[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 2, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19-26]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-25465]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. CE285; Special Conditions No. 23-225-SC]


Special Conditions: AmSafe Aviation; Inflatable Restraints 
Installation; Approved Model List of Normal and Utility Category 
Airplanes, and Agricultural Airplanes Certificated in the Normal/
Utility/Restricted Category

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for AmSafe Aviation for a 
list of approved models. These airplanes, as modified by AmSafe 
Aviation, 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 and 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 
airworthiness standards.

DATES: The effective date of these special conditions is December 26, 
2007. Comments must be received on or before February 1, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Mail two copies of your comments on these special conditions 
to: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Regional Counsel, ACE-7, 
Attention: Rules Docket, Docket No. CE285, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106, or you may deliver two copies to the Regional 
Counsel at the above address. Mark your comments: Docket No. CE285. You 
may inspect comments in the Rules Docket weekdays, except Federal 
holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bob Stegeman, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, ACE-111, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri, 816-329-4140, fax 
816-329-4090, e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable because 
these procedures would significantly delay issuance of the approval 
design and thus delivery of the affected aircraft. In addition, the 
substance of these special conditions has been subject to the public 
comment process in several prior instances with no substantive comments 
received. The FAA therefore finds that good cause exists for making 
these special conditions effective upon issuance.

Comments Invited

    We invite interested persons to participate in the making of these 
proposed special conditions by submitting such written data, views, or 
arguments as they may desire. Identify the regulatory docket or notice 
number and submit the comments in duplicate to the address specified 
above. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the 
special conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. All communications received on or before the 
closing date for comments will be considered by the Administrator. The 
special conditions 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 CE285.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned 
to the commenter.

Background

    On March 8, 2007, AmSafe Aviation, 1043 North 47th Avenue, Phoenix, 
AZ 85043, applied for a supplemental type certificate for the 
installation of inflatable restraints in additional airplane models 
included herein that were certificated prior to the dynamic seat rule 
specified in 14 CFR part 23, Sec.  23.562 and in agricultural 
airplanes.
    AmSafe Aviation has previously applied for and obtained an Approved 
Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the 
installation of Inflatable Two-, Three-, Four- or Five-Point Restraint 
Safety Belts with an Integrated Airbag Device in airplanes certificated 
in the Part 23 Normal/Utility categories.
    The current AML STC does not allow airbags in agricultural 
aircraft. However, AmSafe recently provided the FAA data showing the 
installation of inflatable restraints in agricultural airplanes would 
have a positive safety effect. This special condition amends the 
existing AML STC to include additional normal category aircraft and to 
allow airbag installation in agricultural aircraft.
    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.
    If an emergency landing occurs, 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. However, in this case, the airbag is integrated into 
the lap or shoulder belt.

[[Page 20]]

While airbags and inflatable restraints are standard in the automotive 
industry, the use of an inflatable restraint system is novel for 
aircraft operations.
    The FAA has determined that this project will be accomplished on 
the basis of not lowering the 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 it may 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. This consideration is of special concern 
for aircraft designated for agricultural use because these aircraft 
spend a majority of their flight time at low altitudes. The FAA has 
considered this 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 Aviation 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. Recent analysis 
provided to the FAA in a July 2006 AmSafe Aviation report based upon 
National Agricultural Aviation Association accident data shows that the 
risk of inadvertent deployment is outweighed by the potential safety 
improvement added by the enhanced restraint system. Given this data, 
the FAA believes that the improved restraint system will result in an 
increased margin of safety in comparison with existing designs.
    In addition, general aviation and agricultural 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 general 
aviation and agricultural airplanes; and
     The inertial loads that result from typical flight/ground 
maneuvers, gusts, hard landings and flight maneuvering unique to both 
general aviation and agricultural aircraft operations.
    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 Aviation 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. If a deployment occurs, 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 crash conditions as specified in the original 
certification basis. Therefore, the test emergency landing loads 
identified in the original certification basis of the airplane must be 
used to satisfy this requirement. It must be shown that the inflatable 
restraint will deploy and provide protection under crash conditions as 
specified in the original certification basis. Compliance will be 
demonstrated using the test condition specified in the original 
certification basis. It must 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 Sec.  
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 Aviation can establish inspection intervals where they have 
demonstrated the system to be reliable between these intervals.
    An inflatable restraint may 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 Aviation may show that 
such deployment is not hazardous to the occupant and will still provide 
the required protection.
    The cabins of the various model airplanes identified in these 
special conditions are confined areas, and the FAA is concerned that 
noxious gasses may accumulate if an airbag deploys. 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

