[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 76 (Thursday, April 20, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20368-20374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5907]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. CE242; Notice No. 23-06-02-SC]


Special Conditions: Approved Model List Installation of AmSafe 
Inflatable Restraints in Normal and Utility Category Non-23.562 
Certified Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed special conditions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice proposes special conditions for the installation 
of an AmSafe, Inc., Inflatable Two-, Three-, Four or Five-Point 
Restraint Safety Belt with an Integrated Airbag Device on various 
airplane models. These airplanes, as modified by AmSafe, Inc., will 
have novel and unusual design features associated with the lap belt or 
shoulder harness portion of the safety belt, which contains an 
integrated airbag device. The applicable airworthiness regulations do 
not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design 
feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety 
standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a 
level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing 
airworthiness standards.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 22, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments on these special conditions may be mailed in 
duplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Regional Counsel, 
ACE-7, Attention: Rules Docket, Docket No. CE242, 901 Locust, Room 506, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106, or delivered in duplicate to the Regional 
Counsel at the above address. Comments must be marked: CE242. 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: Mr. Mark James, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane 
Directorate, ACE-111, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri, 816-329-4137, 
fax 816-329-4090, e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of 
these proposed special conditions by submitting such written data, 
views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify 
the regulatory docket or notice number and be submitted in duplicate to 
the address specified above. All communications received on or before 
the closing date for comments will be considered by the Administrator. 
The proposals described in this notice may be changed in light of the 
comments received. All comments received will be available in the Rules 
Docket for examination by interested persons, both before and after the 
closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public 
contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking will be filed in 
the docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their 
comments submitted in response to this notice must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: 
``Comments to CE242.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned 
to the commenter.

Background

    On August 19, 2005, AmSafe, Inc., Aviation Inflatable Restraints 
(AAIR) Division, 1043 North 47th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043, applied for 
a supplemental type certificate for the installation of an inflatable 
restraint in various airplane models certificated before the dynamic 
structural requirements as specified in 14 CFR part 23, section 23.562 
took effect.
    The inflatable restraint system is either a two-, three-, four, or 
five-point safety belt restraint system consisting of a shoulder 
harness and a lap belt with an inflatable airbag attached to either the 
lap belt or the shoulder harness. The inflatable portion of the 
restraint system will rely on sensors to electronically activate the 
inflator for deployment. The inflatable restraint system will be made 
available on the pilot, co-pilot, and passenger seats of these 
airplanes.
    In the event of an emergency landing, the airbag will inflate and 
provide a protective cushion between the occupant's head and structure 
within the airplane. This will reduce the potential for head and torso 
injury. The inflatable restraint behaves in a manner that is similar to 
an automotive airbag, but in this case, the airbag is integrated into 
the lap or shoulder belt. While airbags and inflatable restraints are 
standard in the automotive industry, the use of an inflatable restraint 
system is novel for general aviation operations.
    The FAA has determined that this project will be accomplished on 
the basis of providing the same current level of safety of the 
airplanes original certification basis. The FAA has two primary safety 
concerns with the installation of airbags or inflatable restraints:
     That they perform properly under foreseeable operating 
conditions; and
     That they do not perform in a manner or at such times as 
to impede the pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane or 
constitute a hazard to the airplane or occupants.
    The latter point has the potential to be the more rigorous of the 
requirements. An unexpected deployment while conducting the takeoff or 
landing phases of flight may result in an unsafe condition. The 
unexpected deployment may either startle the pilot, or generate a force 
sufficient to cause a sudden movement of the control yoke. Either 
action could result in a loss of control of the airplane, the 
consequences of which are magnified due to the low operating altitudes 
during these phases of flight. The FAA has considered this

[[Page 20369]]

