
impact of wear and tear on inadvertent
deployment must be considered. The
effect of this cumulative damage means
a life limit must be established for the
appropriate system components in the
restraint system design.
There are additional factors to be
considered to minimize the chances of
inadvertent deployment. General
aviation airplanes are exposed to a
unique operating environment, since the
same airplane may be used by both
experienced and student pilots. The
effect of this environment on
inadvertent deployment must be
understood. Therefore, qualification
testing of the firing hardware/software
must consider the following:
• The airplane vibration levels
appropriate for a general aviation
airplane; and
• The inertial loads that result from
typical flight or ground maneuvers,
including gusts and hard landings.
Any tendency for the firing mechanism
to activate as a result of these loads or
acceleration levels is unacceptable.
Other influences on inadvertent
deployment include high intensity
electromagnetic fields (HIRF) and
lightning. Since the sensors that trigger
deployment are electronic, they must be
protected from the effects of these
threats. To comply with HIRF and
lightning requirements, the AmSafe,
Inc., inflatable restraint system is
considered a critical system, since its
inadvertent deployment could have a
hazardous effect on the airplane.
Given the level of safety of the current
Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak
Model 100 occupant restraints, the
inflatable restraint system must show
that it will offer an equivalent level of
protection for an emergency landing. If
an inadvertent deployment occurs, the
restraint must still be at least as strong
as a Technical Standard Order approved
belt and shoulder harnesses. There is no
requirement for the inflatable portion of
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31447
the restraint to offer protection during
multiple impacts, where more than one
impact would require protection.
The inflatable restraint system must
deploy and provide protection for each
occupant under an emergency landing
condition. The seats of the Kodiak
Model 100 are certificated to the
structural requirements of 14 CFR part
23, § 23.562; therefore, the test
emergency landing pulses identified in
§ 23.562 must be used to satisfy this
requirement.
A wide range of occupants may use
the inflatable restraint; therefore, the
protection offered by this restraint
should be effective for occupants that
range from the fifth percentile female to
the ninety-fifth percentile male. Energy
absorption must be performed in a
consistent manner for this occupant
range.
In support of this operational
capability, there must be a means to
verify the integrity of this system before
each flight. Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC, may establish inspection intervals
where they have demonstrated the
system to be reliable between these
intervals.
An inflatable restraint may be
‘‘armed’’ even though no occupant is
using the seat. While there will be
means to verify the integrity of the
system before flight, it is also prudent to
require unoccupied seats with active
restraints not constitute a hazard to any
occupant. This will protect any
individual performing maintenance
inside the cockpit while the aircraft is
on the ground. The restraint must also
provide suitable visual warnings that
would alert rescue personnel to the
presence of an inflatable restraint
system.
In addition, the design must prevent
the inflatable seatbelt from being
incorrectly buckled and/or installed
such that the airbag would not properly
deploy. Quest Aircraft Company, LLC
may show that such deployment is not
hazardous to the occupant and will still
provide the required protection.
The cabins of the Quest model
airplane identified in these special
conditions are confined areas, and the
FAA is concerned that noxious gasses
may accumulate if the airbag deploys.
When deployment occurs, either by
design or inadvertently, there must not
be a release of hazardous quantities of
gas or particulate matter into the
cockpit.
An inflatable restraint should not
increase the risk already associated with
fire. Therefore, the inflatable restraint
should be protected from the effects of
fire to avoid creating an additional
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 109 / Thursday, June 7, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
hazard by, for example, a rupture of the
inflator.
Finally, the airbag is likely to have a
large volume displacement, and
possibly impede the egress of an
occupant. Since the bag deflates to
absorb energy, it is likely that the
inflatable restraint would be deflated at
the time an occupant would attempt
egress. However, it is appropriate to
specify a time interval after which the
inflatable restraint may not impede
rapid egress. Ten seconds has been
chosen as reasonable time. This time
limit will offer a level of protection
throughout the impact event.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of 14 CFR part
21, § 21.101, Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC must show that the Kodiak Model
100 continues to meet the applicable
provisions of the applicable regulations
in effect on the date of application for
the type certificate. The regulations
incorporated by reference in the type
certificate are commonly referred to as
the ‘‘original type certification basis.’’
