Special Conditions: Airbus, Model A318-112 Airplane (S/N 3238); Certification of Cooktops, 6198-6200 [2013-01939]
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6198
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 20 / Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
24, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–01928 Filed 1–29–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0699; Special
Conditions No. 25–474–SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus, Model
A318–112 Airplane (S/N 3238);
Certification of Cooktops
Type Certification Basis
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions.
AGENCY:
These special conditions are
issued for the Airbus Model A318–112
airplane, serial number (S/N) 3238. This
airplane, as modified by Fokker Services
B.V., will have a novel or unusual
design feature associated with a cooktop
installation. 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: Effective Date: January 24, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Jacquet, FAA, Airframe and Cabin
Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport
Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–2676; facsimile
425–227–1100; email
daniel.jacquet@faa.gov.
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with
Background
On January 12, 2010, Fokker Services
B.V. applied for a supplemental type
certificate for an interior conversion on
an Airbus Model A318–112 airplane, S/
N 3238. The Airbus Model A318–112
airplane is a large, transport-category
airplane powered by two CFM56–5B9/P
engines, with a basic maximum takeoff
weight of 130,071 pounds.
At the time of the notice of proposed
special conditions No. 25–12–02–SC,
Fokker Services B.V. requested
certification to convert an Airbus Model
A318–112 (S/N 3238) to a corporate jet,
operating for both common carriage and
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:43 Jan 29, 2013
Jkt 229001
private use. As of this publication,
Fokker Services B.V. requested
certification for common carriage only.
The aircraft will now be certified for a
maximum of 8 crew and 19 passengers
and limited to common carriage only.
The aircraft will be subdivided into an
entrance way, executive lounge, two
private lounges, and a private bathroom.
The entry will include the installation
of two wet galleys. One of the galleys
will include the installation of two
combined cooktop pan units. The
addition of a cooktop to this interior
conversion can lead to hazards to both
the occupants and the aircraft. Special
consideration is needed to address the
safety standards associated with this
installation.
Under the provisions of Title 14, Code
of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.101,
Fokker Services B.V. must show that the
Airbus Model A318–112 (S/N 3238)
airplane, as changed, continues to meet
the applicable provisions of the
regulations incorporated by reference in
Type Certificate No. A28NM 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. A28NM are 14 CFR part
25, as amended by Amendments 25–1
through 25–56, with reversions to
earlier amendments, voluntary
compliance to later amendments,
special conditions, equivalent safety
findings, and exemptions listed in the
type certificate data sheet.
If the Administrator finds that the
applicable airworthiness regulations
(i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards
for the Airbus Model A318–112 (S/N
3238) because of a novel or unusual
design feature, special conditions are
prescribed under the provisions of
§ 21.16.
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 the other model under § 21.101.
In addition to the applicable
airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Airbus Model A318–112
(S/N 3238) must comply with the fuel
vent and exhaust emission requirements
of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
certification requirements of 14 CFR
part 36.
The FAA issues special conditions, as
defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
with § 11.38, and they become part of
the type-certification basis under
§ 21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Airbus Model A318–112 airplane,
S/N 3238, will incorporate the following
novel or unusual design feature:
Cooktops in the passenger cabin.
Cooktops introduce high heat, smoke,
and the possibility of fire into the
passenger cabin environment. The
current airworthiness standards of part
25 do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards to protect
the airplane and its occupants from
these potential hazards. The applicant’s
proposed system is considered to be a
novel or unusual design feature.
Discussion
Currently, ovens are the prevailing
means of heating food on airplanes.
Ovens are characterized by an enclosure
that contains both the heat source and
the food being heated. The hazards
presented by ovens are thus inherently
limited and are well understood through
years of service experience. Cooktops,
on the other hand, are characterized by
exposed heat sources and the presence
of relatively unrestrained hot cookware
and heated food. These may represent
unprecedented hazards to both the
occupants and the airplane.