when establishing these special conditions.
    The inflatable restraint system relies on sensors to electronically 
activate the inflator for deployment. These sensors could be 
susceptible to inadvertent activation, causing deployment in a 
potentially unsafe manner. The consequences of an inadvertent 
deployment must be considered in establishing the reliability of the 
system. AmSafe, Inc. must show that the effects of an inadvertent 
deployment in flight are not a hazard to the airplane or that an 
inadvertent deployment is extremely improbable. In addition, general 
aviation aircraft are susceptible to a large amount of cumulative wear 
and tear on a restraint system. It is likely that the potential for 
inadvertent deployment increases as a result of this cumulative damage. 
Therefore, the impact of wear and tear on inadvertent deployment must 
be considered. Due to the effects of this cumulative damage, a life 
limit must be established for the appropriate system components in the 
restraint system design.
    There are additional factors to be considered to minimize the 
chances of inadvertent deployment. General aviation airplanes are 
exposed to a unique operating environment, since the same airplane may 
be used by both experienced and student pilots. The effect of this 
environment on inadvertent deployment must be understood. Therefore, 
qualification testing of the firing hardware/software must consider the 
following:
     The airplane vibration levels appropriate for a general 
aviation airplane; and
     The inertial loads that result from typical flight or 
ground maneuvers, including gusts and hard landings.
    Any tendency for the firing mechanism to activate as a result of 
these loads or acceleration levels is unacceptable.
    Other influences on inadvertent deployment include high intensity 
electromagnetic fields (HIRF) and lightning. Since the sensors that 
trigger deployment are electronic, they must be protected from the 
effects of these threats. To comply with HIRF and lightning 
requirements, the AmSafe, Inc., inflatable restraint system is 
considered a critical system, since its inadvertent deployment could 
have a hazardous effect on the airplane.
    Given the level of safety of the retrofitted airplane occupant 
restraints, the inflatable restraint system must show that it will 
offer an equivalent level of protection in the event of an emergency 
landing. In the event of a deployment, the restraint must still be at 
least as strong as a Technical Standard Order approved belt and 
shoulder harnesses. There is no requirement for the inflatable portion 
of the restraint to offer protection during multiple impacts, where 
more than one impact would require protection.
    The inflatable restraint system must deploy and provide protection 
for each occupant during emergency landing conditions as specified in 
the original certification basis. The seats of the various airplane 
models were certificated prior to the dynamic structural requirements 
of section 23.562. Therefore, the emergency landing loads conditions 
identified in the original certification basis of the airplane must be 
used to satisfy this requirement. Compliance will be demonstrated using 
the test condition specified in the original certification basis. It 
must also be shown that the crash sensor will trigger when exposed to a 
rapidly applied deceleration, like an actual crash event. Therefore, 
the test crash pulses identified in section 23.562 must be used to 
satisfy this requirement, although, the peak ``G'' may be reduced to a 
level meeting the original certification requirements of the aircraft. 
Testing to these pulses will demonstrate that the crash sensor will 
trigger when exposed to a rapidly applied deceleration, like an actual 
crash event.
    It is possible a wide range of occupants will use the inflatable 
restraint. Thus, the protection offered by this restraint should be 
effective for occupants that range from the fifth percentile female to 
the ninety-fifth percentile male.
    In support of this operational capability, there must be a means to 
verify the integrity of this system before each flight. As an option, 
AmSafe, Inc. can establish inspection intervals where they have 
demonstrated the system to be reliable between these intervals.
    It is possible that an inflatable restraint will be ``armed'' even 
though no occupant is using the seat. While there will be means to 
verify the integrity of the system before flight, it is also prudent to 
require that unoccupied seats with active restraints not constitute a 
hazard to any occupant. This will protect any individual performing 
maintenance inside the cockpit while the aircraft is on the ground. The 
restraint must also provide suitable visual warnings that would alert 
rescue personnel to the presence of an inflatable restraint system.
    In addition, the design must prevent the inflatable seatbelt from 
being incorrectly buckled and/or installed such that the airbag would 
not properly deploy. As an alternative, AmSafe, Inc. may show that such 
deployment is not hazardous to the occupant and will still provide the 
required protection.
    The cabins of the various modeal airplanes identified in these 
special conditions are confined areas, and the FAA is concerned that 
noxious gasses may accumulate in the event of airbag deployment. When 
deployment does occur, either by design or inadvertently, there must 
not be a release of hazardous quantities of gas or particulate matter 
into the cockpit.
    An inflatable restraint should not increase the risk already 
associated with fire. Therefore, the inflatable restraint should be 
protected from the effects of fire, so that an additional hazard is not 
created by, for example, a rupture of the inflator.
    The airbag is likely to have a large volume displacement, and 
possibly impede the egress of an occupant. Since the bag deflates to 
absorb energy, it is likely that the inflatable restraint would be 
deflated at the time an occupant would attempt egress. However, it is 
appropriate to specify a time interval after which the inflatable 
restraint may not impede rapid egress. Ten seconds has been chosen as 
reasonable time. This time limit will offer a level of protection 
throughout the impact event.
    Finally, there is an elevated risk associated with inadvertent 
deployment for agricultural airplanes, which are type certificated 
under the restricted category. This is due to the unique operating 
environment and low altitude flying of these airplanes. The FAA is 
still trying to understand the risk and benefit associated with the 
installation of these systems into restricted category airplanes in 
general and agricultural airplanes specifically. Therefore, the 
installation of the AAIR system is currently prohibited in agricultural 
airplanes type certificated under the restricted category.
    Special conditions for the installation of AAIR systems on other 
Non-23.562 certificated airplanes have been issued and no substantive 
public comments were received. Since the same special conditions were 
issued multiple times for different model airplanes with no substantive 
public comments, the FAA began issuing direct final special conditions 
with an invitation for public comment. This was done to eliminate the 
waiting period for public comments and AmSafe aviation could proceed 
with the project, since no comments were expected.
    These previous special conditions were issued for a single model 
airplane or for variants of a model from a single airplane 
manufacturer, and required dynamic testing of each AAIR system

