[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44111-44116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16500]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. NM217; Notice No. 25-02-07-SC]


Special Conditions: Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Boeing 
Model 747-400 Series Airplane; Forward Lower Lobe (Service/Cargo) 
Compartment

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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SUMMARY: This notice proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 
747-400 series airplane. This airplane, as modified by the Boeing 
Commercial Airplane Group, Wichita, Kansas, will have novel or unusual 
design features associated with the installation of a forward lower 
lobe compartment that will have two functions: that of a service 
compartment and that of a 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: Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this proposal may be mailed in duplicate to: 
Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: 
Rules Docket (ANM-113), Docket No. NM217, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington, 98055-4056; or delivered in duplicate to the Transport 
Airplane Directorate at the above address. Comments must be marked: 
Docket No. NM217. Comments may be inspected in the Rules Docket 
weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Quam, FAA, Standardization 
Branch, ANM-113, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,

[[Page 44112]]

Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2145; facsimile 
(425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

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

Background

    On January 3, 2001, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group (BCAG)--
Wichita Division Designated Alteration Station (DAS) applied for a 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation, in a Boeing 
Model 747-400 series airplane, of a forward lower lobe compartment that 
combines two functions: that of a service compartment and that of a 
class C cargo compartment. The Boeing Model 747-400 series airplane, 
currently approved under Type Certificate A20WE, is a large transport 
category airplane with upper and main passenger decks. The main deck is 
limited to 550 passengers or less and the upper deck is limited to 110 
passengers or less, depending on the interior configuration. Cargo 
compartments are installed below the main deck. The airplane is driven 
by four high-bypass turbojet engines capable of a static thrust in 
excess of 43,000 pounds.
    The 747-400 configuration proposed for certification is an interim, 
but certifiable, configuration. The final interior will be installed by 
another modifier at a later date. Boeing proposes to certificate the 
model with the forward half of the main deck open and the aft half of 
the main deck configured for passengers. However, the main deck and 
upper deck will be certificated with limitations specifying zero 
occupancy and zero cargo.
    Boeing proposes to modify the configuration defined above by 
installing a stair from the main deck to the forward lower lobe cargo 
compartment and proposes to use the forward cargo compartment as a 
service area and as a class C cargo compartment. Further, an air-stair 
would be installed to allow walk-in access from the ground to the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. The forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment design would have provisions for 
flammability and smoke protection. Access would be limited to one 
trained crewmember and access would be allowed during flight but not 
during taxi, takeoff and landing, or during a fire.
    To accommodate access into the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment by a crewmember, Boeing proposes appropriate warning and 
emergency equipment will be installed as defined for a lower lobe 
service compartment in Sec. 25.819. A flight attendant seat will be 
installed in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment for in-
flight emergency use only. The seat will be located so that it meets 
all certification requirements for attendant seating. Speakers, warning 
lights, and buzzers will be installed in the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment to warn the crewmember occupant of 
turbulent conditions, smoke detection, or the need to leave the area. A 
crew interphone will be provided for communications with the flight 
deck. In addition, emergency oxygen equipment will be provided as 
appropriate.
    Boeing proposes the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment 
will meet the class C requirements of Sec. 25.857(c) and will include 
an approved built-in fire extinguisher or suppression system 
controllable from the cockpit. In the event of a fire, the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment will be evacuated, and the pilot 
will initiate a Halon suppression system. A means will be provided to 
prevent inadvertent access to the compartment when the fire suppression 
system has been activated. The intention of the fire suppression system 
is to eliminate the necessity for sending someone into the compartment 
to fight a fire.
    The existing regulations address a service area and a class C cargo 
compartment as independent compartments, but do not address one 
compartment that has two uses. The service compartment can be occupied 
and the Class C cargo compartment cannot. Further, fire fighting is 
dealt with differently in each compartment. The crew fights a fire in a 
service compartment and a flooding extinguisher system is used to fight 
a fire in a class C cargo compartment. The concept Boeing proposes may 
be acceptable if it can be assured that when the compartment is used 
for either function, a level of safety would be achieved that would be 
equivalent to compartment installations that are independent. 
Therefore, special conditions requiring warnings, limitations, and 
equipment installations are being proposed to achieve a level of safety 
that would allow a lower lobe compartment to be used as a service 
compartment or a class C cargo compartment when the aircraft is to be 
certificated in a similar configuration to that which Boeing proposes 
(i.e. forward lower lobe compartment with stair access, emergency 
escape routes, etc.).

