Special Conditions: Aerocon Engineering Company, Boeing Model 777-200 Airplane; Access Hatch Installed Between the Cabin and the Class C Cargo Compartment To Allow In-Flight Access to the Cargo Compartment, 74350-74352 [2016-25810]

Download as PDF 74350 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 207 / Wednesday, October 26, 2016 / Proposed Rules special conditions, to show compliance with applicable requirements. These proposed 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. Applicability As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to Bombardier Model BD–700–2A12 and BD–700– 2A13 airplanes. Should Bombardier apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to the other model as well. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on Bombardier Model BD–700–2A12 and BD–700–2A13 airplanes. It is not a rule of general applicability. 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: Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS The Proposed Special Conditions Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the following special conditions as part of the type certification basis for Bombardier Model BD–700–2A12 and BD–700–2A13 airplanes. 1. Bombardier Inc. must demonstrate that the aluminum-lithium material has equal or better flammability-resistance characteristics than the aluminum-alloy sheet material typically used as skin material on similar airplanes. 2. The test set-up and methodology must be in accordance with the tests described in 14 CFR part 25, Appendix F, Part VII, except for the following. a. Each test sample must consist of a flat test specimen. A set of three samples of aluminum-lithium sheet material must be tested. The size of each sample must be 16 inches wide by 24 inches long by 0.063 inch thick. b. The test samples must be installed into a steel-sheet subframe with outside dimensions of 18 inches by 32 inches. The subframe must have a 14.5-inch by 22.5-inch opening cut into it. The tests samples must be mounted onto the subframe using 0.250–20 UNC threaded bolts. c. Test specimens must be conditioned at 70 °F ± 5 °F, and 55% 15:05 Oct 25, 2016 Jkt 241001 Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 14, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–25809 Filed 10–25–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. FAA–2016–8247; Notice No. 25– 16–08–SC] Special Conditions: Aerocon Engineering Company, Boeing Model 777–200 Airplane; Access Hatch Installed Between the Cabin and the Class C Cargo Compartment To Allow In-Flight Access to the Cargo Compartment Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions. AGENCY: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. VerDate Sep<11>2014 ± 5% humidity, for at least 24 hours before testing. 3. The aluminum-lithium material must not ignite during any of the tests. This action proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 777– 200 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Aerocon Engineering Company (Aerocon), will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transportcategory airplanes. This design feature is an access hatch, installed between the cabin and the Class C cargo compartment, to allow in-flight access to the Class C cargo compartment. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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: Send your comments on or before December 12, 2016. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA–2016–8247 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC, 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202–493–2251. Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), as well as at https://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/ . Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at https://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Shelden, FAA, Airframe and Cabin Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2785; facsimile 425–227–1320. 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 special conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We will consider all comments we receive by the closing date for comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments we receive. Background On June 26, 2015, Aerocon applied for a supplemental type certificate to install an access hatch between the cabin and E:\FR\FM\26OCP1.SGM 26OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 207 / Wednesday, October 26, 2016 / Proposed Rules Class C cargo compartment in the Boeing Model 777–200 airplane. This airplane is a twin-engine, transportcategory airplane with a VIP interior configuration. The Model 777–200 has a maximum passenger capacity of 440, and a maximum takeoff weight of 535,000 pounds. Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.101, Aerocon must show that the Boeing Model 777–200 airplane, as changed, continues to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations listed in Type Certificate No. T00001SE, or the applicable regulations in effect on the date of application for the change, except for earlier amendments as agreed upon by the FAA. 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 Boeing Model 777–200 airplane 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, these special conditions would also apply to the other model under § 21.101. In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special conditions, the Boeing Model 777–200 airplane, as modified by Aerocon, must comply with the fuel-vent and exhaustemission 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 § 11.38, and they become part of the type certification basis under § 21.101. Novel or Unusual Design Features The Boeing Model 777–200 airplane, as modified by Aerocon, will incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature: An access hatch installed between the cabin and the Class C cargo compartment, to allow inflight access to the Class C cargo compartment. Discussion The VIP operator requests to have access to the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment on their Boeing Model 777–200 airplane to store trash during flight. The installation consists VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Oct 25, 2016 Jkt 241001 of an access hatch from the main passenger cabin, with an access ladder, and a trash container mounted on its own standard airliner pallet in the lower-deck Class C cargo compartment. The FAA considers that the access hatch may impact the isolation of the passenger cabin from the cargo compartment. Isolation is necessary to protect the passengers, as required by § 25.857(c), from fire and smoke that may start within the cargo compartment. In addition, the in-flight access to the lower-deck Class C compartment creates unique hazards resulting from passengers having access to cargo and baggage in the compartment. These hazards include the safety of the persons entering the cargo compartment, possible hazards to the airplane as a result of the access, and security concerns with access to the checked baggage and cargo. The proposed special conditions defined herein provide additional requirements necessary to ensure sufficient cabin isolation from fire and smoke in this unusual design configuration, and for passenger safety while occupying the Class C compartment. The current rules relating to Class C cargo compartments do not address provisions for in-flight accessibility. The intent of the Class C cargo