[[Page 20370]]

installation for showing compliance. The AML Supplemental Type 
Certificate sought by AmSafe Aviation has numerous airplane models and 
manufacturers. Since AmSafe Aviation has previously demonstrated by 
dynamic testing, and has the supporting data, that the Electronics 
Module Assembly (EMA) and the inflator assembly will function as 
intended in a simulated dynamic emergency landing, it is not necessary 
to repeat the test for each airplane model shown in these special 
conditions.
    This is a departure from the method of showing compliance used in 
the prior special conditions. Testing is required to show compliance, 
but it is not necessary to repeat the testing for each airplane 
installation. Existing test data is adequate for showing compliance for 
other airplanes where the AAIR equipment is identical and the 
installation is nearly identical. Since this is a substantial change in 
the philosophy of showing compliance, it is prudent to give the public 
time to comment on the special conditions prior to moving forward with 
the project.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR part 21, section 21.101, AmSafe, 
Inc., must show that the affected airplane models, as changed, continue 
to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by 
reference in the Type Certificate Numbers listed below 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'' and can be found in the Type Certificate Numbers 
listed below. The following models are covered by this special 
condition:

                                 List of All Airplane Models and Applicable TCDS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Certification
              Make                       Model             TC holder             TCDS                basis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerostar........................  PA-60-600
                                   (Aerostar 600),
                                  PA-60-601
                                   (Aerostar 601),
                                  PA-60-601P
                                   (Aerostar 601P),
                                  PA-60-602P
                                   (Aerostar 602P).
                                  PA-60-700P          A17WE Revision 22.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   (Aerostar 700P).
                                   Aerostar Aircraft
                                   Corporation.
ALL AMERICAN....................  10A...............  All American        A-792.............  CAR 3.
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.
American Champion (Champion)....  402...............  American Champion   A3CE Revision 5...  CAR 3.
                                                       Aircraft Corp.
American Champion (Bellanca)      7AC, 7ACA, 7EC,     American Champion   A-759 Revision 67.  CAR 4a.
 (Champion) (Aeronca).             7GCB, S7AC, S7EC,   Aircraft Corp.
                                   7GCBA (L-16A),
                                   7BCM, 7ECA, 7GCBC
                                   (L-16B), 7CCM,
                                   7FC, 7HC, S7CCM,
                                   7GC, 7JC, 7DC,
                                   7GCA, 7KC, S7DC,
                                   7GCAA, 7KCAB.
American Champion (Bellanca)      11AC, S11AC, 11BC,  American Champion   A-761 Revision 17.  CAR 4a.
 (Trytek) (Aeronca).               S11BC.              Aircraft Corp.
AMERICAN CHAMPION (Bellanca)      11CC, S11CC.......  American Champion   A-796 Revision 14.  CAR 3.
 (Trytek) (Aeronca).                                   Aircraft
                                                       Corporation.
VARGA (Morrisey)................  2150, 2150A, 2180.  Augustair, Inc....  4A19 Revision 9...  CAR 3.
Bellanca........................  14-13, 14-13-2, 14- Bellanca Aircraft   A-773 Revision 10.  CAR 4a.
                                   13-3, 14-13-3W.     Corporation.
Bellanca........................  14-9, 14-9L.......  Bellanca Aircraft   TC716.............  CAR 4a.
                                                       Corporation.
Cessna..........................  310, 310J,          Cessna Aircraft     3A10 Revision 62..  CAR 3.
                                   310A(USAF U-3A),    Company.
                                   310J-1, 310B,
                                   E310J, 310C,
                                   310K, 310D, 310L,
                                   310E(USAF U-3B),
                                   310N, 310F, 310P,
                                   310G, T310P,
                                   310H, 310Q,
                                   E310H, T310Q,
                                   310I, 310R, T310R.
Cessna..........................  321 (Navy OE-2)...  Cessna Aircraft     3A11 Revision 6...  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
Cessna..........................  172, 172I, 172A,    Cessna Aircraft     3A12 Revision 73..  CAR 3.
                                   172K, 172B, 172L,   Company.
                                   172C, 172M, 172D,
                                   172N, 172E, 172P,
                                   172F (USAF T-
                                   41A), 172Q, 172G,
                                   172H, (USAF T-
                                   41A).
CESSNA..........................  175, 175A, 175B,    Cessna Aircraft     3A17 Revision 45..  CAR 3.
                                   175C, P172D,        Company.
                                   R172E (USAF T-
                                   41B) (USAF T-41C
                                   and D), R172F
                                   (USAF T-41D),
                                   R172G (USAF T-41C
                                   or D), R172H
                                   (USAF T-41D),
                                   R172J, R172K,
                                   172RG.
Cessna..........................  182, 182K, 182A,    Cessna Aircraft     3A13 Revision 64..  CAR 3.
                                   182L, 182B, 182M,   Company.
                                   182C, 182N, 182D,
                                   182P, 182E, 182Q,
                                   182F, 182R, 182G,
                                   R182, 182H, T182,
                                   182J, TR182.
Cessna..........................  210, 210K, 210A,    Cessna Aircraft     3A21 Revision 46..  CAR 3.
                                   T210K, 210B,        Company.
                                   210L, 210C,
                                   T210L, 210D,
                                   210M, 210E,
                                   T210M, 210F,
                                   210N, T210F,
                                   P210N, 210G,
                                   T210N, T210G,
                                   210R, 210H,
                                   P210R, T210H,
                                   T210R, 210J, 210-
                                   5 (205), T210J,
                                   210-5A (205A).