The following model is covered by this
special condition:
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES
Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak
Model 100
For the model listed above, the
certification basis also includes all
exemptions, if any; equivalent level of
safety findings, if any; and special
conditions not relevant to the special
conditions adopted by this rulemaking
action.
If the Administrator determines that
the applicable airworthiness regulations
(i.e., part 23 as amended) do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards
for the AmSafe, Inc., inflatable restraint
as installed on this Quest Aircraft
Company model because of a novel or
unusual design feature, special
conditions are prescribed under the
provisions of 14 CFR part 21, § 21.16.
The FAA issues special conditions, as
appropriate, as defined in 14 CFR part
11, § 11.19, under 14 CFR part 11,
§ 11.38, and they become part of the
type certification basis under 14 CFR
part 21, § 21.101.
Special conditions are initially
applicable to the model for which they
are issued. Should the applicant apply
for a supplemental type certificate to
modify any other model included on the
same type certificate to incorporate the
same novel or unusual design feature,
the special conditions would also apply
to that model under the provisions of 14
CFR part 21, § 21.101.
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Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Quest Aircraft Company, LLC,
Kodiak Model 100 will incorporate the
following novel or unusual design
feature:
The AmSafe, Inc., Four-Point Safety
Belt Restraint System incorporating an
inflatable airbag for the pilot, co-pilot,
and passenger seats. The purpose of the
airbag is to reduce the potential for
injury in the event of an accident. In a
severe impact, an airbag will deploy
from the shoulder harness, in a manner
similar to an automotive airbag. The
airbag will deploy between the head of
the occupant and airplane interior
structure, which will provide some
protection to the head of the occupant.
The restraint will rely on sensors to
electronically activate the inflator for
deployment.
The Code of Federal Regulations (14
CFR) part 23 states performance criteria
for seats and restraints in an objective
manner. However, none of these criteria
are adequate to address the specific
issues raised concerning inflatable
restraints. Therefore, the FAA has
determined that, in addition to the
requirements of 14 CFR part 21 and part
23, special conditions are needed to
address the installation of this inflatable
restraint.
Accordingly, these special conditions
are adopted for the Quest Aircraft
Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100
equipped with the AmSafe, Inc., fourpoint inflatable restraint. Other
conditions may be developed, as
needed, based on further FAA review
and discussions with the manufacturer
and civil aviation authorities.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the Quest
Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model
100 equipped with the AmSafe, Inc.,
four-point inflatable restraint system.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel
or unusual design features on the
previously identified Quest model. It is
not a rule of general applicability, and
it affects only the applicant who applied
to the FAA for approval of these features
on the airplane.
Under standard practice, the effective
date of final special conditions would
be 30 days after the date of publication
in the Federal Register; however, the
substance of these special conditions
has been subjected to the notice and
comment period in several prior
instances and has been derived without
substantive change from those
previously issued. It is unlikely that
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prior public comment would result in a
significant change from the substance
contained herein. For this reason, and
because a delay would significantly
affect the delivery of the airplane(s), the
FAA has determined that prior public
notice and comment are unnecessary
and impracticable, and good cause
exists for adopting these special
conditions upon issuance. The FAA is
requesting comments to allow interested
persons to submit views that may not
have been submitted in response to the
prior opportunities for comment
described above.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and
symbols.
Citation
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and
44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR
11.38 and 11.19.
The Special Conditions
The FAA has determined that this
project will be accomplished on the
basis of not lowering the current level
of safety of the Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC, Kodiak Model 100 occupant
restraint system. 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 this model.
Inflatable Four-Point Restraint Safety
Belt with an Integrated Airbag Device on
the Pilot, Co-pilot, and Passenger Seats
of the Quest Aircraft Company, LLC,
Kodiak Model 100.