compartment was that it be a self-contained and isolated compartment intended to carry baggage and cargo, but not intended for human habitation. The FAA gave no consideration to an in-flight-accessible Class C cargo compartment when the classification was first developed, as no manufacturer had ever incorporated such a feature into their design. Inherently, a ‘‘cargo compartment’’ was not intended for in-flight access, especially by the traveling public. An allowance has been made specifically for crew access into a Class B cargo compartment for the express purpose of firefighting. Access into a cargo compartment carries with it an increased level of risk to the occupant entering the compartment, and to the airplane, as baggage or cargo could shift, a decompression could occur in the compartment, or a fire could develop during flight. The FAA has determined that the existing airworthiness standards do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards relative to passenger access to cargo compartments. As a result, special conditions are the appropriate means to address this and all future in-flightaccessible Class C cargo compartments. Based upon the above discussion, the cargo-compartment isolation criterion is the main concern related to the accesshatch design, which is intended to be PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 74351 installed between the cabin and the Class C cargo compartment. These proposed 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. Applicability As discussed above, these proposed special conditions are applicable to the Boeing Model 777–200 airplane modified by Aerocon. Should Aerocon apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No. T00001SE to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that model as well. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on one model series 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 Proposed Special Conditions Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the following special conditions as part of the type certification basis for Boeing Model 777–200 airplanes modified by Aerocon. 1. The flight deck must contain an indicator to advise the flightcrew when the access hatch is opened. 2. One cabin crewmember must be present to monitor the hatch from the main cabin when another cabin crewmember is using the access hatch to access the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment. This access-hatch procedure must be included in the Cabin Crew Operating Manual. 3. Means must be provided to keep the access hatch open while the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment is occupied during flight. 4. Access to the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment or using the access hatch is not allowed during: a. Taxi, takeoff, and landing, b. when the fasten-seat-belt sign is illuminated, E:\FR\FM\26OCP1.SGM 26OCP1 74352 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 207 / Wednesday, October 26, 2016 / Proposed Rules c. in the event of emergency not limited to smoke and fire detected in the cargo compartment. 5. A placard stating, ‘‘Do Not Enter During Taxi, Takeoff, Landing, or Emergency’’ (or similar wording) must be located outside of, and on or near the access hatch of, the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment. 6. The airplane must be operated as private, not for hire, not for common carriage. This provision does not preclude the operator from receiving remuneration to the extent consistent with 14 CFR parts 125 and 91, subpart F, as applicable. 7. Use of the access hatch, and access to the aft Class C cargo compartment, is limited to the crew only. A placard stating, ‘‘Crew Only Access’’ must be located outside of, and on or near the access hatch of, the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment. 8. The Airplane Flight Manual must instruct the crew to close the access hatch when crew are not accessing the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment. 9. Special conditions 4, 6, and 7 must be documented in the Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual. Note: The airplane owner or operator must contact the Transport Security Administration (TSA) prior to operating within United States airspace to ensure that this design, and related operational procedures, comply with TSA requirements. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 14, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–25810 Filed 10–25–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9300; Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–124–AD] Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). Lhorne on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC–6, DC–6A, C–118A, R6D–1, DC–6B, and R6D–1Z airplanes. This proposed AD was VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:05 Oct 25, 2016 Jkt 241001 You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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. It is also available on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9300. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket RIN 2120–AA64 SUMMARY: prompted by a report of a fuel leak in a Model C–118A airplane that resulted from a crack in the wing lower skin. This proposed AD would require repetitive radiographic, electromagnetic testing high frequency (ETHF), and electromagnetic testing low frequency (ETLF) inspections for cracking of the wing lower skin, and repairs if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the wing lower skin, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the wing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 12, 2016. You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9300; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Haytham Alaidy, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5224; fax: 562–627–5210; email: haytham.alaidy@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2016–9300; Directorate Identifier 2016– NM–124–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We have received a report of a fuel leak in a Model C–118A airplane. The fuel leak, discovered during a post-flight inspection, resulted from a crack in the wing lower skin just inboard of the number 2 nacelle attach angle at wing station 175. Related AD 80–12–02 R1, Amendment 39–5499, applies to Model DC–6, DC–6A, DC–6B, R6D, and C–118 series airplanes. AD 80–12–02 R1 requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the left and right wing lower skin at certain locations. Although wing station 175 is covered by the inspection mandated in AD 80–12–02 R1, the crack was missed during an AD-required inspection. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC6– 57A001, dated April 28, 2016 (‘‘ASB DC6–57A001, Revision 0’’) is an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to the inspections required by paragraph (c)(1) of AD 80–12–02 R1. This AMOC only applies to the areas inspected in accordance with ASB DC6– 57A001, Revision 0. The service information referenced in this NPRM contains revised inspection procedures for crack detection in the area around wing station 175. Such cracking in the E:\FR\FM\26OCP1.SGM 26OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 26, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74350-74352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25810]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8247; Notice No. 25-16-08-SC]