[[Page 20371]]

 
Cessna..........................  185, A185E, 185A,   Cessna Aircraft     3A24 Revision 37..  CAR 3.
                                   A185F, 185B,        Company.
                                   185C, 185D, 185E.
Cessna..........................  320, 320F, 320-1,   Cessna Aircraft     3A25 Revision 25..  CAR 3.
                                   335, 320A, 340,     Company.
                                   320B, 340A, 320C,
                                   320D, 320E.
Cessna..........................  140A..............  Cessna Aircraft     5A2 Revision 21...  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
Cessna..........................  180, 180E, 180A,    Cessna Aircraft     5A6 Revision 66...  CAR 3.
                                   180F, 180B, 180G,   Company.
                                   180C, 180H, 180D,
                                   180J, 180E, 180K.
Cessna..........................  336...............  Cessna Aircraft     A2CE Revision 7...  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
Cessna..........................  206, U206B,         Cessna Aircraft     A4CE Revision 43..  CAR 3.
                                   TP206D, P206,       Company.
                                   U206C, TP206E,
                                   P206A, U206D,
                                   TU206A, P206B,
                                   U206E, TU206B,
                                   P206C, U206F,
                                   TU206C, P206D,
                                   U206G, TU206D,
                                   P206E, TP206A,
                                   TU206E, U206,
                                   TP206B, TU206F,
                                   U206A, TP206C,
                                   TU206G.
CESSNA..........................  337A (USAF 02B),    Cessna Aircraft     A6CE Revision 40..  CAR 3/14 CFR PART
                                   T337E, 337B,        Company.                                23.
                                   337F, M337B (USAF
                                   02A), T337F,
                                   T337B, 337G,
                                   337C, T337G,
                                   T337C, 337H,
                                   337D, P337H,
                                   T337D, T337H,
                                   T337H-SP.
CESSNA..........................  401, 411A, 401A,    Cessna Aircraft     A7CE Revision 46..  CAR 3.
                                   414, 401B, 414A,    Company.
                                   402, 421, 402A,
                                   421A, 402B, 421B,
                                   402C, 421C, 411,
                                   425.
CESSNA..........................  190 (LC-126A,B,C),  Cessna Aircraft     A-790 Revision 36.  CAR 3.
                                   195, 195A, 195B.    Company.
Cessna..........................  170, 170A, 170B...  Cessna Aircraft     A-799 Revision 54.  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
CESSNA..........................  150, 150J, 150A,    Cessna Aircraft     3A19 Revision 44..  CAR 3.
                                   150K, 150B,         Company.
                                   A150K, 150C,
                                   150L, 150D,
                                   A150L, 150E,
                                   150M, 150F,
                                   A150M, 150G, 152,
                                   150H, A152.
CESSNA..........................  177, 177A, 177B...  Cessna Aircraft     A13CE Revision 24.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                                       Company.
CESSNA..........................  404, 406..........  Cessna Aircraft     A25CE Revision 11.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                                       Company.
Cessna..........................  208, 208A, 208B...  Cessna Aircraft     A37CE Revision 12.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                                       Company.
Cessna..........................  441...............  Cessna Aircraft     A28CE Revision 12.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                                       Company.
Cessna..........................  120, 140..........  Cessna Aircraft     A-768 Revision 34.  CAR 4a.
                                                       Company.
Commander Aircraft..............  Model 112, Model    Commander Aircraft  A12SO Revision 21.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   114, Model 112TC,   Company.
                                   Model 112B, Model
                                   112TCA, Model
                                   114A, Model 114B,
                                   Model 114TC.
Great Lakes.....................  2T-1A, 2T-1A-1, 2T- Great Lakes         A18EA Revision 10.  Aeronautical
                                   1A-2.               Aircraft Company,                       Bulletin No. 7-A.
                                                       LLC.
Helio (Taylorcraft).............  15A, 20...........  Helio Aircraft      3A3 Revision 7....  CAR 4a.
                                                       Corporation.
LEARJET.........................  23................  Learjet Inc.......  A5CE Revision 10..  CAR 3.
LOCKHEED........................  402-2.............  Lockheed Aircraft   2A11 Revision 4...  AR 3.
                                                       International.
LAND-AIR (TEMCO) (LUSCOMBE).....  11A, 11E..........  Luscombe Aircraft   A-804 Revision 14.  CAR 3.
                                                       Corporation.
MAULE...........................  Bee Dee M-4, M-5-   MAULE AEROSPACE     3A23 Revision 30..  CAR 3.
                                   180C, MXT-7-160,    TECHNOLOGY, INC.
                                   M-4-180V, M-4 M-5-
                                   200, MX-7-180A, M-
                                   4C, M-5-210C, MXT-
                                   7-180A, M-4S, M-5-
                                   210TC, MX-7-180B,
                                   M-4T, M-5-220C, M-
                                   7-235B, M-4-180C,
                                   M-5-235C, M-7-
                                   235A, M-4-180S, M-
                                   6-180, M-7-235C,
                                   M-4-180T, M-6-
                                   235, MX-7-180C, M-
                                   4-210, M-7-235, M-
                                   7-260, M-4-210C,
                                   MX-7-235, MT-7-
                                   260, M-4-210S, MX-
                                   7-180, M-7-260C,
                                   M-4-210T, MX-7-
                                   420, M-7-420AC, M-
                                   4-220, MXT-7-180,
                                   MX-7-160C, M-4-
                                   220C, MT-7-235,
                                   MX-7-180AC, M-4-
                                   220S, M-8-235, M-
                                   7-420A, M-4-220T,
                                   MX-7-160, MT-7-
                                   420.
Mooney..........................  M20, M20A, M20B,    Mooney Airplane     2A3 Revision 47...  CAR 3.
                                   M20C, M20D, M20E,   Company, Inc.
                                   M20F, M20G, M20J,
                                   M20K (Up to S/N
                                   25-2000), M20L.
Interceptor (Aero Commander)      200, 200A, 200B,    Prop-Jets, Inc....  3A18 Revision 16..  CAR 3.
 (Meyers).                         200C, 200D, 400.