1. It must be shown that the inflatable
restraint will deploy and provide
protection under emergency landing
conditions. Compliance will be
demonstrated using the dynamic test
condition specified in 14 CFR part 23,
§ 23.562(b)(2). It is not necessary to
account for floor warpage, as required
by § 23.562(b)(3), or vertical dynamic
loads, as required by § 23.562(b)(1). The
means of protection must take into
consideration a range of stature from a
5th percentile female to a 95th
percentile male. The inflatable restraint
must provide a consistent approach to
energy absorption throughout that
range.
2. The inflatable restraint must
provide adequate protection for each
occupant. In addition, unoccupied seats
that have an active restraint must not
constitute a hazard to any occupant.
3. The design must prevent the
inflatable restraint from being
incorrectly buckled and/or incorrectly
installed such that the airbag would not
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properly deploy. Alternatively, it must
be shown that such deployment is not
hazardous to the occupant and will
provide the required protection.
4. It must be shown that the inflatable
restraint system is not susceptible to
inadvertent deployment as a result of
wear and tear or the inertial loads
resulting from in-flight or ground
maneuvers (including gusts and hard
landings) that are likely to be
experienced in service.
5. It must be extremely improbable for
an inadvertent deployment of the
restraint system to occur, or an
inadvertent deployment must not
impede the pilot’s ability to maintain
control of the airplane or cause an
unsafe condition (or hazard to the
airplane). In addition, a deployed
inflatable restraint must be at least as
strong as a Technical Standard Order
(C114) certificated belt and shoulder
harness.
6. It must be shown that deployment
of the inflatable restraint system is not
hazardous to the occupant or will not
result in injuries that could impede
rapid egress. This assessment should
include occupants whose restraint is
loosely fastened.
7. It must be shown that an
inadvertent deployment that could
cause injury to a standing or sitting
person is improbable. In addition, the
restraint must also provide suitable
visual warnings that would alert rescue
personnel to the presence of an
inflatable restraint system.
8. It must be shown that the inflatable
restraint will not impede rapid egress of
the occupants 10 seconds after its
deployment.
9. To comply with HIRF and lightning
requirements, the inflatable restraint
system is considered a critical system
since its deployment could have a
hazardous effect on the airplane.
10. It must be shown that the
inflatable restraints will not release
hazardous quantities of gas or
particulate matter into the cabin.
11. The inflatable restraint system
installation must be protected from the
effects of fire such that no hazard to
occupants will result.
12. There must be a means to verify
the integrity of the inflatable restraint
activation system before each flight or it
must be demonstrated to reliably
operate between inspection intervals.
13. A life limit must be established for
appropriate system components.
14. Qualification testing of the
internal firing mechanism must be
performed at vibration levels
appropriate for a general aviation
airplane.
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Jkt 211001
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on May 25,
2007.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–11018 Filed 6–6–07; 8:45 am]
31449
Prevention Program.’’ Appendix J
applies to alcohol testing programs, not
drug testing programs.
I Accordingly, 14 CFR part 121 is
corrected by making the following
correcting amendment:
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 121—OPERATING
REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG,
AND SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS
Federal Aviation Administration
I
14 CFR Part 121
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 40119,
41706, 44101, 44701–44702, 44705, 44709–
44711, 44713, 44716–44717, 44722, 44901,
44903–44904, 44912, 45101–45105, 46105,
46301.
[Docket No. FAA–1998–4521; Amendment
No. 121–332]
RIN 2120–AF07
Appendix J—[Amended]
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Requirements; Correction
2. Amend Appendix J to Part 121,
Section VII.B.3.b., by removing the
words ‘‘antidrug program’’ and adding
in their place the words ‘‘Alcohol
Misuse Prevention Program.’’
I
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correcting
amendment.
AGENCY:
The FAA is correcting a
technical amendment to its drug and
alcohol testing requirements published
on March 15, 2007 (72 FR 12082). The
purpose of the technical amendment
was to conform those requirements to
the National Air Tour Safety Standards.