Cooktops could have serious
passenger and aircraft safety
implications if appropriate requirements
are not established for their installation
and use. The requirements identified in
these proposed special conditions are in
addition to those considerations
identified in Advisory Circular (AC) 20–
168, Certification Guidance for
Installation of Non-Essential, NonRequired Aircraft Cabin Systems and
Equipment (CS&E), and those in AC 25–
17A, Transport Airplane Cabin Interiors
Crashworthiness Handbook. The intent
of these proposed special conditions is
to provide a level of safety that is
consistent with that on similar aircraft
without cooktops.
In similar cooktop installations, the
FAA has required a deployable cover
and a means to automatically shut off
the power when the cover was in use.
In lieu of these requirements, the
cooktop installation in this Airbus
A318–112 (S/N 3238) will have a lid
and a timer that is not covered by the
lid. The timer switches the heating
elements on and off, has a maximum
time of 20 minutes, and is still
accessible when the lid is closed. The
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 20 / Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
cabin crew will be instructed on its use.
In addition to the lid and timer, the
applicant will supply a fire blanket that
is 1,100 by 1,100 mm (catalogue no.
SAP–967–T). The fire blanket meets the
requirements of British Standard BS
6575:1965. These specifications contain
the requirements for flexibility, heat,
electrical resistance, and fire
extinguishing including cooking oil fires
for light duty and heavy duty
(industrial) applications.
For this cooktop installation, the FAA
requires evidence that with the cooktop
lid closed, the temperature set on
‘‘high,’’ and the timer at maximum, the
cooktop will maintain safe operation
and will not create a hazardous
condition even with cooking oil in the
cooktop.
Discussion of Comments
Notice of proposed special conditions
No. 25–12–02–SC for the Airbus Model
A318–112 airplane (S/N 3238) was
published in the Federal Register on
August 28, 2012 (77 FR 51944–51946).
No comments were received, and the
special conditions are adopted as
proposed.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the Airbus
Model A318–112 (S/N 3238). Should
Fokker Services B.V. apply at a later
date for a supplemental type certificate
to modify any other model included on
Type Certificate No. A28NM to
incorporate the same novel or unusual
design feature, these special conditions
would apply to that model as well.
Under standard practice, the effective
date of final special conditions would
be 30 days after the date of publication
in the Federal Register; however, as the
certification date for the Airbus Model
A318–112 airplane (S/N 3238) is
imminent, the FAA finds that good
cause exists to make these special
conditions effective upon issuance.
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.
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with
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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:43 Jan 29, 2013
Jkt 229001
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 the Airbus Model
A318–112 airplane, serial number 3238,
modified by Fokker Services B.V.
Cooktop installations with electrically
powered burners must comply with the
following criteria:
1. Means, such as conspicuous
burner-on indicators, physical barriers,
or handholds, must be installed to
minimize the potential for inadvertent
personnel contact with hot surfaces of
both the cooktop and cookware.
Conditions of turbulence must be
considered.
2. Sufficient design means must be
included to restrain cookware while in
place on the cooktop, as well as
representative contents, e.g., soup,
sauces, etc., from the effects of flight
loads and turbulence. Restraints must be
provided to preclude hazardous
movement of cookware and contents.
These restraints must accommodate any
cookware that is identified for use with
the cooktop. Restraints must be
designed to be easily utilized and
effective in service. The cookware
restraint system should also be designed
so that it will not be easily disabled,
thus rendering it unusable. Placarding
must be installed which prohibits the
use of cookware that cannot be
accommodated by the restraint system.
3. Placarding must be installed that
prohibits the use of cooktops (i.e.,
power on any burner) during taxi,
takeoff, and landing.
4. Means must be provided to address
the possibility of a fire occurring on or
in the immediate vicinity of the
cooktop. Two acceptable means of
complying with this requirement are as
follows:
a. Placarding must be installed that
prohibits any burner from being
powered when the cooktop is
unattended, which would prohibit a
single person from cooking on the
cooktop and intermittently serving food
to passengers while any burner is
powered; a fire detector must be
installed in the vicinity of the cooktop
that provides an audible warning in the
passenger cabin; and a fire extinguisher
of appropriate size and extinguishing
agent must be installed in the
immediate vicinity of the cooktop.