[[Page 20372]]

 
BEECH...........................  35-33, J35, 35-     Raytheon Aircraft   3A15 Revision 90..  CAR 3.
                                   A33, K35, 35-B33,   Company.
                                   M35, 35-C33, N35,
                                   35-C33A, P35,
                                   E33, S35, E33A,
                                   V35, E33C, V35A,
                                   F33, V35B, F33A,
                                   36, F33C, A36,
                                   G33, A36TC, H35,
                                   B36TC, G36.
BEECH...........................  45 (YT-34), A45 (T- Raytheon Aircraft   5A3 Revision 25...  CAR 03.
                                   34A, B-45), D45     Company.
                                   (T-34B).
BEECH...........................  19A, B23, B19,      Raytheon Aircraft   A1CE Revision 34..  CAR 3.
                                   C23, M19A, A24,     Company.
                                   23, A24R, A23,
                                   B24R, A23A, C24R,
                                   A23-19, A23-24.
BEECH...........................  3N, E18S-9700,3NM,  Raytheon Aircraft   A-765 Revision 74.  CAR 03.
                                   G18S, 3TM, H18,     Company.
                                   JRB-6, C-45G, TC-
                                   45G, D18C, C-45H,
                                   TC-45H, D18S, TC-
                                   45J or E18S, UC-
                                   45J (SNB-5) RC-
                                   45J (SNB-5P).
BEECH...........................  35, A35, E35, B35,  Raytheon Aircraft   A-777 Revision 57.  CAR 03.
                                   F35, C35, G35,      Company.
                                   D35, 35R.
RAYTHEON........................  200, A100-1 (U-     Raytheon Aircraft   A24CE Revision 91.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   21J), 200C, A200    Company.
                                   (C-12A), 200CT,
                                   A200 (C-12C),
                                   200T, A200C (UC-
                                   12B), B200,
                                   A200CT (C-12D),
                                   B200C, A200CT
                                   (FWC-12D),
                                   B200CT, A200CT (C-
                                   12F), B200T,
                                   A200CT (RC-12D),
                                   300, A200CT (RC-
                                   12G), 300LW,
                                   A200CT (RC-12H),
                                   B300, A200CT (RC-
                                   12K), B300C,
                                   A200CT (RC-12P),
                                   1900, A200CT (RC-
                                   12Q), 1900C,
                                   B200C (C-12F),
                                   1900D, B200C (UC-
                                   12M), B200C (C-
                                   12R), B200C (UC-
                                   12F), 1900C (C-
                                   12J).
Beech...........................  B95A, D55, D95A,    Raytheon Aircraft   3A16 Revision 81..  CAR 3.
                                   D55A, E95, E55,     Company.
                                   95-55, E55A, 95-
                                   A55, 56TC, 95-
                                   B55, A56TC, 95-
                                   B55A, 58, 95-B55B
                                   (T-42A), 58A, 95-
                                   C55, 95, 95-C55A,
                                   B95, G58.
BEECH...........................  60, A60, B60......  Raytheon Aircraft   A12CE Revision 23.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                                       Company.
BEECH...........................  58P, 58PA, 58TC,    Raytheon Aircraft   A23CE Revision 14.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   58TCA.              Company.