[[Page 21]]

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.
    Finally, the airbag is likely to have a large volume displacement, 
and it may 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.
    Special conditions for the installation of AAIR systems on other 
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 to allow AmSafe Aviation to proceed with 
the project.
    These previous special conditions were typically 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 
installation for showing compliance. Additionally, a previous AML STC 
was issued for AmSafe Aviation including 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 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.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR part 21, Sec.  21.101, AmSafe 
Aviation must show that 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Make                      Model              TC holder           TCDS          Certification basis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Aerostar...................  PA-60-600 (Aerostar    Aerostar          A17WE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                600), PA-60-601        Aircraft          22.
                                (Aerostar 601), PA-    Corporation.
                                60-601P (Aerostar
                                601P), PA-60-602P
                                (Aerostar 602P), PA-
                                60-700P (Aerostar
                                700P).
1 All American...............  10A..................  All American      A-792...........  CAR 3.
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.
1 American Champion            402..................  American          A3CE, Revision 5  CAR 3.
 (Champion).                                           Champion
                                                       Aircraft Corp.
1 American Champion            7AC, 7ACA, 7EC, 7GCB,  American          A-759, Revision   CAR 4a.
 (Bellanca), (Champion),        S7AC, S7EC, 7GCBA (L-  Champion          67.
 (Aeronca).                     16A), 7BCM, 7ECA,      Aircraft Corp.
                                7GCBC (L-16B), 7CCM,
                                7FC, 7HC, S7CCM,
                                7GC, 7JC, 7DC, 7GCA,
                                7KC, S7DC, 7GCAA,
                                7KCAB.
1 American Champion            11AC, S11AC, 11BC,     American          A-761, Revision   CAR 4a.
 (Bellanca), (Trytek),          S11BC.                 Champion          17.
 (Aeronca).                                            Aircraft Corp.
1 American Champion            11CC, S11CC..........  American          A-796, Revision   CAR 3.
 (Bellanca), (Trytek),                                 Champion          14.
 (Aeronca).                                            Aircraft Corp.
1 VARGA (Morrisey)...........  2150, 2150A, 2180....  Augustair, Inc..  4A19, Revision 9  CAR 3.
1 Bellanca...................  14-13, 14-13-2, 14-13- Bellanca          A-773, Revision   CAR 4a.
                                3, 14-13-3W.           Aircraft          10.
                                                       Corporation.
1 Bellanca...................  14-9, 14-9L..........  Bellanca          TC716...........  CAR 4a.
                                                       Aircraft
                                                       Corporation.
1 Cessna.....................  120, 140.............  Cessna Aircraft   A-768, Revision   CAR 4a.
                                                       Company.          34.
1 Cessna.....................  140A.................  Cessna Aircraft   5A2, Revision 21  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
1 Cessna.....................  150, 150J, 150A,       Cessna Aircraft   3A19, Revision    CAR 3.
                                150K, 150B, A150K,     Company.          44.
                                150C, 150L, 150D,
                                A150L, 150E, 150M,
                                150F, A150M, 150G,
                                152, 150H, A152.
1 Cessna.....................  170, 170A, 170B......  Cessna Aircraft   A-799, Revision   CAR 3.
                                                       Company.          54.
1 Cessna.....................  172, 172I, 172A,       Cessna Aircraft   3A12, Revision    CAR 3.
                                172K, 172B, 172L,      Company.          73.
                                172C, 172M, 172D,
                                172N, 172E, 172P,
                                172F (USAF T-41A),
                                172Q, 172G, 172H
                                (USAF T-41A).
1 Cessna.....................  175, 175A, 175B,       Cessna Aircraft   3A17, Revision    CAR 3.
                                175C, P172D, R172E     Company.          45.
                                (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.
1 Cessna.....................  177, 177A, 177B......  Cessna Aircraft   A13CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Company.          24.

