(4) Arm rests that swing up, such as those for handicapped persons, may encroach upon the 20-inch width in the up position. If so, the arm rest should automatically return to the down position or be appropriately placarded. (Amendment 25-0)
(5) The main aisle widths, as defined by the regulation, should be maintained from floor level to a height of at least 73-inches above the floor (top of the floor covering). For airplanes that do not have 73-inches between the floor and the ceiling panels, the aisle width should be maintained from the floor to the height of the ceiling panels. Any features that hang (signs, video monitors etc.) from the ceiling or span across main aisle (i.e., class dividers and curtain headers) should be at least 73-inches above the floor, unless they are retractable and are placarded to be retracted for taxi, takeoff, and landing (TT&L). For airplanes that do not have 73-inches between the floor and the ceiling panels any features that hang (signs, video monitors etc.) from the ceiling should not be positioned in the main aisle. Alternate locations should be used, e.g., over seat, on the side wall etc. These features should also be appropriately padded or rounded to preclude injury when persons are moving about the cabin. (Amendment 25-0)
442. AMENDMENT 25-15, Effective October 24, 1967.
a. Regulation.
[ The passenger aisle width at any point between seats must equal or exceed the values in the following table:] Minimum main passenger aisle width (inches) Passenger seating capacity Less than 25-inches from floor 25-inches and more from floor
10 or less ..................... 12-inches [15-inches] 11 through 19 .............. 12-inches 20-inches 20 or more ................... 15-inches 20-inches
b. Guidance.
(l) The passenger aisle width is the normal distance between opposite seats measured without occupants. The distance should be determined without compression of seat fabric or cushion and with the seats or other aisle constraints in the most adverse position, such as seats reclined or broken over. Unlike typical commercial aircraft, private use airplanes (i.e., not for hire, not for common carriage) have seats that can be moved during flight operations. The seating can be reconfigured to accommodate meetings and other arrangements. Some of these arrangements can reduce the aisle widths below those specified. This is acceptable only during en-route flight and only if clear instructions are provided requiring that the seats be positioned for taxi, takeoff, and landing in an arrangement that meets the required aisle widths. The private use provision does not preclude the operator from receiving remuneration to the extent consistent with 14 CFR parts 125 and 91, subpart F, as applicable. (Amendment 25-0)
(2) When the measurement is not between seats but between other aisle constraints such as galleys, coat closets, storage compartments, etc., the minimum widths at the specified vertical distance above the floor still prevails. Protuberances such as door knobs, latches, rails, etc., should be considered if they encroach into the specified aisle width. This measurement should be made using the vertical projection of any protuberance in its appropriate height zone (less than 25-inches from the floor or 25-inches and more from the floor). The effect of the protuberance on the evacuation of the airplane should be considered when determining if it may or may not protrude into the required aisle width. Curtains may protrude slightly into the required aisle, provided the curtain and its tie-back do not inhibit passage. (Amendment 25-0)
(3) For staggered seat rows, or zigzag aisles, the aisle width distance may be considered as that measured perpendicular to the aisle pathway at any point along its full path. (Amendment 25-0)
(4) Arm rests that swing up, such as those for handicapped persons, may encroach upon the 20-inch width in the up position. If so, the arm rest should automatically return to the down position or be appropriately placarded. (Amendment 25-0)
(5) The main aisle widths, as defined by the regulation, should be maintained from floor level to a height of at least 73-inches above the floor (top of the floor covering). For airplanes that do not have 73-inches between the floor and the ceiling panels, the aisle width should be maintained from the floor to the height of the ceiling panels. Any features that hang (signs, video monitors etc.) from the ceiling or span across main aisle (i.e., class dividers and curtain headers) should be at least 73-inches above the floor, unless they are retractable and are placarded to be retracted for taxi, takeoff, and landing (TT&L). For airplanes that do not have 73-inches between the floor and the ceiling panels any features that hang (signs, video monitors etc.) from the ceiling should not be positioned in the main aisle. Alternate locations should be used, e.g., over seat, on the side wall etc. These features should also be appropriately padded or rounded to preclude injury when persons are moving about the cabin. (Amendment 25-0)
443. AMENDMENT 25-38, Effective February 1, 1977.
a. Regulation.
The passenger aisle width at any point between seats must equal or exceed the values in the following table:
Minimum main passenger aisle width (inches) Passenger seating capacity Less than 25-inches from floor 25-inches and more from floor
10 or less ..................... 1 12-inches 15-inches 11 through 19 .............. 12-inches 20-inches 20 or more ................... 15-inches 20-inches
[ 1 A narrower width not less than nine-inches may be approved when substantiated by tests found necessary by the Administrator.]
b. Guidance.