CESSNA..........................  CESSNA F172D,        Reims Aviation     A4EU Revision 11..  CAR 10/ CAR 3.
                                   CESSNA F172E,       S.A..
                                   CESSNA F172F,
                                   CESSNA F172G,
                                   CESSNA F172H,
                                   CESSNA F172K,
                                   CESSNA F172L,
                                   CESSNA F172M,
                                   CESSNA F172N,
                                   CESSNA F172P.
SOCATA..........................  TB 9, TB 10, TB     SOCATA--GROUPE      A51EU Revision 14.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   20, TB 21, TB 200.  AEROSPATIALE.
Pitts...........................  S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S- Sky International   A8SO Revision 21..  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   2A, S-2S, S-2B, S-  Inc. (Aviat
                                   2C.                 Aircraft, Inc.).
Taylorcraft.....................  19, F19, F21,       Taylorcraft         1A9 Revision 19...  CAR 3.
                                   F21A, F21B, F22,    Aviation LLC.
                                   F22A, F22B, F22C.
TAYLORCRAFT.....................  BC, BCS12-D, BCS,   Taylorcraft         A-696 Revision 22.  CAR 04.
                                   BC12-D1, BC-65,     Aviation, LLC.
                                   BCS12-D1, BCS-65,
                                   BC12D-85, BC12-65
                                   (Army L-2H),
                                   BCS12D-85, BCS12-
                                   65, BC12D-4-85,
                                   BC12-D, BCS12D-4-
                                   85.
TAYLORCRAFT.....................  (Army L-2G) BF,     Taylorcraft, Inc..  A-699 Revision 5..  CAR 4a.
                                   BFS, BF-60, BFS-
                                   60, BF-65, BFS-
                                   65, (Army L-2K)
                                   BF 12-65, BFS-65.
LUSCOMBE........................  8, 8D, 8A, 8E, 8B,  The Don Luscombe    A-694 Revision 23.  CAR 4a.
                                   8F, 8C, T-8F.       Aviation History
                                                       Foundation, Inc.
PIPER...........................  PA-28-140, PA-28-   The New Piper       2A13 Revision 47..  CAR 3.
                                   151, PA-28-150,     Aircraft, Inc.
                                   PA-28-161, PA-28-
                                   160, PA-28-181,
                                   PA-28-180, PA-28R-
                                   201, PA-28-235,
                                   PA-28R-201T, PA-
                                   28S-160, PA-28-
                                   236, PA-28S-180,
                                   PA-28RT-201, PA-
                                   28R-180, PA-28RT-
                                   201T, PA-28R-200,
                                   PA-28-201T.
PIPER...........................  PA-30, PA-39, PA-   The New Piper       A1EA Revision 16..  CAR 3.
                                   40.                 Aircraft, Inc.
PIPER...........................  PA-32-260, PA-32R-  The New Piper       A3SO Revision 29..  CAR 3.
                                   301 (SP), PA-32-    Aircraft, Inc.
                                   300, PA-32R-301
                                   (HP), PA-32S-300,
                                   PA-32R-301T, PA-
                                   32R-300, PA-32-
                                   301, PA-32RT-300,
                                   PA-32-301T, PA-
                                   32RT-300T, PA-32-
                                   301FT, PA-32-
                                   301XTC.
PIPER...........................  PA-34-200, PA-34-   The New Piper       A7SO Revision 16..  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   200T, PA-34-220T.   Aircraft, Inc.