In one paragraph of the regulation, we
inadvertently referred to an ‘‘antidrug
program,’’ when we should have
referred to an ‘‘Alcohol Misuse
Prevention Program.’’
DATES: Effective June 7, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patrice M. Kelly, Deputy Division
Manager, Drug Abatement Division,
Office of Aerospace Medicine, 800
Independence Ave., SW., Washington,
DC, 20591. (202) 267–3123; e-mail:
patrice.kelly@faa.gov.
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On March 15, 2007 (72 FR 12082), we
published a technical amendment that
updated several references in the FAA’s
drug and alcohol testing regulations in
title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR), part 121,
appendices I and J. The technical
amendment was necessary because
amendments in the National Air Tour
Safety Standards final rule (72 FR 6884;
Feb. 13, 2007) redefined terms used in
the drug and alcohol testing regulations.
In the technical amendment, we
changed the language in several charts
in part 121, appendix J. When we
changed the language in section
VII.B.3.b., we inadvertently referred to
an ‘‘antidrug program,’’ when we should
have referred to an ‘‘Alcohol Misuse
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1. The authority citation for part 121
continues to read as follows:
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 1, 2007.
Pamela Hamilton-Powell,
Director, Office of Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. E7–10973 Filed 6–6–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 136
[Docket No. FAA–1998–4521; Amendment
No. 136–1]
RIN 2120–AF07
National Air Tour Safety Standards;
Correction
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; correcting
amendments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting
references in its Commercial Air Tours
and National Parks Air Tour
Management regulations to conform to
amendments made by the National Air
Tour Safety Standards final rule
published on February 13, 2007 (72 FR
6884). In addition, the FAA is removing
a sentence from the preamble that
referred to aircraft certificated as
‘‘Experimental Category’’ and clarifying
the applicability of the rule to the
‘‘Young Eagles’’ program.
DATES: Effective June 7, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alberta Brown, Air Transportation
Division, AFS–200, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591;
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 109 (Thursday, June 7, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31446-31449]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11018]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 23
[Docket No. CE268; Special Conditions No. 23-208-SC]
Special Conditions: AmSafe, Incorporated; Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC., Kodiak Model 100; Inflatable Four-Point Restraint Safety Belt
With an Integrated Airbag Device
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the installation of an
AmSafe, Inc., Inflatable Four-Point Restraint Safety Belt with an
Integrated Airbag Device on Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model
100. These airplanes, as modified by the installation of this
Inflatable Safety Belt, will have novel and unusual design features
associated with the upper-torso restraint portions of the four-point
safety belt, which contains an integrated airbag device. 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 May 25, 2007.
Comments must be received on or before July 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Mail two copies of any comments to: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Regional Counsel, ACE-7, Attention: Rules Docket,
Docket No. CE268, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
You may also deliver two copies of your comments to the Regional
Counsel at the above address. Comments must be marked: Docket No.
CE268. You may inspect comments in the Rules Docket weekdays, except
Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bob Stegeman, Federal Aviation
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane
Directorate, ACE-111, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri, 816-329-4140,
fax 816-329-4090, e-mail Robert.Stegeman@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment is impractical because these
procedures would significantly delay issuance of approval and thus
delivery of the affected aircraft. 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 persons to take part in this rulemaking by
sending written data, views, or comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask
that you send 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
about these 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 the preamble
between 7:30 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
We will consider all comments we receive by 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 special
conditions based on the comments we receive.
If you want us to let you know we received your comments on these
special conditions, send us 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 March 6, 2000, Quest Aircraft Company, LLC applied for a type
certificate, for the installation of a four-
[[Page 31447]]
point safety belt restraint system incorporating an inflatable airbag
for the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger seats of the Quest Aircraft
Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100 airplane. The Quest Aircraft Company
Kodiak Model 100 is a single engine, normal category airplane.
The inflatable restraint system is a four-point safety belt
restraint system consisting of a lap belt and shoulder harnesses. An
inflatable airbag is attached to one shoulder harness. The inflatable
portion of the restraint system will rely on sensors to electronically
activate the inflator for deployment. The inflatable restraint system
will be available on the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger seats.