(1) The above-defined minimum aisle widths consider the adverse effects of possible post-crash seat deflections. The maximum allowed post-crash seat deflections for both § 25.561 and § 25.562 assumed these pre-crash aisle widths. Consequently, any tests that are proposed to substantiate the acceptability of an aisle width that is less than twelve-inches on airplanes seating ten or less, as allowed above, need to address the additional aisle width reduction due to worstcase post-crash seat deflections of § 25.561 and when applicable § 25.562. (Amendment 25-38)
(2) Part 382 was amended by Amendment 382-3, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Air Travel, effective April 5, 1990, and implements the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986. One effect of this amendment was to require certain operators of certain airplanes to provide within a certain timeframe movable aisle armrests on at least half of passenger aisle seats. The intent of this amendment, was to increase accessibility for handicapped passengers.
Airplane interiors that are configured to comply with part 382 requirements may have from onehalf to all of the aisle passenger seats equipped with movable armrests. Armrests may move in such a manner as to decrease the available aisle width, and should therefore be assessed with those requirements in mind. (Amendment 25-38)
(3) The following design options could be considered acceptable means for satisfying the part 25 concerns due to part 382 implementation: (Amendment 25-38)
(i) If the movement of the armrest were not into the required aisle space, there would be no compliance problem. (Amendment 25-38)
(ii) If the armrest were to return to the down position, unless held upward by a person, the impact on evacuation would be negligible. (Amendment 25-38)
(iii) The armrest could be removable (provided it was positively latched when installed). (Amendment 25-38)
(iv) If the hinged armrest was normally fastened down, but had a discreetly located release that a flight attendant could operate in the event there was a need to accommodate a disabled passenger, the installation may be acceptable. (Amendment 25-38)
(4) The passenger aisle width is the normal distance between opposite seats measured without occupants. The distance should be determined without compression of seat fabric or cushion and with the seats or other aisle constraints in the most adverse position, such as seats reclined or broken over. Unlike typical commercial aircraft, private use airplanes (i.e., not for hire, not for common carriage) have seats that can be moved during flight operations. The seating can be reconfigured to accommodate meetings and other arrangements. Some of these arrangements can reduce the aisle widths below those specified. This is acceptable only during en-route flight and only if clear instructions are provided requiring that the seats be positioned for taxi, takeoff, and landing in an arrangement that meets the required aisle widths. The private use provision does not preclude the operator from receiving remuneration to the extent consistent with 14 CFR parts 125 and 91, subpart F, as applicable. (Amendment 25-0)
(5) When the measurement is not between seats but between other aisle constraints such as galleys, coat closets, storage compartments, etc., the minimum widths at the specified vertical distance above the floor still prevails. Protuberances such as door knobs, latches, rails, etc., should be considered if they encroach into the specified aisle width. This measurement should be made using the vertical projection of any protuberance in its appropriate height zone (less than 25-inches from the floor or 25-inches and more from the floor). The effect of the protuberance on the evacuation of the airplane should be considered when determining if it may or may not protrude into the required aisle width. Curtains may protrude slightly into the required aisle, provided the curtain and its tie-back do not inhibit passage. (Amendment 25-0)
(6) For staggered seat rows, or zigzag aisles, the aisle width distance may be considered as that measured perpendicular to the aisle pathway at any point along its full path. (Amendment 25-0)
(7) Arm rests that swing up, such as those for handicapped persons, may encroach upon the 20-inch width in the up position. If so, the arm rest should automatically return to the down position or be appropriately placarded. (Amendment 25-0)
(8) The main aisle widths, as defined by the regulation, should be maintained from floor level to a height of at least 73-inches above the floor (top of the floor covering). For airplanes that do not have 73-inches between the floor and the ceiling panels, the aisle width should be maintained from the floor to the height of the ceiling panels. Any features that hang (signs, video monitors etc.) from the ceiling or span across main aisle (i.e., class dividers and curtain headers) should be at least 73-inches above the floor, unless they are retractable and are placarded to be retracted for taxi, takeoff, and landing (TT&L). For airplanes that do not have 73-inches between the floor and the ceiling panels any features that hang (signs, video monitors
478 etc.) from the ceiling should not be positioned in the main aisle. Alternate locations should be used, e.g., over seat, on the side wall etc. These features should also be appropriately padded or rounded to preclude injury when persons are moving about the cabin. (Amendment 25-0) 444 - 460. [RESERVED]
479 SECTION 25.817 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SEATS ABREAST
461. Section 25.817 Did Not Exist Prior to Amendment 25-15.
462. AMENDMENT 25-15, Effective October 24, 1967.
a. Regulation.
