[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 140 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43287-43292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18625]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. NM258; Special Conditions No. 25-240-SC]


Special Conditions: Boeing Model 747SP Airplane; Aft Lower Lobe 
Service/Cargo Compartment

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for a Boeing Model 747SP 
airplane modified by JRG Design Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina. This

[[Page 43288]]

modified airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when 
compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness 
standards for transport category airplanes. The modification is 
associated with an aft lower lobe compartment that will serve as both a 
service compartment and a Class C cargo compartment. 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of these special conditions is July 
2, 2003. Comments must be received on or before August 21, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Comments on these special conditions may be mailed in 
duplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Attention: Rules Docket (ANM-113), Docket No. NM258, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; or delivered in 
duplicate to the Transport Airplane Directorate at the above address. 
All comments must be marked: Docket No. NM258.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Sinclair, FAA, Airframe/Cabin 
Safety, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2195; facsimile 
(425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, because 
those procedures would significantly delay issuance of the approval 
design and thus delivery of the affected aircraft. The FAA, therefore, 
finds that good cause exists for making these special conditions 
effective upon issuance.

Background

    On October 29, 2001, JRG Design Inc. applied for a supplemental 
type certificate for a Boeing Model 747SP airplane to combine the 
functions of a service compartment and a Class C cargo compartment in 
the aft lower lobe compartment. Boeing Model 747SP series airplanes, 
currently approved under Type Certificate A20WE, are large transport 
category airplanes with upper and main passenger decks. The airplanes 
are limited to 400 passengers or fewer, depending on the interior 
configuration. As part of the type design, certified Class C cargo 
compartments are installed below the main deck.
    JRG Design Inc. proposes to modify the interior of a 747SP airplane 
for use by a head-of-state. As part of the modification, JRG proposes 
to include two ladders from the main deck into the aft lower lobe cargo 
compartment and to use that compartment as a combined service 
compartment and Class C cargo compartment. The compartment would use 
materials meeting the flammability standards for Class C cargo 
compartments and would include smoke detectors. Access would be limited 
to one trained crewmember and would be allowed during flight, but not 
during taxi, takeoff or landing or if there were a fire.
    As part of the safety enhancement necessary to allow occupancy of 
the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment by a crewmember, JRG 
proposes the installation of warning and emergency equipment, as 
defined for a lower lobe service compartment in Sec.  25.819. Speakers, 
warning lights, and buzzers will be installed in the aft lower lobe 
service/cargo compartment to warn an occupant of turbulent conditions, 
the presence of smoke or fire, or the need to leave the area. A crew 
interphone will be provided for communications with the flight deck. In 
addition, emergency equipment will be provided to that occupant in case 
of decompression. No seat will be installed in this area, as required 
by Sec.  25.819(f), because of the reduced height and accessibility of 
the area.
    JRG Design Inc. indicates that the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment will meet the Class C cargo requirements of Sec.  
25.857(c). The compartment will be equipped with an approved built-in 
fire extinguisher or suppression system which is controllable from the 
cockpit to eliminate the need to send someone into the compartment to 
fight a fire. In the event of a fire, the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment will be evacuated, and the pilot will activate the fire 
suppression system. A means will be provided to prevent inadvertent 
access to the compartment when the fire suppression system has been 
activated.
    The existing regulations address separate service areas and Class C 
cargo compartments but do not address a single compartment that has 
both uses. The requirements for these compartments are not only 
different, but also incompatible. For example, the service compartment 
may be occupied (except during taxi, takeoff, and landing), but the 
Class C cargo compartment must not be occupied. In addition, fire 
fighting is dealt with differently in the two compartments. The crew 
fights a fire in a service compartment, whereas a flooding extinguisher 
system is used in a Class C cargo compartment.
    The concept of a single, multi-use compartment which JRG proposes 
would be acceptable, if the FAA could be assured that whether the 
compartment is used as a service compartment or as a Class C cargo 
compartment, the level of safety would be equivalent to that of a 
separate service compartment or a separate Class C cargo compartment. 
Therefore, special conditions that provide an equivalent level of 
safety are being required; these special conditions pertain to visible 
and audible warnings, placards and limitations, equipment, evacuation 
routes, training, and the use of ladders between the main deck and the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101 Amendment 21-69, effective 
September 16, 1991, JRG Design Inc. must show that the Model 747SP 
airplane, as modified, 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 747SP series airplanes include 14 CFR part 25, as 
amended by Amendments 25-1 through 25-8 and 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20 
and 25-39, with certain exceptions and special conditions as listed in 
the type certificate data sheet. The U.S. type certification basis for 
the Boeing Model 747SP 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 a Boeing Model 747SP series airplane 
because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are 
prescribed under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Boeing Model 747SP airplane must comply with the fuel 
vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise

[[Page 43289]]

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) Amendment 21-69, effective 
September 16, 1991.
    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 the 
provisions of Sec.  21.101(a)(1).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Boeing Model 747SP airplane will incorporate a novel or unusual 
design feature; specifically, the aft lower lobe compartment will be 
used as a combined service compartment and Class C cargo compartment.