If an emergency landing occurs, the airbag will inflate and provide
a protective cushion between the occupant's head and the structure
within the airplane. This will reduce the potential for head and torso
injury. The inflatable restraint behaves in a manner similar to an
automotive airbag; however, in this case, the airbag is integrated into
the shoulder harness. While airbags and inflatable restraints are
standard in the automotive industry, the use of an inflatable four-
point restraint system is novel for general aviation operations.
The FAA has determined that this project will be accomplished on
the basis of providing the same current level of safety as the
conventional certification basis airplane occupant restraint systems.
The FAA has two primary safety concerns with the installation of
airbags or inflatable restraints:
That they perform properly under foreseeable operating
conditions; and
That they do not perform in a manner or at such times as
to impede the pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane or
constitute a hazard to the airplane or occupants.
The latter point has the potential to be the more rigorous of the
requirements. An unexpected deployment while conducting the takeoff or
landing phases of flight may result in an unsafe condition. The
unexpected deployment may either startle the pilot or generate a force
sufficient to cause a sudden movement of the control yoke. Either
action could result in a loss of control of the airplane, the
consequences of which are magnified due to the low operating altitudes
during these phases of flight. The FAA has considered this when
establishing these special conditions.
The inflatable restraint system relies on sensors to electronically
activate the inflator for deployment. These sensors could be
susceptible to inadvertent activation, causing deployment in a
potentially unsafe manner. The consequences of an inadvertent
deployment must be considered in establishing the reliability of the
system. Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, must show that the effects of an
inadvertent deployment in flight are not a hazard to the airplane or
that an inadvertent deployment is extremely improbable. In addition,
general aviation aircraft are susceptible to a large amount of
cumulative wear and tear on a restraint system. The potential for
inadvertent deployment may increase as a result of this cumulative
damage. Therefore, the impact of wear and tear on inadvertent
deployment must be considered. The effect of this cumulative damage
means a life limit must be established for the appropriate system
components in the restraint system design.
There are additional factors to be considered to minimize the
chances of inadvertent deployment. General aviation airplanes are
exposed to a unique operating environment, since the same airplane may
be used by both experienced and student pilots. The effect of this
environment on inadvertent deployment must be understood. Therefore,
qualification testing of the firing hardware/software must consider the
following:
The airplane vibration levels appropriate for a general
aviation airplane; and
The inertial loads that result from typical flight or
ground maneuvers, including gusts and hard landings.
Any tendency for the firing mechanism to activate as a result of these
loads or acceleration levels is unacceptable.
Other influences on inadvertent deployment include high intensity
electromagnetic fields (HIRF) and lightning. Since the sensors that
trigger deployment are electronic, they must be protected from the
effects of these threats. To comply with HIRF and lightning
requirements, the AmSafe, Inc., inflatable restraint system is
considered a critical system, since its inadvertent deployment could
have a hazardous effect on the airplane.
Given the level of safety of the current Quest Aircraft Company,
LLC, Kodiak Model 100 occupant restraints, the inflatable restraint
system must show that it will offer an equivalent level of protection
for an emergency landing. If an inadvertent deployment occurs, the
restraint must still be at least as strong as a Technical Standard
Order approved belt and shoulder harnesses. There is no requirement for
the inflatable portion of the restraint to offer protection during
multiple impacts, where more than one impact would require protection.
The inflatable restraint system must deploy and provide protection
for each occupant under an emergency landing condition. The seats of
the Kodiak Model 100 are certificated to the structural requirements of
14 CFR part 23, Sec. 23.562; therefore, the test emergency landing
pulses identified in Sec. 23.562 must be used to satisfy this
requirement.
A wide range of occupants may use the inflatable restraint;
therefore, the protection offered by this restraint should be effective
for occupants that range from the fifth percentile female to the
ninety-fifth percentile male. Energy absorption must be performed in a
consistent manner for this occupant range.