Access to the extinguisher must not be
blocked by a fire on or around the
cooktop. One of the fire extinguishers
required by § 25.851 may be used to
satisfy this requirement. If this is not
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Sfmt 4700
6199
possible, then the extinguisher in the
galley area would be additional; or,
b. An automatic, thermally activated,
fire-suppression system must be
installed to extinguish a fire at the
cooktop and immediately adjacent
surfaces. The agent used in the system
must be an approved, total-flooding
agent suitable for use in an occupied
area. The fire-suppression system must
have a manual override. The automatic
activation of the fire-suppression system
must also automatically shut off power
to the cooktop.
5. The surfaces of the galley
surrounding the cooktop, which would
be exposed to a fire on the cooktop
surface or in cookware on the cooktop,
must be constructed of materials that
comply with the flammability
requirements of 14 CFR part 25,
appendix F, part III. This requirement is
in addition to the flammability
requirements typically required of the
materials in these galley surfaces.
During the selection of these materials,
consideration must also be given to
ensure that the flammability
characteristics of the materials will not
be adversely affected by the use of
cleaning agents and utensils used to
remove cooking stains.
6. The cooktop ventilation system
ducting must be protected by a flame
arrestor. In addition, procedures and
time intervals must be established and
included in the instructions for
continued airworthiness to inspect and
clean or replace the ventilation system
to prevent a fire hazard from the
accumulation of flammable oils. [Note:
The applicant may find additional
useful information in the Society of
Automotive Engineers, Aerospace
Recommended Practice 85, Rev. E,
entitled, ‘‘Air Conditioning Systems for
Subsonic Airplanes,’’ dated August 1,
1991.]
7. Means must be provided to contain
spilled foods or fluids in a manner that
prevents the creation of a slipping
hazard to occupants, and that will not
lead to the loss of structural strength
due to corrosion.
8. Cooktop installations must provide
adequate space for the user to
immediately escape a hazardous
cooktop condition.
9. A means to shut off power to the
cooktop must be provided at the galley
containing the cooktop and in the
cockpit. If additional switches are
introduced in the cockpit, revisions to
smoke or fire emergency procedures of
the airplane flight manual (AFM) will be
required.
10. Cooktop installations must
incorporate a timer that will switch the
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 20 / Wednesday, January 30, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
heating elements off after a maximum
time of 20 minutes.
11. Instructions for the cabin crew to
ensure safe operation of the cooktop lid
and timer must be provided.
12. Evidence must be provided that
with the cooktop lid closed, the
temperature set on ‘‘high,’’ and the
timer at maximum, the cooktop will
maintain safe operation and will not
create a hazardous condition even with
cooking oil in the cooktop.
MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
24, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
[FR Doc. 2013–01939 Filed 1–29–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0183; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–131–AD; Amendment
39–17328; AD 2013–02–07]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–600,
–700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by reports from the manufacturer that
center overhead stowage (COS) boxes
could fall from their supports under
forward load levels less than the 9 g
forward load requirements as defined by
certain regulations. This AD requires
modifying COS boxes by installing new
brackets, stiffeners, and hardware as
needed. We are issuing this AD to
prevent detachment of COS boxes at
forward load levels less than 9 g during
an emergency landing, which would
cause injury to passengers and/or crew,
and could impede subsequent rapid
evacuation.