Discussion

    The requirements for lower deck service compartments (in Sec.  
25.819) are incompatible with the requirements for cargo compartments 
(in Sec. Sec.  25.855, 25.857, and 25.858). For example, to use the 
fire control system of a Class C cargo compartment, the compartment 
must be unoccupied, because the means of fire control is to flood the 
compartment with fire suppressant. The fire control system of a service 
compartment, however, would not normally utilize a flood-type fire 
suppressant, since the compartment might be occupied.
    The requirements in these special conditions allow the aft lower 
lobe to be used as a combined service compartment and Class C cargo 
compartment during flight. To make this concept work, the special 
conditions require certain visible and audible warnings, placards and 
limitations, evacuation routes, equipment, and training; the special 
conditions also establish requirements for use of ladders between the 
main deck and the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment.
    The applicant has not proposed a means of satisfying regulatory 
requirements governing occupancy of the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Therefore, the FAA will 
specify appropriate limitations for such occupancy.

Special Condition 1--Visible and Audible Warnings

    Currently, Sec.  25.819 specifies that a service compartment may be 
occupied and 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). Sections 25.855 
and 25.857, however, specify that a Class C cargo compartment must not 
be occupied, that fire detection must be automatic, and that fire 
suppression must rely 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 provided.
    Special Condition 1a. requires a visible advisory in the cockpit to 
notify the flightcrew when the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment 
is occupied. The potential exists that the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment may inadvertently be occupied when it should not be, such 
as during taxi, takeoff or landing or during certain emergencies. 
Special Condition 1(a) ensures that the flightcrew is aware that the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment is occupied and that the 
flightcrew takes appropriate action to evacuate the compartment before 
flooding it with fire suppressant. There must be a placard or sign 
nearby which indicates that the light means that the compartment is 
occupied.
    Special Condition 1b. requires an ``on/off'' visible warning 
stating ``Do Not Enter'' (or similar words) to be located outside and 
on or near the door from the main deck to the aft lower lobe service/
cargo compartment. The warning is to be controlled from the flight deck 
to prevent someone from entering the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment when it should not be occupied, such as during taxi, 
takeoff or landing or when smoke or fire has been detected. Opening the 
door during a fire would degrade the effectiveness of the fire 
suppressant and allow smoke, flame, and/or fire suppressant into the 
cabin.
    Special Condition 1c. requires a visible and audible warning in the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment to notify an occupant that he 
or she must evacuate the compartment. This warning must be one which 
can be seen and heard from any part of the compartment. The visible and 
audible warning is to be controlled from the flight deck. Because the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment may be occupied on the ground 
or in the air, a warning must be provided to notify an occupant to 
leave the compartment prior to taxi, takeoff or landing or during 
certain emergencies (other than fire, which is dealt with under Special 
Condition 1(e). A visible warning is required, in case the audible 
warning becomes masked or distorted by engine, equipment, or ground 
noises.
    Special condition 1d. requires a visible and audible warning in the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment to notify an occupant of the 
need to use a portable oxygen bottle in the event of decompression. 
This warning must be one which can be seen and heard from any part of 
the compartment and must be distinct from other warnings in the 
compartment to prevent confusion and to elicit correct action. The 
decompression warning must be automatic (i.e., not require separate 
crew action) to ensure that an occupant of the aft lower lobe service/
cargo compartment does not delay putting on the mask attached to the 
portable oxygen bottle. This section of the special conditions is 
partially in lieu of the visible effect provided by the automatic 
presentation feature required by Sec.  25.1447.
    Special Condition 1e. requires a visible and audible warning in the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment when a fire is detected to 
notify an occupant that he or she must evacuate the compartment. The 
warning must be one which can be seen and heard from any part of the 
compartment and must be distinct from other warnings in the compartment 
in order to prevent confusion and to elicit the correct actions. The 
fire or smoke detection warning must be automatic (i.e., not require or 
depend on separate crew action) to ensure that an occupant of the aft 
lower lobe service/cargo compartment leaves before the flightdeck crew 
releases fire suppressant in the compartment.