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec. 21.101, the Boeing Commercial Airplane 
Group must show that the Model 747-400 series airplane, as changed, 
continues to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations 
incorporated by reference in Type Certificate A20WE 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 A20WE for the 
Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes include 14 CFR part 25, as 
amended by Amendments 25-1 through 25-70, with certain exceptions 
listed in the type data sheet. The U.S. type certification basis for 
the Boeing Model 747-400 series airplane is established in accordance 
with 14 CFR 21.17 and 21.21 and the type certification application 
date. The type certification basis is listed in Type Certificate Data 
Sheet No. A20WE.
    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 747-400 series 
airplane because of a novel or unusual design feature, special 
conditions are

[[Page 44113]]

prescribed under the provisions of Sec. 21.16.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes 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.
    Special conditions, as defined in Sec. 11.19, are issued in 
accordance with Sec. 11.38 and become part of the type certification 
basis in accordance with Sec. 21.101(b)(2).
    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 features, 
the special conditions would also apply to the other model under the 
provisions of Sec. 21.101(a)(1).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Boeing Model 747-400 series airplane will incorporate the 
following novel or unusual design features: the forward lower lobe 
compartment will be used as a service area or a class C cargo 
compartment with certain combined features.

Discussion

    The requirements listed in these proposed special conditions are 
developed to allow the use of the forward lower lobe as a service 
compartment and as a class C cargo compartment during flight 
conditions. To make this concept work, these proposed special 
conditions establish communication, warning, and personal safety 
requirements, because the existing requirements, Secs. 25.819 versus 
25.855, 25.857, and 25.858, are exclusive. As an example, to use the 
fire control system of a class C cargo compartment, the compartment 
must not be occupied, because the means of fire control is to flood the 
compartment with fire suppressant.
    No provisions for satisfying regulatory requirements for occupancy 
of the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment during taxi, 
takeoff, and landing are being proposed. Therefore, limitations for 
taxi, takeoff, and landing are being applied.
    The approach to establishing requirements for a common compartment 
with two uses is to apply the existing requirements for a service 
compartment when used as a service compartment and for cargo 
compartments when used as a class C compartment, and to propose special 
conditions where the rules are inadequate to address the functionality 
of both.

Proposed Special Condition 1

    Currently, Sec. 25.819 addresses a service compartment, which can 
be occupied, but does not need to be evacuated under certain normal 
conditions or under certain unsafe conditions (e.g., in the case of 
fire, the occupant could function as a firefighter). The class C cargo 
compartment requirements address a stand-alone cargo compartment that 
is not occupied; fire detection is automatic and suppression relies on 
a total flood system. To maintain the advantages of both a service 
compartment and a class C cargo compartment, certain warnings need to 
be addressed.

Proposed Special Condition 1(a)

    Special Condition 1(a) would require a visual means in the cockpit 
to advise the flightcrew when the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment is occupied. The potential exists that the forward lower 
lobe (service/cargo) compartment may inadvertently be occupied when it 
is not supposed to be, such as during taxi, takeoff and landing, or 
during certain emergency events. This requirement is proposed to ensure 
the flightcrew is aware of that situation and can take appropriate 
action to evacuate the forward lower lobe before flooding the 
compartment with fire suppressant agent. The advisory should be clear 
as to its intent, either by light with placard or lighted advisory 
message or equivalent.