[[Page 22]]

 
1 Cessna.....................  180, 180E, 180A,       Cessna Aircraft   5A6, Revision 66  CAR 3.
                                180F, 180B, 180G,      Company.
                                180C, 180H, 180D,
                                180J, 180E, 180K.
1 Cessna.....................  182, 182K, 182A,       Cessna Aircraft   3A13, Revision    CAR 3.
                                182L, 182B, 182M,      Company.          64.
                                182C, 182N, 182D,
                                182P, 182E, 182Q,
                                182F, 182R, 182G,
                                R182, 182H, T182,
                                182J, TR182.
1 Cessna.....................  185, A185E, 185A,      Cessna Aircraft   3A24, Revision    CAR 3.
                                A185F, 185B, 185C,     Company.          37.
                                185D, 185E.
Cessna AgWagon...............  188, 188A, 188B,       Cessna Aircraft   A9CE, Revision    14 CFR part 23.
                                A188, A188A, A188B,    Company.          27.
                                T188C.
1 Cessna.....................  190 (LC-126A,B,C),     Cessna Aircraft   A-790, Revision   CAR 3.
                                195, 195A, 195B.       Company.          36.
1 Cessna.....................  206, U206B, TP206D,    Cessna Aircraft   A4CE, Revision    CAR 3.
                                P206, U206C, TP206E,   Company.          43.
                                P206A, U206D,
                                TU206A, P206B,
                                U206E, TU206B,
                                P206C, U206F,
                                TU206C, P206D,
                                U206G, TU206D,
                                P206E, TP206A,
                                TU206E, U206,
                                TP206B, TU206F,
                                U206A, TP206C,
                                TU206G.
1 Cessna.....................  208, 208A, 208B......  Cessna Aircraft   A37CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Company.          12.
1 Cessna.....................  210, 210K, 210A,       Cessna Aircraft   3A21, Revision    CAR 3.
                                T210K, 210B, 210L,     Company.          46.
                                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).
1 Cessna.....................  310, 310J, 310A (USAF  Cessna Aircraft   3A10, Revision    CAR 3.
                                U-3A), 310J-1, 310B,   Company.          62.
                                E310J, 310C, 310K,
                                310D, 310L, 310E
                                (USAF U-3B), 310N,
                                310F, 310P, 310G,
                                T310P, 310H, 310Q,
                                E310H, T310Q, 310I,
                                310R, T310R.
1 Cessna.....................  320, 320F, 320-1,      Cessna Aircraft   3A25, Revision    CAR 3.
                                335, 320A, 340,        Company.          25.
                                320B, 340A, 320C,
                                320D, 320E.
1 Cessna.....................  321 (Navy OE-2)......  Cessna Aircraft   3A11, Revision 6  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
1 Cessna.....................  336..................  Cessna Aircraft   A2CE, Revision 7  CAR 3.
                                                       Company.
1 Cessna.....................  337A (USAF 02B),       Cessna Aircraft   A6CE, Revision    CAR 3/14 CFR part 23.
                                T337E, 337B, 337F,     Company.          40.
                                M337B (USAF 02A),
                                T337F, T337B, 337G,
                                337C, T337G, T337C,
                                337H, 337D, P337H,
                                T337D, T337H, T337H-
                                SP.
1 Cessna.....................  401, 401A, 401B, 402,  Cessna Aircraft   A7CE, Revision    CAR 3.
                                402A, 402B, 402C,      Company.          46.
                                411, 411A, 414,
                                414A, 421, 421A,
                                421B, 421C, 425.
1 Cessna.....................  404, 406.............  Cessna Aircraft   A25CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Company.          11.
1 Cessna.....................  441..................  Cessna Aircraft   A28CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Company.          12.
1 Commander Aircraft.........  Model 112, Model 114,  Commander         A12SO, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                Model 112TC, Model     Aircraft          21.
                                112B, Model 112TCA,    Company.
                                Model 114A, Model
                                114B, Model 114TC.
Diamond......................  DA20-A1, DA20-C1.....  Diamond Aircraft  TA4CH, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Industries, Inc.  14.
1 Great Lakes................  2T-1A, 2T-1A-1, 2T-1A- Great Lakes       A18EA, Revision   Aeronautical Bulletin
                                2.                     Aircraft          10.               No. 7-A.
                                                       Company, LLC.
1 Helio (Taylorcraft)........  15A, 20..............  Helio Aircraft    3A3, Revision 7.  CAR 4a.
                                                       Corporation.
1 Learjet....................  23...................  Learjet Inc.....  A5CE, Revision    CAR 3.
                                                                         10.
1 Lockheed...................  402-2................  Lockheed          2A11, Revision 4  CAR 3.
                                                       Aircraft
                                                       International.
1 Land-Air (TEMCO),            11A, 11E.............  Luscombe          A-804, Revision   CAR 3.
 (Luscombe).                                           Aircraft          14.
                                                       Corporation.