Special Condition 2--Placards and Limitations

    The aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment must be evacuated if a 
fire occurs. In addition, there must be a way to prevent access into 
the compartment during taxi, takeoff or landing or in the event of a 
fire. Placards and limitations are specified for these situations.
    Special Condition 2a. requires a placard to be located outside the 
hatch to the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment doors, indicating 
that access is limited to one crewmember trained in evacuation 
procedures. The accommodations and the availability of only one oxygen 
bottle necessitate limiting access.
    Special Condition 2b. requires placards to be located inside and 
outside the hatches of the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment, 
indicating that the compartment hatch must remain closed, except when 
someone is entering, occupying, or leaving the compartment. The smoke 
and fire detection and suppression systems are

[[Page 43290]]

to be certified with the hatches closed; therefore, the hatches must 
remain closed.
    Special Condition 2c. requires placards inside and outside the 
hatches of the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment, indicating 
that occupancy of the compartment should be of minimum duration. 
Because of this limitation, the requirement of Sec.  25.819(f) to 
provide a seat is unnecessary.
    Special Condition 2d. requires a limitation to be placed in the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) and placards to be posted inside and 
outside the hatches of the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment, 
all stating that the compartment may not be occupied during taxi, 
takeoff, or landing or during a fire. These placards are being 
required, because the compartment is not being certified for occupancy 
during taxi, takeoff, or landing and because the compartment must not 
be occupied during a fire so that an occupant is not exposed to fire or 
to fire suppressant. These placards are somewhat redundant, given the 
warning required under 1(b) and 1(c) but would provide information to 
an occupant, if the flightcrew failed to activate the warnings of 1(b) 
and 1(c).
    Special Condition 2e. requires that the AFM supplement include the 
following with respect to the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment:
    [sbull] Flightdeck crew instructions for allowing access
    [sbull] Procedures, including warning and evacuation procedures, 
for the flightcrew to follow in the event of fire or smoke
    [sbull] Procedures, including warning and evacuation procedures, 
for the flightcrew to follow in the event of decompression; and
    [sbull] Limitations on occupancy during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
    This special condition also requires that the weight and balance 
manual include cargo loading restrictions requiring cargo to be loaded 
and restrained so as to maintain escape paths. These requirements are 
to ensure that a single member of the flightcrew could access the cargo 
compartment safely during flight and exit safely during failure 
conditions.
    Special Condition 2f. Because access is being provided to the aft 
lower lobe service/cargo compartment, there is concern that during 
flight, passengers may retrieve hazardous materials or weapons stored 
in luggage. Access could be prevented by locking the aft lower lobe 
service/cargo compartment, and that is being specified as one solution 
(in Special Condition 2(f)(1)). However, this airplane is being 
designed for use by a head-of-state, it will have limited access, and 
it will have placards limiting access. Furthermore, there will be 
notification to the flightcrew when the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment is occupied (in Special Condition 1(a)). Special Condition 
2(f)(2), therefore, would prohibit the airplane from being operated for 
hire or offered for common carriage.

Special Condition 3--Equipment

    In addition to that required by Sec.  25.819, Special Condition 3 
requires the following equipment:
    Special Condition 3a. requires that a portable oxygen bottle be 
available at all times and that it be sufficient to supply a member of 
the flightcrew who is occupying the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment (except during taxi, takeoff, or landing or during a fire). 
Because it would not be advisable to provide drop-down masks in a cargo 
compartment or to store a portable oxygen bottle in the compartment, 
the FAA is requiring that a portable oxygen bottle be mounted outside 
each main deck entrance of the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment. A member of the flightcrew must carry the portable oxygen 
bottle, when he or she enters the compartment. The supply of oxygen 
must be compatible with the emergency descent profile following a 
decompression.
    Special Condition 3b. requires supplemental handheld lighting (with 
locator light) when an occupant is in the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment and power to the compartment is off, or the emergency 
escape path lighting is off or lost, or if visibility is poor. At least 
two flashlights are required. One flashlight would be located adjacent 
to each emergency exit in the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment 
at the foot of the stairs in the compartment. Note that this 
requirement is in addition to the automatic emergency lighting system 
required by Sec.  25.819(a).
    Special Condition 3c. obviates the need to comply with the 
requirements of Sec.  25.819(f) for the installation of a forward or 
aft facing seat for each occupant of the compartment. The compartment's 
physical constraints, such as the reduced ceiling height and limited 
accessibility, make the installation of a seat impractical and 
prohibitive.

