777 APPENDIX 4
TEST PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATING NONSTANDARD EXITS
FOR TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES
1. Where it is necessary to determine the acceptability of a non-standard exit arrangement for which an applicant has requested an exemption from the applicable 14 CFR, full scale testing should be employed using representative subjects under conditions such that accurate comparisons may be made.
2. PURPOSE OF THE TEST. The purpose of the test is to determine that the mean escape time using the proposed exit configuration is equal to or better than the time required to use an exit configuration defined by pertinent CFRS applying to Transport Category Airplanes. The results can be used to substantiate equivalency for an exemption or an equivalent level of safety determination. This test procedure should not be used for determining the rating of an exit or exit configuration, since it is not extensive enough for such a determination.
3. EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS.
a. Direct comparisons are to be made between escape time using the proposed exit or exits and corresponding acceptable arrangements. A proposed exit arrangement may be one or more openings not conforming in all respects to applicable CFR's which would, if approved, replace such opening or openings specified in the regulations.
b. A mockup of a section of the fuselage may be used such that arrangement of exit, passenger seats, step-up distance from cabin floor to exit sill and step-down distance from sill to wing or step simulate those proposed for the airplane. If high-density seating is to be used, the minimum distance between the seats should be simulated. Where over-the-wing exits are being tested and the step-down distances of two or more proposed exits differ, either the greater step-down distance should be used, or the several proposed exits should be simultaneously compared with the conventional arrangement they are designed to replace. In the case of floor level exits which are not located over the wing, or Type III and Type IV exits which are not located over the wing, or overwing exits which are at a greater distance than is specified in the CFR, the step, or descent device, shall simulate those designed for operational use and the device or conditions of use shall be fully described, including details of the dimensions. If production devices are available, they should be used.
c. At the start of each trial, subjects may either be seated with belts fastened or may be standing in line, whichever is more convenient, provided that the procedure is maintained consistently for each trial included in the test.
d. Subjects should not be permitted any trials prior to the test, but may be briefed as to the method of escape. The context of the briefing should be reported. Examples of briefing to ensure rapid egress in escaping through window exits would be the instruction to pass through one foot first, then head and body, then the other foot, i.e., "foot first, then head." Examples of instructions for escaping through a door via an escape slide are: "Jump into slide," "Do not hold on," "Keep sitting position."
4. STATISTICAL DESIGN.
a. As many subjects should be used as time, funds, and facilities permit. As a minimum, the number of persons in each group should be approximately 1/2 the exit rating specified for the standard exit in § 25.807(c)(4), but no less than 25.
b. The subjects should be assigned to a number of subgroups equal to or a multiple of, the number of configurations to be tested, including the standard. As noted above, the number of subjects in each subgroup should be at least 25.
c. The subgroups should be as nearly alike as possible with respect to physical agility, age, sex, weight, and the like. This can be achieved by first stratifying the total set of subjects by age and sex and then subdividing each age-sex group at random into the required number of subgroups. The age-sex distribution in each subgroup need not be that stated in § 25.803(c)(8)(i), (ii), and (iii). The subjects should range in age from approximately 20 to 60 years of age with approximately 30 percent of the subjects being female. The dolls of § 25.803(c)(8)(iv) need not be included.
d. Each subgroup should test each configuration, but the order of trials should be different for each subgroup and should be chosen in accordance with the principle of the Latin Square. The principle of the Latin Square is that each configuration be tried once by each group and appear once in each possible order. Thus if there are two arrangements to be tested, and therefore, two subgroups labeled A and B, say, then group A should try first the standard then alternative arrangement, Group B should make trials in the reverse order. For the case of three configurations, group A might try first the standard, then the first alternative and last the second alternative; group B would try the first alternative, second alternative and standard, in that order;
and group C would first try the second alternative, then the standard and lastly, the first alternative. The arrangement eliminates the effects of individual participants learning, fatigue and agility.
5. RECORD OF RESULTS.
a. Motion picture records of the trials should be made.
b. Elapsed time for the demonstration should be recorded on each motion picture record. Synchronized electronic cameras may be used with the time superimposed in the film processing. A signal light to indicate on the film the beginning, end and duration of each trial should be arranged in the camera field. Test board should be photographed to show the essential details illustrated by each motion picture sequence.
c. The time in tenths of a second from the start of the trial to the instant at which each individual first has both feet on the wing (or if a step is required between the exit and the wing, the time for both feet on the wing, not the step), or the ground at the foot of the slide, according to the conditions of the test, will be determined from the film. This series of times will comprise the cumulated individual escape times for each trial. The individual escape time required for analysis can be obtained by successive subtraction in reverse order.