[[Page 23]]

 
1 Maule......................  Bee Dee M-4, M-5-      Maule Aerospace   3A23, Revision    CAR 3.
                                180C, MXT-7-160, M-4-  Technology, Inc.  30.
                                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.
1 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.
1 Interceptor (Aero            200, 200A, 200B,       Prop-Jets, Inc..  3A18, Revision    CAR 3.
 Commander) (Meyers).           200C, 200D, 400.                         16.
1 Beech......................  35-33, J35, 35-A33,    Raytheon          3A15, Revision    CAR 3.
                                K35, 35-B33, M35, 35-  Aircraft          90.
                                C33, N35, 35-C33A,     Company.
                                P35, E33, S35, E33A,
                                V35, E33C, V35A,
                                F33, V35B, F33A, 36,
                                F33C, A36, G33,
                                A36TC, H35, B36TC,
                                G36.
1 Beech......................  45 (YT-34), A45 (T-    Raytheon          5A3, Revision 25  CAR 03.
                                34A, B-45), D45 (T-    Aircraft
                                34B).                  Company.
1 Beech......................  19A, B23, B19, C23,    Raytheon          A1CE, Revision    CAR 3.
                                M19A, A24, 23, A24R,   Aircraft          34.
                                A23, B24R, A23A,       Company.
                                C24R, A23-19, A23-24.
1 Beech......................  3N, 3NM, 3TM, JRB-6,   Raytheon          A-765, Revision   CAR 03.
                                D18C, D18S, E18S,      Aircraft          74.
                                E18S-9700, G18S,       Company.
                                H18, C-45G, TC-45G,
                                C-45H, TC-45H, TC-
                                45J or UC-45J (SNB-
                                5), RC-45J (SNB-5P).
1 Beech......................  35, A35, E35, B35,     Raytheon          A-777, Revision   CAR 03.
                                F35, C35, G35, D35,    Aircraft          57.
                                35R.                   Company.
1 Raytheon...................  200, A100-1 (U-21J),   Raytheon          A24CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                200C, A200 (C-12A),    Aircraft          91.
                                200CT, A200 (C-12C),   Company.
                                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).
1 Beech......................  B95A, D55, D95A,       Raytheon          3A16, Revision    CAR 3.
                                D55A, E95, E55, 95-    Aircraft          81.
                                55, E55A, 95-A55,      Company.
                                56TC, 95-B55, A56TC,
                                95-B55A, 58, 95-B55B
                                (T-42A), 58A, 95-
                                C55, 95, 95-C55A,
                                B95, G58.
1 Beech......................  60, A60, B60.........  Raytheon          A12CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Aircraft          23.
                                                       Company.
1 Beech......................  58P, 58PA, 58TC,       Raytheon          A23CE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                58TCA.                 Aircraft          14.
                                                       Company.
1 Cessna.....................  CESSNA F172D, CESSNA   Reims Aviation    A4EU, Revision    CAR 10/CAR 3.
                                F172E, CESSNA F172F,   S.A.              11.
                                CESSNA F172G, CESSNA
                                F172H, CESSNA F172K,
                                CESSNA F172L, CESSNA
                                F172M, CESSNA F172N,
                                CESSNA F172P.
1 Socata.....................  TB 9, TB 10, TB 20,    SOCATA--GROUPE    A51EU, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                TB 21, TB 200.         AEROSPATIALE.     14.
1 Pitts......................  S-1S, S-1T, S-2, S-    Sky               A8SO, Revision    14 CFR part 23.
                                2A, S-2S, S-2B, S-2C.  International     21.
                                                       Inc. (Aviat
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.).
1 Taylorcraft................  19, F19, F21, F21A,    Taylorcraft       1A9, Revision 19  CAR 3.
                                F21B, F22, F22A,       Aviation LLC.
                                F22B, F22C.
1 Taylorcraft................  BC, BCS12-D, BCS,      Taylorcraft       A-696, Revision   CAR 04.
                                BC12-D1, BC-65,        Aviation, LLC.    22.
                                BCS12-D1, BCS-65,
                                BC12D-85, BC12-65
                                (Army L-2H), BCS12D-
                                85, BCS12-65, BC12D-
                                4-85, BC12-D, BCS12D-
                                4-85.
1 Taylorcraft................  (Army L-2G) BF, BFS,   Taylorcraft, Inc  A-699, Revision   CAR 4a.
                                BF-60, BFS-60, BF-                       5.
                                65, BFS-65, (Army L-
                                2K) BF 12-65, BFS-65.