On airplanes having only one passenger aisle, no more than three seats abreast may be placed on each side of the aisle in any one row.
b. Guidance. On a twin-aisle airplane, a six-place seat assembly could be installed between the two aisles. (Amendment 25-15) 463 - 480. [RESERVED]
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481 SECTION 25.819 LOWER DECK SERVICE COMPARTMENTS (INCLUDING GALLEYS)
481. Section 25.819 Did Not Exist Prior to Amendment 25-53.
482. AMENDMENT 25-53, Effective August 31, 1980.
a. Regulation.
For airplanes with a service compartment located below the main deck, which may be occupied during taxi or flight but not during takeoff or landing, the following apply:
(a) There must be at least two emergency evacuation routes, one at each end of lower deck service compartment, or two having sufficient separation within each compartment, which could be used by each occupant of the lower deck service compartment to rapidly evacuate to the main deck under normal and emergency lighting conditions. The routes must provide for the evacuation of incapacitated persons, with assistance. The use of the evacuation routes may not be dependent on any powered device. The routes must be designed to minimize the possibility of blockage which might result from fire, mechanical or structural failure, or persons standing on top of or against the escape routes. In the event the airplane's main power system or compartment main lighting system should fail, emergency illumination for each lower deck service compartment must be automatically provided.
(b) There must be a means for two-way voice communication between the flight deck and each lower deck service compartment.
(c) There must be an aural emergency alarm system, audible during normal and emergency conditions, to enable crewmembers on the flight deck and at each required floor level emergency exit to alert occupants of each lower deck service compartment of an emergency situation.
(d) There must be a means, readily detectable by occupants of each lower deck service compartment, that indicates when seat belts should be fastened.
(e) If a public address system is installed in the airplane, speakers must be provided in each lower deck service compartment.
(f) For each occupant permitted in a lower deck service compartment, there must be a forward or aft facing seat which meets the requirements of § 25.785(c) and must be able to withstand maximum flight loads when occupied.
(g) For each powered lift system installed between a lower deck service compartment and the main deck for the carriage of persons or equipment, or both, the system must meet the following requirements:
(l) Each lift control switch outside the lift, except emergency stop buttons, must be designed to prevent the activation of the lift if the lift door, or the hatch required by paragraph (g)(3) of this section, or both, are open.
(2) An emergency stop button, that when activated will immediately stop the lift, must be installed within the lift and at each entrance to the lift.
(3) There must be a hatch capable of being used for evacuating persons from the lift that is openable from inside and outside the lift without tools, with the lift in any position.
b. Guidance.
(1) The following should be used for any installation regardless of certification basis:
(Amendment 25-53)
(i) The installation of a lower deck service compartment normally results in cart restraint locations on both the main and lower decks. At these locations, the carts are normally restrained by a fitting in the floor, commonly called a mushroom. There are two typical types of mushrooms. One is usually retractable, located in an aisle or passageway, and capable of restraining the cart for inflight load conditions only. The other mushroom is usually fixed, located in a galley, lift or cabinet, and generally capable of restraining the cart during taxi, takeoff, and landing (TT&L). If necessary, control of the number of carts allowed on each deck should be provided. For the TT&L condition, there should be enough TT&L mushrooms for each cart on the airplane. In order to be assured the carts can be taken to such a mushroom, there should be at least two independently powered and controlled lifts between the main and lower decks. If there are not at least two such lifts, it should be demonstrated by actual test that all carts can be transported up or down between decks. It is acceptable to transport the contents and cart separately by average flight attendants. If two such lifts are not installed and transportablity is not demonstrated, at any given time, there should not be more carts on one deck than there are TT&L mushrooms. It will be acceptable to have adequate AFM limitations and/or placarding to assure the necessary level of safety. This guidance would be equally applicable if a galley or service compartment is located on a deck above the main deck. (Amendment 25-53)
(ii) Remote compartments should have adequate ventilation and conditioned air for all occupants. If the compartment is one in which occupants are working, such as a galley, more than normal ventilation and conditioned air should be supplied than that for a compartment in which the occupants are seated. If carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used in a compartment, additional ventilation may be necessary to demonstrate compliance with § 25.831(b)(2) for all regimes of operation; such as at the gate, taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, hold and descent.
(Amendment 25-53)
(2) Paragraph (g)(l). Proximity or micro-switches are normally used to sense that the lift door or hatch is open or closed. These interlock switches should be located so that they cannot be easily or inadvertently overridden or deactivated. Special design considerations should be given to these switches to minimize the probability of them becoming damaged during normal use. (Amendment 25-53)
(3) Paragraph (g)(2). The emergency stop buttons are of prime importance and should be given special design considerations. These buttons should have absolute and complete priority over any other control, failure or lack of control. No matter what condition, failure or sequence of events that have occurred, operation of any emergency stop button should result in stopping of the lift without the ability to override from any other location. (Amendment 25-53)
483. AMENDMENT 25-110, Effective July 21, 2003.
a. Regulation.