Proposed Special Condition 1(b)

    Special Condition 1(b) would require an ``on/off'' visual advisory/
warning stating ``Do Not Enter'' (or similar words) to be located 
outside and on or near the entrance door from the main deck to the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. The advisory/warning is 
to be controlled from the flight deck. This is to prevent someone 
entering the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment when it is 
not supposed to be occupied. Those conditions exist during taxi, 
takeoff and landing, and if smoke or fire is detected. Opening the door 
during a fire would, among other things, degrade the effectiveness of 
the fire suppressant and allow smoke, flame, and/or suppressant into 
the cabin.

Proposed Special Condition 1(c)

    Special Condition 1(c) would require a visible and audible 
advisory/warning means in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment to notify the occupant that the occupant must exit the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. To be effective, the 
visible and audible advisory/warning must be able to be seen and heard 
from any part of the compartment. The visible and audible advisory/
warning is to be controlled from the flight deck. As the forward lower 
lobe (service/cargo) compartment may be occupied on the ground or in 
the air, a means must be provided to notify the occupant to exit the 
compartment prior to taxi, takeoff and landing, or during certain 
emergency conditions (other than fire, which is dealt with under 
Special Condition 1(e)). A visual advisory/warning is included in case 
the audible warning were to become masked or distorted by engine, 
equipment, or ground noises.

Proposed Special Condition 1(d)

    Special condition 1(d) would require a means (visible and audible) 
to notify the occupant of the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment of the need to put on supplemental oxygen equipment in the 
event of a decompression. As the occupant could be anywhere in the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment, the means should be 
heard and be visible from anywhere in the forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment. Further, the warning should be distinct from other 
warnings in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment to 
prevent confusion and inappropriate action. An automatic decompression 
warning is proposed (i.e., not requiring a separate crew action) to 
ensure that the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment occupant 
does not delay putting on the oxygen equipment. This section of the 
special conditions is partially in lieu of the visual effect provided 
by the automatic presentation feature required by Sec. 25.1447.

Proposed Special Condition 1(e)

    Special Condition 1(e) would require a visible and audible means to 
warn the occupant of the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment 
of the need to evacuate the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment if a fire is detected. The means must be heard and be 
visible from anywhere in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment and must be distinct from other warnings in the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment in order to prevent confusion 
and to elicit correct action. The fire/smoke detection warning in the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment must be automatic (i.e., 
not requiring or depending on a separate crew action), to

[[Page 44114]]

ensure that the occupant exits the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment prior to the flight deck crew releasing the fire 
suppressant agent.

Proposed Special Condition 2

    The lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment must be evacuated if a 
fire occurs. Further, a means must be provided to prevent access into 
the compartment during taxi, takeoff or landing, and in the event of a 
fire. Placards and limitations are proposed to assist in these 
situations.

Proposed Special Condition 2(a)

    Special Condition 2(a) would require a placard to be located 
outside the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment door to 
limit access to the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment to 
one crewmember trained in evacuation means. The accommodations and 
emergency support equipment provided necessitate limiting access (i.e., 
one seat, one oxygen bottle, one protective breathing device, one fire 
extinguisher, etc.).

Proposed Special Condition 2(b)

    Special Condition 2(b) would require placards, located inside and 
outside the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment door, 
stating that the compartment door must remain closed except when 
entering and leaving the compartment. The smoke/fire detection and 
suppression systems are certified with the door closed, and the door 
needs to remain closed to retain their certified characteristics and to 
be effective. In the event the single occupant falls asleep in the 
chair provided, the smoke alarm will still function and a warning will 
be provided to warn the occupant to exit the compartment.

Proposed Special Condition 2(c)

    Special Condition 2(c) would require a limitation be placed in the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) and placards be posted inside and outside 
the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment door, all stating 
that the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment may not be 
occupied during taxi, takeoff, landing, or during a fire emergency. 
These placards are being specified because the compartment is not being 
certified as occupied during taxi, takeoff, and landing and because the 
cargo compartment must not be occupied during a fire so that the 
occupant is not exposed to the fire and suppressant. These placards are 
somewhat redundant to the advisory required under 1(b) and 1(c), but 
have the benefit of the information being available to the occupant in 
the event the flightcrew fails to activate the advisory/warnings of 
1(b) and 1(c).