Special Conditions: Aerocon Engineering Company, Boeing Model
777-200 Airplane; Access Hatch Installed Between the Cabin and the
Class C Cargo Compartment To Allow In-Flight Access to the Cargo
Compartment

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model
777-200 airplane. This airplane, as modified by Aerocon Engineering
Company (Aerocon), will have a novel or unusual design feature when
compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness
standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is an
access hatch, installed between the cabin and the Class C cargo
compartment, to allow in-flight access to the Class C cargo
compartment. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These
proposed 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: Send your comments on or before December 12, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2016-8247
using any of the following methods:
Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC, 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without
change, to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal
information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all
comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the
individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an
association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act
Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11,
2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at https://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
https://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions
for accessing the docket or go to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Shelden, FAA, Airframe and Cabin
Safety Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2785; facsimile 425-227-1320.

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 special conditions, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
We will consider all comments we receive by the closing date for
comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments
we receive.

Background

On June 26, 2015, Aerocon applied for a supplemental type
certificate to install an access hatch between the cabin and

[[Page 74351]]

Class C cargo compartment in the Boeing Model 777-200 airplane. This
airplane is a twin-engine, transport-category airplane with a VIP
interior configuration. The Model 777-200 has a maximum passenger
capacity of 440, and a maximum takeoff weight of 535,000 pounds.

Type Certification Basis

Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14
CFR) 21.101, Aerocon must show that the Boeing Model 777-200 airplane,
as changed, continues to meet the applicable provisions of the
regulations listed in Type Certificate No. T00001SE, or the applicable
regulations in effect on the date of application for the change, except
for earlier amendments as agreed upon by the FAA.
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 Boeing Model 777-200 airplane
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,
these special conditions would also apply to the other model under
Sec. 21.101.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Boeing Model 777-200 airplane, as modified by Aerocon,
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 Boeing Model 777-200 airplane, as modified by Aerocon, will
incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature: An access
hatch installed between the cabin and the Class C cargo compartment, to
allow in-flight access to the Class C cargo compartment.