DATES: This AD is effective March 6,
2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of March 6, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:43 Jan 29, 2013
Jkt 229001
Examining the AD Docket
Sarah Piccola, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–
917–6483; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
sarah.piccola@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on February 27, 2012 (77 FR
11416). That NPRM proposed to require
modifying COS boxes by installing new
brackets, stiffeners, and hardware as
needed.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the proposal (77 FR 11416,
February 27, 2012) and the FAA’s
response to each comment. United
Airlines and two private citizens
support the NPRM. Aviation Partners
Boeing stated that the installation of
winglets per Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not
affect the actions specified in the NPRM
or Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737–25–1641, Revision 1, dated
August 8, 2011.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Request To Revise the Compliance
Time
American Airlines requested that we
extend the compliance time in the
NPRM (77 FR 11416, February 27, 2012)
from 60 months to 72 months to align
with the heavy maintenance program
driven by the Model 737 Maintenance
Review Board.
We do not agree with extending the
compliance time to 72 months, because
an operator has experienced an event
where the COS box did not remain fully
attached. An increase in compliance
time is not in the interest of public
safety. We have not changed the final
rule regarding this issue. In developing
an appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the safety
implications, parts availability, and
normal maintenance schedules for the
timely accomplishment of the
modification. In consideration of these
items, as well as the reports where the
COS box did not remain fully attached,
we have determined that a 60-month
compliance time will ensure an
acceptable level of safety and allow the
modifications to be done during
scheduled maintenance intervals for
most affected operators. We have not
changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Language
Boeing requested that we clarify the
language of the NPRM (77 FR 11416,
February 27, 2012) and replace the
words ‘‘other products of this same type
design’’ in the paragraph ‘‘FAA’s
Determination,’’ with the words ‘‘the
Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG)
airplane prior to L/N 3518 excluding
Boeing Sky Interior (BSI).’’ Boeing
considered the existing language too
general and confusing for operators.
We disagree with changing the AD.
This standard language contained under
‘‘FAA’s Determination’’ is in all
proposed airworthiness directives to
show adherence to Part 39 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
39), and is not restated in the final rule.
Request To Revise Maximum Load
Arkefly Airlines suggested that Boeing
give the option to reduce the maximum
load to a load that would meet the 9 g
requirement without modification. The
commenter suggested this could be
incorporated by installing a placard
with the new (reduced) maximum load.
We disagree because the customer
COS box configuration has already been
taken into account. This AD addresses
optional COS boxes. These boxes
typically contain life rafts, palletized
equipment, or miscellaneous
equipment. Boeing based its original
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6198-6200]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01939]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0699; Special Conditions No. 25-474-SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus, Model A318-112 Airplane (S/N 3238);
Certification of Cooktops
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Model A318-
112 airplane, serial number (S/N) 3238. This airplane, as modified by
Fokker Services B.V., will have a novel or unusual design feature
associated with a cooktop installation. 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: Effective Date: January 24, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Jacquet, FAA, Airframe and Cabin
Safety Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2676; facsimile 425-227-1100; email
daniel.jacquet@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On January 12, 2010, Fokker Services B.V. applied for a
supplemental type certificate for an interior conversion on an Airbus
Model A318-112 airplane, S/N 3238. The Airbus Model A318-112 airplane
is a large, transport-category airplane powered by two CFM56-5B9/P
engines, with a basic maximum takeoff weight of 130,071 pounds.
At the time of the notice of proposed special conditions No. 25-12-
02-SC, Fokker Services B.V. requested certification to convert an
Airbus Model A318-112 (S/N 3238) to a corporate jet, operating for both
common carriage and private use. As of this publication, Fokker
Services B.V. requested certification for common carriage only. The
aircraft will now be certified for a maximum of 8 crew and 19
passengers and limited to common carriage only. The aircraft will be
subdivided into an entrance way, executive lounge, two private lounges,
and a private bathroom. The entry will include the installation of two
wet galleys. One of the galleys will include the installation of two
combined cooktop pan units. The addition of a cooktop to this interior
conversion can lead to hazards to both the occupants and the aircraft.
Special consideration is needed to address the safety standards
associated with this installation.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14
CFR) 21.101, Fokker Services B.V. must show that the Airbus Model A318-
112 (S/N 3238) airplane, as changed, continues to meet the applicable
provisions of the regulations incorporated by reference in Type
Certificate No. A28NM 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. A28NM are 14 CFR part 25, as amended
by Amendments 25-1 through 25-56, with reversions to earlier
amendments, voluntary compliance to later amendments, special
conditions, equivalent safety findings, and exemptions listed in the
type certificate data sheet.