In support of this operational capability, there must be a means to
verify the integrity of this system before each flight. Quest Aircraft
Company, LLC, may establish inspection intervals where they have
demonstrated the system to be reliable between these intervals.
An inflatable restraint may be ``armed'' even though no occupant is
using the seat. While there will be means to verify the integrity of
the system before flight, it is also prudent to require unoccupied
seats with active restraints not constitute a hazard to any occupant.
This will protect any individual performing maintenance inside the
cockpit while the aircraft is on the ground. The restraint must also
provide suitable visual warnings that would alert rescue personnel to
the presence of an inflatable restraint system.
In addition, the design must prevent the inflatable seatbelt from
being incorrectly buckled and/or installed such that the airbag would
not properly deploy. Quest Aircraft Company, LLC may show that such
deployment is not hazardous to the occupant and will still provide the
required protection.
The cabins of the Quest model airplane identified in these special
conditions are confined areas, and the FAA is concerned that noxious
gasses may accumulate if the airbag deploys. When deployment occurs,
either by design or inadvertently, there must not be a release of
hazardous quantities of gas or particulate matter into the cockpit.
An inflatable restraint should not increase the risk already
associated with fire. Therefore, the inflatable restraint should be
protected from the effects of fire to avoid creating an additional
[[Page 31448]]
hazard by, for example, a rupture of the inflator.
Finally, the airbag is likely to have a large volume displacement,
and possibly impede the egress of an occupant. Since the bag deflates
to absorb energy, it is likely that the inflatable restraint would be
deflated at the time an occupant would attempt egress. However, it is
appropriate to specify a time interval after which the inflatable
restraint may not impede rapid egress. Ten seconds has been chosen as
reasonable time. This time limit will offer a level of protection
throughout the impact event.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of 14 CFR part 21, Sec. 21.101, Quest
Aircraft Company, LLC must show that the Kodiak Model 100 continues to
meet the applicable provisions of the applicable regulations in effect
on the date of application for the type certificate. The regulations
incorporated by reference in the type certificate are commonly referred
to as the ``original type certification basis.'' The following model is
covered by this special condition:
Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100
For the model listed above, the certification basis also includes
all exemptions, if any; equivalent level of safety findings, if any;
and special conditions not relevant to the special conditions adopted
by this rulemaking action.
If the Administrator determines that the applicable airworthiness
regulations (i.e., part 23 as amended) do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for the AmSafe, Inc., inflatable restraint
as installed on this Quest Aircraft Company model because of a novel or
unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the
provisions of 14 CFR part 21, Sec. 21.16.
The FAA issues special conditions, as appropriate, as defined in 14
CFR part 11, Sec. 11.19, under 14 CFR part 11, Sec. 11.38, and they
become part of the type certification basis under 14 CFR part 21, Sec.
21.101.
Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a supplemental type
certificate to modify any other model included on the same type
certificate to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature,
the special conditions would also apply to that model under the
provisions of 14 CFR part 21, Sec. 21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100 will incorporate
the following novel or unusual design feature:
The AmSafe, Inc., Four-Point Safety Belt Restraint System
incorporating an inflatable airbag for the pilot, co-pilot, and
passenger seats. The purpose of the airbag is to reduce the potential
for injury in the event of an accident. In a severe impact, an airbag
will deploy from the shoulder harness, in a manner similar to an
automotive airbag. The airbag will deploy between the head of the
occupant and airplane interior structure, which will provide some
protection to the head of the occupant. The restraint will rely on
sensors to electronically activate the inflator for deployment.
The Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 23 states performance
criteria for seats and restraints in an objective manner. However, none
of these criteria are adequate to address the specific issues raised
concerning inflatable restraints. Therefore, the FAA has determined
that, in addition to the requirements of 14 CFR part 21 and part 23,
special conditions are needed to address the installation of this
inflatable restraint.