For airplanes with a service compartment located below the main deck, which may be occupied during taxi or flight but not during takeoff or landing, the following apply:
(a) There must be at least two emergency evacuation routes, one at each end of lower deck service compartment or two having sufficient separation within each compartment, which could be used by each occupant or the lower deck service compartment to rapidly evacuate to the main deck under normal and emergency lighting conditions. The routes must provide for the evacuation of incapacitated persons, with assistance. The use of the evacuation routes may not be dependent on any powered device. The routes must be designed to minimize the possibility of blockage which might result from fire, mechanical or structural failure, or persons standing on top of or against the escape routes. In the event the airplane's main power system or compartment main lighting system should fail, emergency illumination for each lower deck service compartment must be automatically provided.
[(b) There must be a means for two-way voice communication between the flight deck and each lower deck service compartment, which remains available following loss of normal electrical power generating system.]
(c) There must be an aural emergency alarm system, audible during normal and emergency conditions, to enable crewmembers on the flight deck and at each required floor level emergency conditions, to enable crewmembers on the flight deck and at each required floor level emergency exit to alert occupants of each lower deck service compartment of an emergency situation.
(d) There must be a means, readily detectable by occupants of each lower deck service compartment, that indicates when seat belts should be fastened.
(e) If a public address system is installed in the airplane, speakers must be provided in each lower deck service compartment.
[(f) For each occupant permitted in a lower deck service compartment, there must be a forward or aft facing seat which meets the requirements of § 25.785(d) and must be able to withstand maximum flight loads when occupied.]
(g) For each powered lift system installed between a lower deck service compartment and the main deck for the carriage of persons or equipment, or both, the system must meet the following requirements:
(1) Each lift control switch outside the lift, except emergency stop buttons, must be designed to prevent the activation of the lift if the lift door, or the hatch required by paragraph (g)(3) of this section, or both are open.
(2) An emergency stop button, that when activated will immediately stop the lift, must be installed within the lift and at each entrance to the lift.
(3) There must be a hatch capable of being used for evacuating persons from the lift that is openable from the inside and outside the lift without tools, with the lift in any position.
b. Guidance.
(1) The following should be used for any installation regardless of certification basis:
(Amendment 25-53)
(i) The installation of a lower deck service compartment normally results in cart restraint locations on both the main and lower decks. At these locations, the carts are normally restrained by a fitting in the floor, commonly called a mushroom. There are two typical types of mushrooms. One is usually retractable, located in an aisle or passageway, and capable of restraining the cart for inflight load conditions only. The other mushroom is usually fixed, located in a galley, lift or cabinet, and generally capable of restraining the cart during taxi, takeoff, and landing (TT&L). If necessary, control of the number of carts allowed on each deck should be provided. For the TT&L condition, there should be enough TT&L mushrooms for each cart on the airplane. In order to be assured the carts can be taken to such a mushroom, there should be at least two independently powered and controlled lifts between the main and lower decks. If there are not at least two such lifts, it should be demonstrated by actual test that all carts can be transported up or down between decks. It is acceptable to transport the contents and cart separately by average flight attendants. If two such lifts are not installed and transportablity is not demonstrated, at any given time, there should not be more carts on one deck than there are TT&L mushrooms. It will be acceptable to have adequate AFM limitations and/or placarding to assure the necessary level of safety. This guidance would be equally applicable if a galley or service compartment is located on a deck above the main deck. (Amendment 25-53)
(ii) Remote compartments should have adequate ventilation and conditioned air for all occupants. If the compartment is one in which occupants are working, such as a galley, more than normal ventilation and conditioned air should be supplied than that for a compartment in which the occupants are seated. If carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used in a compartment, additional ventilation may be necessary to demonstrate compliance with § 25.831(b)(2) for all regimes of operation; such as at the gate, taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, hold and descent.
(Amendment 25-53)
(2) Paragraph (g)(l). Proximity or micro-switches are normally used to sense that the lift door or hatch is open or closed. These interlock switches should be located so that they cannot be easily or inadvertently overridden or deactivated. Special design considerations should be given to these switches to minimize the probability of them becoming damaged during normal use. (Amendment 25-53)
(3) Paragraph (g)(2). The emergency stop buttons are of prime importance and should be given special design considerations. These buttons should have absolute and complete priority over any other control, failure or lack of control. No matter what condition, failure or sequence of events that have occurred, operation of any emergency stop button should result in stopping of the lift without the ability to override from any other location. (Amendment 25-53) 484 - 600. [RESERVED]