Discussion

The VIP operator requests to have access to the aft lower-deck
Class C cargo compartment on their Boeing Model 777-200 airplane to
store trash during flight. The installation consists of an access hatch
from the main passenger cabin, with an access ladder, and a trash
container mounted on its own standard airliner pallet in the lower-deck
Class C cargo compartment.
The FAA considers that the access hatch may impact the isolation of
the passenger cabin from the cargo compartment. Isolation is necessary
to protect the passengers, as required by Sec. 25.857(c), from fire
and smoke that may start within the cargo compartment. In addition, the
in-flight access to the lower-deck Class C compartment creates unique
hazards resulting from passengers having access to cargo and baggage in
the compartment. These hazards include the safety of the persons
entering the cargo compartment, possible hazards to the airplane as a
result of the access, and security concerns with access to the checked
baggage and cargo. The proposed special conditions defined herein
provide additional requirements necessary to ensure sufficient cabin
isolation from fire and smoke in this unusual design configuration, and
for passenger safety while occupying the Class C compartment.
The current rules relating to Class C cargo compartments do not
address provisions for in-flight accessibility. The intent of the Class
C cargo compartment was that it be a self-contained and isolated
compartment intended to carry baggage and cargo, but not intended for
human habitation. The FAA gave no consideration to an in-flight-
accessible Class C cargo compartment when the classification was first
developed, as no manufacturer had ever incorporated such a feature into
their design. Inherently, a ``cargo compartment'' was not intended for
in-flight access, especially by the traveling public. An allowance has
been made specifically for crew access into a Class B cargo compartment
for the express purpose of firefighting. Access into a cargo
compartment carries with it an increased level of risk to the occupant
entering the compartment, and to the airplane, as baggage or cargo
could shift, a decompression could occur in the compartment, or a fire
could develop during flight.
The FAA has determined that the existing airworthiness standards do
not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards relative to
passenger access to cargo compartments. As a result, special conditions
are the appropriate means to address this and all future in-flight-
accessible Class C cargo compartments.
Based upon the above discussion, the cargo-compartment isolation
criterion is the main concern related to the access-hatch design, which
is intended to be installed between the cabin and the Class C cargo
compartment.
These proposed 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.

Applicability

As discussed above, these proposed special conditions are
applicable to the Boeing Model 777-200 airplane modified by Aerocon.
Should Aerocon apply at a later date for a supplemental type
certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No.
T00001SE to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these
special conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on one model series 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 Proposed Special Conditions

Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis
for Boeing Model 777-200 airplanes modified by Aerocon.
1. The flight deck must contain an indicator to advise the
flightcrew when the access hatch is opened.
2. One cabin crewmember must be present to monitor the hatch from
the main cabin when another cabin crewmember is using the access hatch
to access the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment. This access-
hatch procedure must be included in the Cabin Crew Operating Manual.
3. Means must be provided to keep the access hatch open while the
aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment is occupied during flight.
4. Access to the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment or using
the access hatch is not allowed during:
a. Taxi, takeoff, and landing,
b. when the fasten-seat-belt sign is illuminated,

[[Page 74352]]

c. in the event of emergency not limited to smoke and fire detected
in the cargo compartment.
5. A placard stating, ``Do Not Enter During Taxi, Takeoff, Landing,
or Emergency'' (or similar wording) must be located outside of, and on
or near the access hatch of, the aft lower-deck Class C cargo
compartment.
6. The airplane must be operated as private, not for hire, not for
common carriage. This provision does not preclude the operator from
receiving remuneration to the extent consistent with 14 CFR parts 125
and 91, subpart F, as applicable.
7. Use of the access hatch, and access to the aft Class C cargo
compartment, is limited to the crew only. A placard stating, ``Crew
Only Access'' must be located outside of, and on or near the access
hatch of, the aft lower-deck Class C cargo compartment.
8. The Airplane Flight Manual must instruct the crew to close the
access hatch when crew are not accessing the aft lower-deck Class C
cargo compartment.
9. Special conditions 4, 6, and 7 must be documented in the
Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual.

Note: The airplane owner or operator must contact the Transport
Security Administration (TSA) prior to operating within United
States airspace to ensure that this design, and related operational
procedures, comply with TSA requirements.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 14, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-25810 Filed 10-25-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.