Accordingly, these special conditions are adopted for the Quest
Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100 equipped with the AmSafe, Inc.,
four-point inflatable restraint. Other conditions may be developed, as
needed, based on further FAA review and discussions with the
manufacturer and civil aviation authorities.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the
Quest Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100 equipped with the AmSafe,
Inc., four-point inflatable restraint system.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on the previously identified Quest model. It is not a rule of general
applicability, and it affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA
for approval of these features on the airplane.
Under standard practice, the effective date of final special
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the
Federal Register; however, the substance of these special conditions
has been subjected to the notice and comment period in several prior
instances and has been derived without substantive change from those
previously issued. It is unlikely that prior public comment would
result in a significant change from the substance contained herein. For
this reason, and because a delay would significantly affect the
delivery of the airplane(s), the FAA has determined that prior public
notice and comment are unnecessary and impracticable, and good cause
exists for adopting these special conditions upon issuance. The FAA is
requesting comments to allow interested persons to submit views that
may not have been submitted in response to the prior opportunities for
comment described above.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.
Citation
0
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and
21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.
The Special Conditions
The FAA has determined that this project will be accomplished on
the basis of not lowering the current level of safety of the Quest
Aircraft Company, LLC, Kodiak Model 100 occupant restraint system.
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 this model. Inflatable Four-Point
Restraint Safety Belt with an Integrated Airbag Device on the Pilot,
Co-pilot, and Passenger Seats of the Quest Aircraft Company, LLC,
Kodiak Model 100.
1. It must be shown that the inflatable restraint will deploy and
provide protection under emergency landing conditions. Compliance will
be demonstrated using the dynamic test condition specified in 14 CFR
part 23, Sec. 23.562(b)(2). It is not necessary to account for floor
warpage, as required by Sec. 23.562(b)(3), or vertical dynamic loads,
as required by Sec. 23.562(b)(1). The means of protection must take
into consideration a range of stature from a 5th percentile female to a
95th percentile male. The inflatable restraint must provide a
consistent approach to energy absorption throughout that range.
2. The inflatable restraint must provide adequate protection for
each occupant. In addition, unoccupied seats that have an active
restraint must not constitute a hazard to any occupant.
3. The design must prevent the inflatable restraint from being
incorrectly buckled and/or incorrectly installed such that the airbag
would not
[[Page 31449]]
properly deploy. Alternatively, it must be shown that such deployment
is not hazardous to the occupant and will provide the required
protection.
4. It must be shown that the inflatable restraint system is not
susceptible to inadvertent deployment as a result of wear and tear or
the inertial loads resulting from in-flight or ground maneuvers
(including gusts and hard landings) that are likely to be experienced
in service.
5. It must be extremely improbable for an inadvertent deployment of
the restraint system to occur, or an inadvertent deployment must not
impede the pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane or cause
an unsafe condition (or hazard to the airplane). In addition, a
deployed inflatable restraint must be at least as strong as a Technical
Standard Order (C114) certificated belt and shoulder harness.
6. It must be shown that deployment of the inflatable restraint
system is not hazardous to the occupant or will not result in injuries
that could impede rapid egress. This assessment should include
occupants whose restraint is loosely fastened.
7. It must be shown that an inadvertent deployment that could cause
injury to a standing or sitting person is improbable. In addition, the
restraint must also provide suitable visual warnings that would alert
rescue personnel to the presence of an inflatable restraint system.
8. It must be shown that the inflatable restraint will not impede
rapid egress of the occupants 10 seconds after its deployment.
9. To comply with HIRF and lightning requirements, the inflatable
restraint system is considered a critical system since its deployment
could have a hazardous effect on the airplane.
10. It must be shown that the inflatable restraints will not
release hazardous quantities of gas or particulate matter into the
cabin.
11. The inflatable restraint system installation must be protected
from the effects of fire such that no hazard to occupants will result.
12. There must be a means to verify the integrity of the inflatable
restraint activation system before each flight or it must be
demonstrated to reliably operate between inspection intervals.
13. A life limit must be established for appropriate system
components.
14. Qualification testing of the internal firing mechanism must be
performed at vibration levels appropriate for a general aviation
airplane.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on May 25, 2007.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11018 Filed 6-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