[[Page 20373]]

 
PIPER...........................  PA-31P, PA-31T, PA- The New Piper       A8EA Revision 22..  CAR 3.
                                   31T1, PA-31T2, PA-  Aircraft, Inc.
                                   31T3, PA-31P-350.
PIPER...........................  PA-36-285, PA-36-   The New Piper       A9SO Revision 9...  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   300, PA-36-375.     Aircraft, Inc.
PIPER...........................  PA-36-285, PA-36-   The New Piper       A10SO Revision 12.  14 CFR PART 21/14
                                   300, PA-36-375.     Aircraft, Inc.                          CFR PART 23.
PIPER...........................  PA-38-112.........  The New Piper       A18SO Revision 4..  14 CFR PART 23.
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.
PIPER...........................  PA-44-180, PA-44-   The New Piper       A19SO Revision 9..  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   180T.               Aircraft, Inc.
PIPER...........................  PA-31, PA-31-300,   The New Piper       A20SO Revision 10.  CAR 3.
                                   PA-31-325, PA-31-   Aircraft, Inc.
                                   350.
PIPER...........................  PA-42, PA-42-720,   The New Piper       A23SO Revision 17.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   PA-42-1000.         Aircraft, Inc.
PIPER...........................  PA-46-310P, PA-46-  The New Piper       A25SO Revision 14.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   350P, PA-46-500TP.  Aircraft, Inc.
Tiger Aircraft LLC (American      AA-1, AA-1A, AA-    Tiger Aircraft LLC  A11EA Revision 10.  14 CFR PART 23.
 General).                         1B, AA-1C.
Tiger Aircraft..................  AA-5, AA-5A, AA-    Tiger Aircraft LLC  A16EA Revision 13.  14 CFR PART 23.
                                   5B, AG-5B.
Twin Commander..................  500, 500-A, 500-B,  Twin Commander      6A1 Revision 45...  CAR 3.
                                   500-U, 520, 560,    Aircraft
                                   560-A, 560-E, 500-  Corporation.
                                   S.
Twin Commander..................  560-F, 681, 680,    Twin Commander      2A4 Revision 46...  CAR 3.
                                   690, 680E, 685,     Aircraft
                                   680F, 690A, 720,    Corporation.
                                   690B, 680FL,
                                   690C, 680FL(P),
                                   690D, 680T, 695,
                                   680V, 695A, 680W,
                                   695B.
Univair (Stinson)...............  108, 108-1, 108-2,  Univair Aircraft    A-767 Revision 27.  CAR 3.
                                   108-3, 108-5.       Corporation.
Univair.........................  (ERCO) 415-D,       Univair Aircraft    A-787 Revision 33.  CAR 3.
                                   (ERCO) E, (ERCO)    Corporation.
                                   G, (Forney) F-1,
                                   (Forney) F-1A,
                                   (Alon) A-2,
                                   (Alon) A2-A,
                                   (Mooney) M10.
Univair (Mooney)................  (ERCO) 415-C,       Univair Aircraft    A-718 Revision 29.  CAR 4a.
                                   (ERCO) 415-CD.      Corporation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For all the models listed above, the certification basis also 
includes all exemptions, if any; equivalent level of safety findings, 
if any; and special conditions not relevant to the special conditions 
adopted by this rulemaking action.
    The Administrator has determined that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., CAR 3. or part 23 as amended) do not contain 
adequate or appropriate safety standards for the AmSafe, Inc., 
inflatable restraint as installed on these models because of a novel or 
unusual design feature. Therefore, special conditions are prescribed 
under the provisions of section 21.16.
    Special conditions, as appropriate, as defined in section 11.19, 
are issued in accordance with section 11.38, and become part of the 
type certification basis in accordance with section 21.101.Special 
conditions are initially applicable to the model for which they are 
issued. Should the applicant apply for a supplemental type certificate 
to modify any other model included on the same type certificate to 
incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, the special 
conditions would also apply to that model under the provisions of 
section 21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The various airplane models will incorporate the following novel or 
unusual design feature:
    The AmSafe, Inc., Inflatable Two-, Three-, Four-, or Five-Point 
Restraint Safety Belt with an Integrated Airbag Device. The purpose of 
the airbag is to reduce the potential for injury in the event of an 
accident. In a severe impact, an airbag will deploy from the restraint, 
in a manner similar to an automotive airbag. The airbag will deploy 
between the head of the occupant and airplane interior structure. This 
will, therefore, provide some protection to the head of the occupant. 
The restraint will rely on sensors to electronically activate the 
inflator for deployment.
    The Code of Federal Regulations state performance criteria for 
seats and restraints in an objective manner. However, none of these 
criteria are adequate to address the specific issues raised concerning 
inflatable restraints. Therefore, the FAA has determined that, in 
addition to the requirements of part 21 and part 23, special conditions 
are needed to address the installation of this inflatable restraint.
    Accordingly, these special conditions are adopted for the various 
airplane models equipped with the AmSafe, Inc., two-, three-, four, or 
five-point inflatable restraint. Other conditions may be developed, as 
needed, based on further FAA review and discussions with the 
manufacturer and civil aviation authorities.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on the previously identified airplane models. 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 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