Proposed Special Condition 2(d)

    Special Condition 2(d), with respect to the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment, would require the AFM supplement include 
flight deck crew instructions for: allowing access; procedures for 
fire/smoke/detection/fire fighting; procedures for decompression; and 
limitations prohibiting occupancy during taxi, takeoff, and landing. 
Further, this special condition would require that the weight and 
balance manual include cargo loading restrictions requiring cargo to be 
loaded and restrained in a manner so that escape paths are maintained. 
These proposals are to insure the single flight crewmember can safely 
access the cargo compartment during flight and exit safely during 
failure conditions.

Proposed Special Condition 2(e)

    Because access is being provided to the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment, there is a concern that, during flight, 
passengers may retrieve hazardous materials and weapons stored in 
luggage. Ideally, access could be prevented by locking the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment and that is being proposed as 
one solution (proposed Special Condition 2(e)(1)). However, this 
airplane is being designed for private use, will have limited access, 
and will have placards limiting access. Further, there is notification 
to the flightcrew if the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment 
is occupied (proposed Special Condition 1(a)). Therefore, as an 
alternative to locking the lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment, in 
addition to limiting access under proposed Special Conditions 2(a) and 
2(d), prohibiting the airplane from being operated for hire, or offered 
for common carriage, is proposed (proposed Special Condition 2(e)(2)).

Proposed Special Condition 3

    Special Condition 3 would require equipment in addition to that 
required by Sec. 25.819.

Proposed Special Condition 3(a)

    Special Condition 3(a) would require availability at all times of 
portable oxygen equipment sufficient to supply a crewmember who is 
allowed to occupy (except during taxi, takeoff and landing, and a fire) 
the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. It was first 
proposed that the oxygen bottle be stored inside the cargo compartment 
near the seat, along with a portable extinguisher and a protective 
breathing device. Because the portable oxygen bottle would not be 
immediately available (a requirement of Sec. 25.1447(c)(1)) in the 
event of rapid decompression, and it would not be advisable to provide 
drop-down masks in a cargo compartment or store a portable oxygen 
bottle in the compartment (even though the bottle would be afforded 
some protection), the FAA elected to propose that a portable oxygen 
bottle be mounted at the outside of the main deck entrance of the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment, along with a placard 
that specifies that anyone entering the forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment during flight must carry portable oxygen equipment 
on their person for the entire time that they are in the compartment.

Proposed Special Condition 3(b)

    Special Condition 3(b) would require at least one readily 
accessible hand-held fire extinguisher and one 15-minute protective 
breathing equipment device be located within the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment adjacent to the seat. This proposal is to 
ensure the occupant has the means to exit the compartment if a fire 
occurs between the occupant and the exit.

Proposed Special Condition 3(c)

    Special Condition 3(c) would require, in addition to the two 
evacuation route (including exit) requirements of Sec. 25.819(a), a 
means to keep the evacuation routes clear. The cargo in the compartment 
should be restrained to ensure that the crewmember's paths to the exits 
are clear. Further, all entrances and exits from the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment must be capable of being closed after 
exiting. In addition to the concern for cargo blocking the escape 
paths, there is the concern about hazardous quantities of smoke, 
flames, or fire suppressant agent entering any compartments occupied by 
passengers or crew and the concern about the loss of fire suppressant 
agent from the compartment during a fire. The forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment must be capable of being closed off 
because, after evacuation, it must comply with the requirements 
applicable to the class C cargo compartment, including Secs. 25.855, 
25.857, and 25.858.

Proposed Special Condition 3(d)

    Special Condition 3(d) would require supplemental handheld lighting 
(with locator light) in the event the occupant is in the forward lower 
lobe (service/cargo) compartment and power to the

[[Page 44115]]

compartment or the emergency escape path lighting is off, or lost, or 
visibility is poor. At least two flashlights would be required. One 
flashlight would be located adjacent to the secondary emergency exit in 
the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment at the foot of the 
stairs in the compartment. The other would be located adjacent to the 
seat in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. Note that 
this proposal is in addition to the requirement for an automatic 
emergency lighting system required by Sec. 25.819(a).