Special Condition 4--Evacuation Routes

    Special Condition 4 requires, in addition to the two evacuation 
routes (including an exit) specified by Sec.  25.819(a), procedures to 
keep the evacuation routes clear. The cargo in the compartment must be 
restrained to ensure that the crewmember's paths to the exits are 
clear. Further, all entrances and exits from the aft 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 concern about hazardous quantities of smoke, flames, or 
fire suppressant entering compartments occupied by passengers or crew 
and about the loss of fire suppressant from the compartment during a 
fire. The aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment must be capable of 
being closed, because after evacuation it must comply with the 
requirements applicable to the Class C cargo compartment, including 
Sec. Sec.  25.855, 25.857, and 25.858.

Special Condition 5--Training

    Because the design features required by these special features can 
fulfill their safety objectives only if crewmembers are properly 
trained in their use, these special conditions require the applicant to 
develop the following training materials:
    Special Condition 5a. requires training materials about use of the 
aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment and actions associated with 
the warnings and placards required by these special conditions.
    Special Condition 5b. requires training materials about entering 
and exiting the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment, including 
emergency exiting, (associated with Special Conditions 1(b), 1(c), 
1(d), 1(e), 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), 2(d), and 3(b)).
    Special Condition 5c. requires training materials about checking 
the pressure of the portable oxygen bottle prior to entering the aft 
lower lobe service/cargo compartment (associated with Special Condition 
3(a)).
    Special Condition 5d. requires training materials about carrying a 
portable oxygen bottle when entering the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment (associated with Special Condition 3(a)).
    Special Condition 5e. requires training materials about maintaining 
an exit aisle and access to the evacuation routes from the lower lobe 
service/cargo compartment (associated with Special Condition 3(c)).

Special Condition 6--Ladders

    The ladders between the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment 
and the main deck must meet the following requirements:
    Special Condition 6a. requires that the ladders consist of a single 
segment.

[[Page 43291]]

    Special Condition 6b. requires that the ladders have essentially 
rectangular treads.
    Special Condition 6c requires that general illumination of at least 
0.05 foot-candle, when measured along the centerlines of each tread, 
must be provided.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Boeing Model 747SP airplane. Should JRG Design Inc. 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 feature, the special conditions would apply to that 
model as well under the provisions of Sec.  21.101(a)(1) Amendment 21-
69, effective September 16, 1991.
    Under standard practice, the effective date of final special 
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the 
Federal Register. However, the issuance of a supplemental type 
certificate data sheet for the Boeing Model 747SP, as modified by JRG 
Design Inc., is imminent. The FAA finds, therefore, 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 it affects only the applicant which 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.


0
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Special Conditions

0
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 Boeing Model 747SP-68 airplane 
modified by JRG Design Inc. to include an aft lower lobe compartment 
configured for use as both a service compartment and a Class C cargo 
compartment.

1. Visible and Audible Warnings

    In addition to the audible warnings about detection of fire or 
smoke or decompression which are required by Sec.  25.819(c), the 
following warnings are required:
    a. A visible advisory in the cockpit to notify the flightcrew when 
the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment is occupied. The advisory 
light must be accompanied by a placard or message indicating that the 
compartment is occupied.
    b. An (on/off) visible warning stating ``Do Not Enter'' (or similar 
words) located outside and on or near the door from the main deck to 
the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment. The warning is to be 
controlled from the flight deck.
    c. A visible and audible warning in the aft lower lobe service/
cargo compartment to notify an occupant when he or she must evacuate 
the compartment. The warning must be one which can be seen and heard 
from any part of the compartment. The warning is to be controlled from 
the flight deck.
    d. A visible and audible warning in the aft lower lobe service/
cargo compartment'which in the event of decompression'warns an occupant 
of the need to use a portable oxygen bottle. This warning must be one 
which can be seen and heard from any part of the compartment and must 
be distinct from other warnings in the compartment. The decompression 
warning must be automatic (i.e., not require separate crew action), to 
ensure that an occupant of the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment 
does not delay using a portable oxygen bottle. This section of the 
special condition is partially in lieu of the visible effect provided 
by the automatic presentation feature required by Sec.  25.1447.
    e. A visible and audible warning in the aft lower lobe service/
cargo compartment--which in the event of a fire--warns an occupant of 
the need to evacuate the compartment. This warning must be one which 
can be seen and heard from any part of the compartment and should be 
distinct from other warnings in the compartment. The fire or smoke 
detection warning must be automatic (i.e., not require a separate crew 
action) to ensure that an occupant of the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment leaves before the flight deck crew releases fire 
suppressant.