Citation

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 
21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.

The Proposed Special Conditions

    The FAA has determined that this project will be accomplished on 
the basis of not lowering the current level of safety of the occupant 
restraint system for the airplane models listed in these proposed 
Special Conditions.

[[Page 20374]]

Accordingly, the FAA proposes the following special conditions as part 
of the type certification basis for these models, as modified by 
AmSafe, Incorporated.

Inflatable Two-, Three-, Four-, or Five-Point Restraint Safety Belt 
With an Integrated Airbag Device Installed in an Airplane Model.

    1a. It must be shown that the inflatable restraint will provide 
restraint protection under the emergency landing conditions specified 
in the original certification basis of the airplane. Compliance will be 
demonstrated using the static test conditions specified in the original 
certification basis for each airplane.
    1b. It must be shown that the crash sensor will trigger when 
exposed to arapidly applied deceleration, like an actual emergency 
landing event. Therefore, compliance may be demonstrated using the 
deceleration pulse specified in paragraph 23.562, which may be modified 
as follows:
    I. The peak longitudinal deceleration may be reduced, however the 
onset rate of the deceleration must be equal to or greater than the 
emergency landing pulse identified in paragraph 23.562.
    II. The peak longitudinal deceleration must be above the deployment 
threshold of the sensor, and equal or greater than the forward static 
design longitudinal load factor required by the original certification 
basis of the airplane.
    2. The inflatable restraint must provide adequate protection for 
each occupant. In addition, unoccupied seats that have an active 
restraint must not constitute a hazard to any occupant.
    3. The design must prevent the inflatable restraint from being 
incorrectly buckled and/or incorrectly installed such that the airbag 
would not properly deploy. Alternatively, it must be shown that such 
deployment is not hazardous to the occupant and will provide the 
required protection.
    4. It must be shown that the inflatable restraint system is not 
susceptible to inadvertent deployment as a result of wear and tear or 
the inertial loads resulting from in-flight or ground maneuvers 
(including gusts and hard landings) that are likely to be experienced 
in service.
    5. It must be extremely improbable for an inadvertent deployment of 
the restraint system to occur, or an inadvertent deployment must not 
impede the pilot's ability to maintain control of the airplane or cause 
an unsafe condition (or hazard to the airplane). In addition, a 
deployed inflatable restraint must be at least as strong as a Technical 
Standard Order (C22g or C114) restraint.
    6. It must be shown that deployment of the inflatable restraint 
system is not hazardous to the occupant or result in injuries that 
could impede rapid egress. This assessment should include occupants 
whose restraint is loosely fastened.
    7. It must be shown that an inadvertent deployment that could cause 
injury to a sitting person is improbable. In addition, the restraint 
must also provide suitable visual warnings that would alert rescue 
personnel to the presence of an inflatable restraint system.
    8. It must be shown that the inflatable restraint will not impede 
rapid egress of the occupants 10 seconds after its deployment.
    9. For the purposes of complying with HIRF and lightning 
requirements, the inflatable restraint system is considered a critical 
system since its deployment could have a hazardous effect on the 
airplane.
    10. It must be shown that the inflatable restraints will not 
release hazardous quantities of gas or particulate matter into the 
cabin.
    11. The inflatable restraint system installation must be protected 
from the effects of fire such that no hazard to occupants will result.
    12. There must be a means to verify the integrity of the inflatable 
restraint activation system before each flight or it must be 
demonstrated to reliably operate between inspection intervals.
    13. A life limit must be established for appropriate system 
components.
    14. Qualification testing of the internal firing mechanism must be 
performed at vibration levels appropriate for a general aviation 
airplane.
    15. The installation of the AmSafe Aviation Inflatable Restraint 
(AAIR) system is prohibited in agricultural airplanes type certificated 
under the Restricted Category.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April 6, 2006.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-5907 Filed 4-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P