Proposed Special Condition 4

    Special Condition 4 addresses training manuals and the training 
associated with the proposed special conditions above for:
    (a) Use and actions associated with the warnings and placards of 
these proposed special conditions.
    (b) Accessing and exiting the cargo forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment, including emergency exiting (includes those special 
conditions associated with Special Conditions 1(b), 1(c), 1(d), 1(e), 
2(a), 2(b), 2(c), 2(d), and 3(b)).
    (c) Checking the oxygen bottle's pressure for adequacy prior to 
entering the cargo compartment (associated with Special Condition 
3(a)).
    (d) Carrying the oxygen bottle when entering the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment (associated with Special Condition 3(a)).
    (e) Maintaining an exit path aisle and access to the evacuation 
routes (associated with Special Condition 3(c)).

Proposed Special Condition 5

    Special Conditions 25-71-NW-3, which included criteria applicable 
to the stairs between the main deck and upper deck, were incorporated 
in the Model 747 series airplane certification basis on August 27, 
1976. These special conditions have been reviewed, and sections 
3(a)(1), 3(a)(2) and 3(a)(7) are proposed as applicable to the stair 
between the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment and the main 
deck. These special conditions are renumbered and repeated as 5(a), 
5(b), and 5(c).

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Boeing Model 747-400 series airplane. Should Boeing Commercial Airplane 
Group apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to 
modify any other model included on Type Certificate A20WE to 
incorporate the same novel or unusual design features, the special 
conditions would apply to that model as well under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.101(a)(1).
    Certification of the Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes modified 
by Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, Wichita Division Designated 
Alternation Station, is currently scheduled for mid-June 2002. For this 
reason, and because a delay would significantly affect the applicant's 
installation of the system and certification of the airplane, the 
public comment period is being shortened to 30 days.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one Boeing Model 747-400 series airplane. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and record keeping 
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 747-400 airplanes modified by Boeing Commercial 
Airplane Group, Wichita Division Designated Alteration Station, with a 
forward lower lobe configured for use as a service compartment and a 
class C cargo compartment.
    1. Required Warnings (in addition to fire/smoke detection and 
decompression aural warnings required in Sec. 25.819(c)):
    (a) There must be a visual means in the cockpit to advise the 
flightcrew when the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment is 
occupied. The advisory light should be accompanied by a placard or 
message indicating someone is in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment.
    (b) There must be an ``on/off'' visual advisory/warning stating 
``Do Not Enter'' (or similar words) to be located outside and on or 
near the entrance door to the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment. The advisory/warning is to be controlled from the flight 
deck.
    (c) There must be a visible and audible advisory/warning means in 
the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment to notify the 
occupant that the occupant must exit the forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment. The visible and audible warning must be seen and 
heard from any part of the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment. The visible and audible advisory/warning is to be 
controlled from the flight deck.
    (d) A means (visible and audible) must be provided to notify the 
occupant of the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment of the 
need to put on supplemental oxygen equipment in the event of a 
decompression. The means must be heard and be visible from anywhere in 
the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment and be distinct from 
other warnings in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. 
This decompression warning should be automatic (i.e., not requiring a 
separate crew action), to ensure that the forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment occupant does not delay putting on the oxygen 
equipment. This section of the special conditions is partially in lieu 
of the visual effect provided by the automatic presentation feature 
required by Sec. 25.1447.
    (e) A means (visible and audible) must be provided to warn the 
occupant of the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment of the 
need to evacuate the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment at 
fire detection. The means must be heard and be visible from anywhere in 
the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment and be distinct from 
other warnings in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. 
The fire/smoke detection warning in the forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment must be automatic (i.e., not requiring a separate 
crew action), to ensure that the occupant exits the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment prior to the flight deck crew releasing 
fire suppressant agent.
    2. Required Placards and Limitations (beyond those required in Part 
25):
    (a) There must be a placard located outside the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment door limiting access to the forward lower 
lobe (service/cargo) compartment to one crewmember trained in 
evacuation means.
    (b) There must be placards located inside and outside the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment door stating that the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment door must remain closed except 
when entering and leaving the compartment.
    (c) A limitation must be placed in the airplane flight manual (AFM) 
supplement and placards must be posted inside and outside the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment door, all stating that the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment may