If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for the Airbus Model A318-112 (S/N 3238)
because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are
prescribed under the provisions of Sec. 21.16.
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 the other model under Sec.
21.101.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Airbus Model A318-112 (S/N 3238) must comply with the
fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the
noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in
accordance with Sec. 11.38, and they become part of the type-
certification basis under Sec. 21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Airbus Model A318-112 airplane, S/N 3238, will incorporate the
following novel or unusual design feature: Cooktops in the passenger
cabin. Cooktops introduce high heat, smoke, and the possibility of fire
into the passenger cabin environment. The current airworthiness
standards of part 25 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety
standards to protect the airplane and its occupants from these
potential hazards. The applicant's proposed system is considered to be
a novel or unusual design feature.
Discussion
Currently, ovens are the prevailing means of heating food on
airplanes. Ovens are characterized by an enclosure that contains both
the heat source and the food being heated. The hazards presented by
ovens are thus inherently limited and are well understood through years
of service experience. Cooktops, on the other hand, are characterized
by exposed heat sources and the presence of relatively unrestrained hot
cookware and heated food. These may represent unprecedented hazards to
both the occupants and the airplane.
Cooktops could have serious passenger and aircraft safety
implications if appropriate requirements are not established for their
installation and use. The requirements identified in these proposed
special conditions are in addition to those considerations identified
in Advisory Circular (AC) 20-168, Certification Guidance for
Installation of Non-Essential, Non-Required Aircraft Cabin Systems and
Equipment (CS&E), and those in AC 25-17A, Transport Airplane Cabin
Interiors Crashworthiness Handbook. The intent of these proposed
special conditions is to provide a level of safety that is consistent
with that on similar aircraft without cooktops.
In similar cooktop installations, the FAA has required a deployable
cover and a means to automatically shut off the power when the cover
was in use. In lieu of these requirements, the cooktop installation in
this Airbus A318-112 (S/N 3238) will have a lid and a timer that is not
covered by the lid. The timer switches the heating elements on and off,
has a maximum time of 20 minutes, and is still accessible when the lid
is closed. The
[[Page 6199]]
cabin crew will be instructed on its use. In addition to the lid and
timer, the applicant will supply a fire blanket that is 1,100 by 1,100
mm (catalogue no. SAP-967-T). The fire blanket meets the requirements
of British Standard BS 6575:1965. These specifications contain the
requirements for flexibility, heat, electrical resistance, and fire
extinguishing including cooking oil fires for light duty and heavy duty
(industrial) applications.
For this cooktop installation, the FAA requires evidence that with
the cooktop lid closed, the temperature set on ``high,'' and the timer
at maximum, the cooktop will maintain safe operation and will not
create a hazardous condition even with cooking oil in the cooktop.
Discussion of Comments
Notice of proposed special conditions No. 25-12-02-SC for the
Airbus Model A318-112 airplane (S/N 3238) was published in the Federal
Register on August 28, 2012 (77 FR 51944-51946). No comments were
received, and the special conditions are adopted as proposed.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the
Airbus Model A318-112 (S/N 3238). Should Fokker Services B.V. apply at
a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other
model included on Type Certificate No. A28NM to incorporate the same
novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply
to that model as well.
Under standard practice, the effective date of final special
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the
Federal Register; however, as the certification date for the Airbus
Model A318-112 airplane (S/N 3238) is imminent, the FAA finds that good
cause exists to make these special conditions effective upon issuance.
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.
The Special Conditions
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of
the type certification basis for the Airbus Model A318-112 airplane,
serial number 3238, modified by Fokker Services B.V.