[[Page 24]]

 
1 Luscombe...................  8, 8D, 8A, 8E, 8B,     The Don Luscombe  A-694, Revision   CAR 4a.
                                8F, 8C, T-8F.          Aviation          23.
                                                       History
                                                       Foundation, Inc.
Sierra Hotel Aero, Inc.        Navion (L-17A),        Sierra Hotel      A-782, Revision   CAR 3.
 (Navion).                      Navion A (L-17B) (L-   Aero, Inc.        51.
                                17C), Navion B,
                                Navion D, Navion E,
                                Navion F, Navion G,
                                Navion H.
Piper........................  J-3..................  Piper Aircraft    ATC 660,          Not listed.
                                                       Inc.              Revision 0.
Piper........................  J3C-40, J3C-50, J3C-   Piper Aircraft    A-691, Revision   CAR 4a.
                                50S, J3C-65, J3C-      Inc.              33.
                                65S, PA-11, PA-11S.
FS 2003 Corporation (Piper)..  PA-12, PA-12S........  FS 2003           A-780, Revision   CAR 3.
                                                       Corporation.      13.
FS 2002 Corporation (Piper)..  PA-14................  FS 2002           A-797, Revision   CAR 3.
                                                       Corporation.      11.
Piper........................  PA-15................  Piper Aircraft    A-800, Revision   CAR 3.
                                                       Inc.              11.
Piper........................  PA-16, PA-16S........  Piper Aircraft    1A1, Revision 13  CAR 3.
                                                       Inc.
Piper........................  PA-17................  Piper Aircraft    A-805, Revision   CAR 3.
                                                       Inc.              12.
2 Piper......................  PA-18, PA-18S, PA-     The New Piper     1A2, Revision 37  CAR 3.
                                18A, PA-18S ``125'',   Aircraft, Inc.
                                PA-18AS ``125'', PA-
                                18A ``135'', PA-18S
                                ``135'', PA-18AS
                                ``135'', PA-18
                                ``150'', PA-18A
                                ``150'', PA-18S
                                ``150'', PA-18AS
                                ``150'', PA-19S.
Piper........................  PA-20, PA-20-115, PA-  Piper Aircraft    1A4, Revision 24  CAR 3.
                                20-135, PA-20S, PA-    Inc.
                                20S-115, PA-20S-135.
Piper........................  PA-22, PA-22-108, PA-  Piper Aircraft    1A6, Revision 34  CAR 3.
                                22-135, PA-22-150,     Inc.
                                PA-22-160, PA-22S-
                                135, PA-22S-150, PA-
                                22S-160.
Piper........................  PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-  Piper Aircraft    1A10, Revision    CAR 3.
                                23-235, PA-23-250.     Inc.              51.
Piper........................  PA-24, PA-24-250, PA-  Piper Aircraft    1A15, Revision    CAR 3.
                                24-260, PA-24-400.     Inc.              34.
1 Piper......................  PA-28-140, PA-28-151,  The New Piper     2A13, Revision    CAR 3.
                                PA-28-150, PA-28-      Aircraft, Inc.    47.
                                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.
1 Piper......................  PA-30, PA-39, PA-40..  The New Piper     A1EA, Revision    CAR 3.
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.    16.