[[Page 44116]]

not be occupied during taxi, takeoff, landing, or during a fire 
emergency.
    (d) With respect to the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment, the AFM supplement must include flight deck crew 
instructions for: allowing access; procedures for fire/smoke/detection/
fire fighting; procedures for decompression; limitations prohibiting 
occupancy during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The weight and balance 
manual must include cargo loading restrictions to maintain escape 
paths.
    (e) A limitation must be placed in the AFM Supplement stating: 
``Carriage of hazardous material and/or weapons in the forward lower 
lobe (service/cargo) compartment is prohibited'' unless:
    (1) Access to the compartment is locked during flight and the key 
to the lock remains with the flight deck crew only; or
    (2) The airplane is not operated for hire, or offered for common 
carriage. This provision does not preclude the operator from receiving 
remuneration to the extent consistent with 14 CFR part 125, 14 CFR part 
91, and subpart F, as applicable.
    3. Required Equipment (in addition to that required by 
Sec. 25.819):
    (a) There must be portable oxygen equipment available at all times 
sufficient to supply a crewmember who is allowed to occupy the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment (except during taxi, takeoff and 
landing, and a fire). The equipment is to be mounted at the outside of 
the main deck entrance to the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment along with a placard specifying that anyone entering the 
forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment during flight must carry 
portable oxygen equipment on his/her person for the entire time that 
he/she is in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment.
    (b) At least one readily accessible hand-held fire extinguisher and 
one 15-minute protective breathing equipment (PBE) device must be 
located within the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment 
adjacent to the seat.
    (c) In addition to the two evacuation route (including exit) 
requirements of Sec. 25.819(a), a means must be provided to keep the 
evacuation routes clear; i.e., cargo in the compartment should be 
restrained to ensure that the crewmember's paths to the exits are 
clear. All entrances and exits from the forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment must be capable of being closed after entering and 
exiting and, after closing, must prevent hazardous quantities of smoke, 
flames, or fire suppressant agent from entering any compartments 
occupied by passengers or crew and must prevent loss of fire 
suppressant agent during a fire.
    (d) In addition to the emergency illumination required by 
Sec. 25.829(a), there must be supplemental handheld lighting (with 
locator light) located within the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment. At least two flashlights will be required. One flashlight 
must be located adjacent to the secondary emergency exit of the forward 
lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment. The other must be adjacent to 
the seat in the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment.
    4. Training manuals and training must include:
    (a) Use and actions associated with warnings and placards specified 
herein.
    (b) Accessing and exiting the cargo forward lower lobe (service/
cargo) compartment, including emergency exiting.
    (c) Checking the oxygen bottle's pressure for adequacy prior to 
entering the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) compartment.
    (d) Carrying the oxygen bottle when entering the forward lower lobe 
(service/cargo) compartment.
    (e) Maintaining exit path aisle and access for the evacuation 
routes.
    5. The stairway between the forward lower lobe (service/cargo) 
compartment and the main deck (applicable portions excerpted from 
Special Conditions 25-71-NM-3 issued August 27, 1976) must meet the 
following requirements:
    (a) The stairway must have essentially straight route segments with 
a landing at each significant change in segment direction.
    (b) The stairs must have essentially rectangular treads.
    (c) General illumination must be provided so that, when measured 
along the centerlines of each tread and landing, the illumination is 
not less than .05 foot-candle.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 17, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16500 Filed 6-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P