Cooktop installations with electrically powered burners must comply
with the following criteria:
1. Means, such as conspicuous burner-on indicators, physical
barriers, or handholds, must be installed to minimize the potential for
inadvertent personnel contact with hot surfaces of both the cooktop and
cookware. Conditions of turbulence must be considered.
2. Sufficient design means must be included to restrain cookware
while in place on the cooktop, as well as representative contents,
e.g., soup, sauces, etc., from the effects of flight loads and
turbulence. Restraints must be provided to preclude hazardous movement
of cookware and contents. These restraints must accommodate any
cookware that is identified for use with the cooktop. Restraints must
be designed to be easily utilized and effective in service. The
cookware restraint system should also be designed so that it will not
be easily disabled, thus rendering it unusable. Placarding must be
installed which prohibits the use of cookware that cannot be
accommodated by the restraint system.
3. Placarding must be installed that prohibits the use of cooktops
(i.e., power on any burner) during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
4. Means must be provided to address the possibility of a fire
occurring on or in the immediate vicinity of the cooktop. Two
acceptable means of complying with this requirement are as follows:
a. Placarding must be installed that prohibits any burner from
being powered when the cooktop is unattended, which would prohibit a
single person from cooking on the cooktop and intermittently serving
food to passengers while any burner is powered; a fire detector must be
installed in the vicinity of the cooktop that provides an audible
warning in the passenger cabin; and a fire extinguisher of appropriate
size and extinguishing agent must be installed in the immediate
vicinity of the cooktop. Access to the extinguisher must not be blocked
by a fire on or around the cooktop. One of the fire extinguishers
required by Sec. 25.851 may be used to satisfy this requirement. If
this is not possible, then the extinguisher in the galley area would be
additional; or,
b. An automatic, thermally activated, fire-suppression system must
be installed to extinguish a fire at the cooktop and immediately
adjacent surfaces. The agent used in the system must be an approved,
total-flooding agent suitable for use in an occupied area. The fire-
suppression system must have a manual override. The automatic
activation of the fire-suppression system must also automatically shut
off power to the cooktop.
5. The surfaces of the galley surrounding the cooktop, which would
be exposed to a fire on the cooktop surface or in cookware on the
cooktop, must be constructed of materials that comply with the
flammability requirements of 14 CFR part 25, appendix F, part III. This
requirement is in addition to the flammability requirements typically
required of the materials in these galley surfaces. During the
selection of these materials, consideration must also be given to
ensure that the flammability characteristics of the materials will not
be adversely affected by the use of cleaning agents and utensils used
to remove cooking stains.
6. The cooktop ventilation system ducting must be protected by a
flame arrestor. In addition, procedures and time intervals must be
established and included in the instructions for continued
airworthiness to inspect and clean or replace the ventilation system to
prevent a fire hazard from the accumulation of flammable oils. [Note:
The applicant may find additional useful information in the Society of
Automotive Engineers, Aerospace Recommended Practice 85, Rev. E,
entitled, ``Air Conditioning Systems for Subsonic Airplanes,'' dated
August 1, 1991.]
7. Means must be provided to contain spilled foods or fluids in a
manner that prevents the creation of a slipping hazard to occupants,
and that will not lead to the loss of structural strength due to
corrosion.
8. Cooktop installations must provide adequate space for the user
to immediately escape a hazardous cooktop condition.
9. A means to shut off power to the cooktop must be provided at the
galley containing the cooktop and in the cockpit. If additional
switches are introduced in the cockpit, revisions to smoke or fire
emergency procedures of the airplane flight manual (AFM) will be
required.
10. Cooktop installations must incorporate a timer that will switch
the
[[Page 6200]]
heating elements off after a maximum time of 20 minutes.
11. Instructions for the cabin crew to ensure safe operation of the
cooktop lid and timer must be provided.
12. Evidence must be provided that with the cooktop lid closed, the
temperature set on ``high,'' and the timer at maximum, the cooktop will
maintain safe operation and will not create a hazardous condition even
with cooking oil in the cooktop.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-01939 Filed 1-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P