2. Placards and Limitations

    In addition to those required in part 25, the following placards 
and limitations are required:
    a. A placard located outside the hatch to the aft lower lobe 
service/cargo compartment, indicating that access to the compartment is 
limited to one crewmember trained in evacuation procedures.
    b. A placard located inside and outside the hatches on the aft 
lower lobe service/cargo compartment, indicating that the compartment 
hatches must remain closed, except when someone is entering, occupying, 
or leaving the compartment.
    c. In lieu of compliance with Sec.  25.819(f), a placard must be 
installed inside and outside the hatches on the aft lower lobe service/
cargo compartment, indicating that occupancy of the compartment should 
be of minimum duration.
    d. A limitation in the AFM and a placard inside and outside the 
hatches to the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment, all stating 
that (1) the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment must not be 
occupied during taxi, takeoff, or landing or during a fire and (2) only 
authorized personnel are permitted access.
    e. Instructions in the AFM regarding permissible occupancy of the 
compartment; limitations on occupancy of the compartment during taxi, 
takeoff or landing; procedures for warning occupants of the compartment 
that smoke or fire has been detected; procedures for fighting a fire in 
the compartment; procedures for warning occupants of the compartment 
that decompression has occurred; and cargo loading restrictions in the 
weight and balance manual.
    f. A Limitation in the AFM Supplement stating that:
    ``Carriage of hazardous material and/or weapons in the aft lower 
lobe service/cargo compartment is prohibited unless the following 
conditions are met:
    (1) The compartment is locked during flight, and the key remains 
with the flight crew, 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. Equipment

    In addition to that required by Sec. Sec.  25.819 and 25.829(a), 
the following equipment is required:
    a. A portable oxygen bottle must be mounted outside each main deck 
entrance of the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment. The portable 
oxygen bottle must be sufficient to supply a member of the flightcrew 
who is occupying the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment and must 
be carried by the flightcrew member.
    b. Flashlights or other supplemental handheld lighting, in addition 
to the emergency illumination required by

[[Page 43292]]

Sec.  25.829(a). At least two flashlights--each equipped with a locator 
light--must be provided. One flashlight must be located adjacent to 
each emergency exit in the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment at 
the foot of the stairs in the compartment.
    c. The requirement of Sec.  25.819(f) for a forward or aft facing 
seat for each occupant of the compartment is waived, because the 
physical constraints of the compartment, such as the reduced height and 
limited accessibility make the installation of a seat impractical and 
prohibitive.

4. Evacuation Routes

    In addition to the two evacuation routes (including an exit) 
specified by Sec.  25.819(a), procedures must be established in the AFM 
Supplement to keep the evacuation routes clear. The cargo in the 
compartment must be restrained to ensure that the crewmember's paths to 
the exits are clear. Further, all entrances and exits from the aft 
lower lobe service/cargo compartment must be capable of being closed 
after exiting. The aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment must be 
capable of being closed, because after evacuation it must comply with 
the requirements applicable to the Class C cargo compartment, including 
Sec. Sec.  25.855, 25.857, and 25.858.

5. Training

    Training materials which address the following procedures must be 
provided:
    a. Use of the aft lower lobe service/service compartment and 
actions indicated by the warnings and placards specified herein.
    b. Entering and exiting the aft lower lobe service/cargo 
compartment, including emergency exiting.
    c. Checking the pressure of the portable oxygen bottle prior to 
entering the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment.
    d. Carrying a portable oxygen bottle when entering the aft lower 
lobe service/cargo compartment.
    e. Maintaining an exit aisle and access to evacuation routes from 
the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment. Training must address how 
to keep the evacuation routes clear, i.e., how to restrain cargo in the 
compartment to ensure that the paths to the exits are clear.
    f. A limitation in the AFM Supplement stating that all personnel 
accessing the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment must be trained 
in the procedures listed above.

6. Ladders

    The following requirements must be met for ladders between the main 
deck and the aft lower lobe service/cargo compartment:
    a. The ladders must consist of a single segment.
    b. The ladders must have essentially rectangular treads.
    c. General illumination of at least 0.05 foot-candle, when measured 
along the centerlines of each ladder tread, must be provided.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 2, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Assistant Director, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18625 Filed 7-21-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P