1 Piper......................  PA-32-260, PA-32R-301  The New Piper     A3SO, Revision    CAR 3.
                                (SP), PA-32-300, PA-   Aircraft, Inc.    29.
                                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.
1 Piper......................  PA-34-200, PA-34-      The New Piper     A7SO, Revision    14 CFR part 23.
                                200T, PA-34-220T.      Aircraft, Inc.    16.
1 Piper......................  PA-31P, PA-31T, PA-    The New Piper     A8EA, Revision    CAR 3.
                                31T1, PA-31T2, PA-     Aircraft, Inc.    22.
                                31T3, PA-31P-350.
1 Piper......................  PA-36-285, PA-36-300,  The New Piper     A9SO, Revision 9  14 CFR part 23.
                                PA-36-375.             Aircraft, Inc.
1 Piper......................  PA-36-285, PA-36-300,  The New Piper     A10SO, Revision   14 CFR part 21/14 CFR
                                PA-36-375.             Aircraft, Inc.    12.               part 23.
1 Piper......................  PA-38-112............  The New Piper     A18SO, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.    4.
1 Piper......................  PA-44-180, PA-44-180T  The New Piper     A19SO, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Aircraft, Inc.    9.
1 Piper......................  PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-  The New Piper     A20SO, Revision   CAR 3.
                                31-325, PA-31-350.     Aircraft, Inc.    10.
1 Piper......................  PA-42, PA-42-720, PA-  The New Piper     A23SO, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                42-1000.               Aircraft, Inc.    17.
1 Piper......................  PA-46-310P, PA-46-     The New Piper     A25SO, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                350P, PA-46-500TP.     Aircraft, Inc.    14.
1 Tiger Aircraft LLC           AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B,    Tiger Aircraft    A11EA, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
 (American General).            AA-1C.                 LLC.              10.
1 Tiger Aircraft.............  AA-5, AA-5A, AA-5B,    Tiger Aircraft    A16EA, Revision   CFR part 23.
                                AG-5B.                 LLC.              13.
1 Twin Commander.............  500, 500-A, 500-B,     Twin Commander    6A1, Revision 45  CAR 3.
                                500-U, 520, 560, 560-  Aircraft
                                A, 560-E, 500-S.       Corporation.
1 Twin Commander.............  560-F, 681, 680, 690,  Twin Commander    2A4, Revision 46  CAR 3.
                                680E, 685, 680F,       Aircraft
                                690A, 720, 690B,       Corporation.
                                680FL, 690C,
                                680FL(P), 690D,
                                680T, 695, 680V,
                                695A, 680W, 695B.
1 Univair (Stinson)..........  108, 108-1, 108-2,     Univair Aircraft  A-767, Revision   CAR 3.
                                108-3, 108-5.          Corporation.      27.

[[Page 25]]

 
1 Univair....................  (ERCO) 415-D, (ERCO)   Univair Aircraft  A-787, Revision   CAR 3.
                                E, (ERCO) G,           Corporation.      33.
                                (Forney) F-1,
                                (Forney) F-1A,
                                (Alon) A-2, (Alon)
                                A2-A, (Mooney) M10.
1 Univair (Mooney)...........  (ERCO) 415-C, (ERCO)   Univair Aircraft  A-718, Revision   CAR 4a.
                                415-CD.                Corporation.      29.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following aircraft are certified in the restricted category:

                                 List of All Airplane Models and Applicable TCDS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Make                      Model              TC holder           TCDS          Certification basis
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Tractor..................  AT-250, AT-300, AT-    Air Tractor, Inc  A9SW, Revision    14 CFR part 23.
                                301, AT-302, AT-400,                     12.
                                AT-400A.
Air Tractor..................  AT-401, AT-401A, AT-   Air Tractor, Inc  A17SW, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                401B, AT-402, AT-                        10.
                                402A, AT-402B, AT-
                                501, AT-502, AT-
                                502A, AT-502B, AT-
                                503, AT-503A.
Air Tractor..................  AT-802A, AT-802, AT-   Air Tractor, Inc  A19SW, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                602.                                     4.
Allied Ag Cat................  G-164, G-164A, G-      Allied Ag Cat     1A16, Revision    CAR 8.
                                164B, G-164B with      Productions,      24.
                                73'', G-164B-15T, G-   Inc.
                                164B-34T, G-164B-
                                20T, G-164C, G-164D,
                                G-164D with 73''
                                wing gap.
Gippsland Aeronautics........  GA200................  Gippsland         A00001LA,         14 CFR part 23.
                                                       Aeronautics       Revision 1.
                                                       Pty. Ltd.
2 Piper......................  PA-18A, PA-18A         The New Piper     AR-7, Revision    CAR 8.
                                ``135'', PA-18A        Aircraft, Inc.    11.
                                ``150''.
LAVIA S.A. (Piper)...........  PA-25, PA-25-235, PA-  Latino Americana  2A10, Revision    CAR 8.
                                25-260.                De                24.
                                                       Aviaci[oacute]n
                                                       (LAVIA) S.A.
Thrush Aircraft, Inc. (Snow,   S-2B, S-2C, 600-S2C..  Thrush Aircraft,  2A7, Revision 16  CAR 8.
 Rockwell, Ayres).                                     Inc.
Thrush Aircraft, Inc. (Snow,   600 S-2D, S-2R, S2R-   Thrush Aircraft,  A3SW, Revision    CAR 3.
 Rockwell, Ayres).              T34, S2R-T15, S2R-     Inc.              18.
                                T11, S2R-R3S, S2R-
                                R1340.
Thrush Aircraft, Inc. (Snow,   600 S2D, S2R-R1340,    Thrush Aircraft,  A4SW, Revision    CAR 8.
 Rockwell, Ayres).              S2R-G10, S-2R, S2R-    Inc.              28.
                                R1820, S2R-G5, S2R-
                                T34, S2R-T65, S2R-
                                G1, S2R-T15, S2RHG-
                                T65, S2RHG-T34, S2R-
                                R3S, S2R-T45, S2R-
                                T660, S2R-T11, S2R-
                                G6.
Weatherly....................  620, 620TP, 620A,      Weatherly         A26WE, Revision   14 CFR part 23.
                                620B, 620B-TG.         Aircraft          7.
                                                       Company.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aircraft identified with a 1 have special conditions for AmSafe Aviation Inflatable Restraints published under
  Special Conditions 23-182-SC.
Piper PA-18A, PA-18A ``135'' and PA-18A ``150'' (identified with a 2) are type certificated in Normal/Utility
  Category on TCDS 1A2 and in Restricted Category on TCDS AR-7. The same aircraft may be operated under either
  TCDS in accordance with the restrictions listed on TCDS AR-7.

    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., part 23 as amended) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the AmSafe Aviation, inflatable 
restraint as installed on these models because of a novel or unusual 
design feature. Therefore, special conditions are prescribed under the 
provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions, as appropriate, 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.
    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 Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The various airplane models will incorporate the following novel or 
unusual design feature:
    The AmSafe Aviation 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.

[[Page 26]]

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 Aviation, 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.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Approved Model List (AML) above. Should AmSafe Aviation apply at a 
later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other 
model included on the type certificates listed above to incorporate the 
same novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would 
apply to that model as well.

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.
    Under standard practice, the effective date of final special 
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the 
Federal Register; however, as the certification date for these airplane 
models, as modified by AmSafe Aviation, is imminent, the FAA finds that 
good cause exists to make these special conditions effective upon 
issuance.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

Citation

0
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 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 special 
conditions. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing the following special 
conditions as part of the type certification basis for these models, as 
modified by AmSafe, Aviation.

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 a rapidly applied deceleration, like an actual emergency 
landing event. Therefore, compliance may be demonstrated using the 
deceleration pulse specified in para. 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 para. 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 will not result in injuries 
that could impede rapid egress. This assessment should include 
occupants whose restraints are 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on December 26, 2007.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-25465 Filed 12-31-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P