6. DETERMINATION OF RESULTS.
a. The effectiveness of the non-standard exit, or exits being tested, are compared with the standard exit by comparing the average time of the subgroups to pass through each exit tested. The effects of learning in the subgroups are canceled by use of the Latin Square principle.
b. It is possible that, in spite of efforts to keep the composition of the subgroups equal, that one group may contain one or two persons who find it particularly difficult to go through exits. The Latin Square principle will also cancel such unbalance between subgroups.
c. It may happen that an individual may, through chance, have considerable difficulty with an exit, but his other performance may compare with the average performance of other individuals. A study of the individual escape times will enable such occurrences to be evaluated and assist in the final determination of the acceptability of the proposed exit, or exits.
NOTE: Exemptions must be processed in accordance with part 11. In the evaluation of a request for exemption the recommendations of the controlling Directorate are requested. The foregoing procedure will assist the Directorate in determining what their recommendation should be when the exemption request involves emergency exits.
This appendix was derived from Order 8110.12, 5-21-64.
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781 APPENDIX 5
CRASHWORTHINESS TECHNICAL STANDARD ORDERS (TSO)
1. TSO-C13f, “Life Preservers”
2. TSO-C19b, “Portable Water-Solution Type Fire Extinguishers”
3. TSO-C22g, “Safety Belts”
4. TSO-C39c, “Aircraft Seats and Berths”
5. TSO-C64a, “Oxygen Mask Assembly, Continuous Flow, Passenger”
6. TSO-C69c, “Emergency Evacuation Slides, Ramps, and Slide/Raft Combinations”
7. TSO-C70a, “Liferafts (Reversible and Non-Reversible)”
8. TSO-C72c, “Individual Flotation Devices”
9. TSO-C91a, “Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) Equipment”
10. TSO-C99, “Protective Breathing Equipment”
11. TSO-C100B, “Child Restraint Systems (CRS)”
12. TSO-C114, “Torso Restraint Systems”
13. TSO-C116, “Crewmember Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE)”
14. TSO-C126, “406 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)”
15. TSO-C127a, “Rotorcraft and Transport Airplane Seating Systems”
16. TSO-C137, “Aircraft Portable Megaphones”
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783 APPENDIX 6
INTERIOR COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST- EXAMPLE This checklist is only a guide to performing an interior compliance inspection and is not deemed to be an exhaustive list. No checklist can identify all items that might be encountered on any given inspection. In addition, the difference between a "first of a model" and a “follow-on interior change” can result in quite different inspection requirements, so frequent updating of this checklist is recommended. The type certification basis of the airplane that is being evaluated must be verified. No two airplane models have exactly the same certification basis.
Use the checklist to remind yourself of the sorts of items that should be considered, rather than as a list of everything that needs to be verified.
SECTIONS
1. Section 25.562 “Emergency Landing Dynamic Conditions.”
a. Do all seats have a TSO C-127 or TSO-C127a approval? Does the TSO tag have the proper seat type (e.g., type A) marking, seat cushion part numbers, restraint system part numbers, and forward or aft facing?
b. Does seat testing and installation limitations cover all installation requirements, including range of occupants?
Front row?
Row-to-row?
Exit row?
Flight attendant?
Flight crew?
Other?
c. Are the seat tracks part numbers on the airplane same as the seat tracks used in the dynamic seat testing? If not, what substantiation data used to determine seat tracks on the airplane are equivalent or better than those specified in the seat limitation?
d. Are the seats installed in the airplane within the installation limitations?
Front row?
Row-to-row?
Exit row?
Flight attendant?
Flight crew?
Other?
e. Do any of the permanent deformations of the seats exceed the limits (Refer to AC
25.562-1B dated 1/10/2006 Appendix 2 for deformation limits) and affect the following?
Front row?
784 Row-to-row?
Exit row?
Minimum aisle width?
Flight attendant?
Flight crew?
Other?
f. Are all of the injury criteria requirements met for each seat place (passenger, flight attendant and flight crew)?
HIC?
Femur?
Lumbar?
Belt loads?
g. Do side-facing passenger seat meet the appropriate occupant injury criteria identified in the exemption?
2. Section 25.785 “Seats, berths, safety belts and harnesses.”
a. Do all seats have a TSO?
b. Are there any potentially injurious objects within striking radius of the head?
(Bulkheads, slide containers, seat armrests etc.).
c. Do armrests fold up beyond the seat back?
d. Do footrests, legrests, or headrests incorporate any potentially injurious features (to persons attempting to deploy or stow them)? If the footrest or legrest deploy into required crossaisles or passageways, is there a mechanical lock-out in the stowed position? If the footrest or legrest is electrically operated, is there a manual override to facilitate stowage in the event of loss of electrical power?
e. Do all seats have approved seatbelts? Is there a tendency for the seat belt shackle to become tangled or hung up on seat structure?
f. Do all flight attendant (F/A) seats have shoulder harnesses as well as lap belts?
g. Is flight attendant direct view no worse than on previous arrangements? For those airplanes with this requirement as part of the certification basis, do they meet the current criteria?
h. Is there a handhold for passengers to steady themselves?
i. Are all projecting objects, that could be contacted in flight, padded?
j. Are all flight attendant seats located near a required floor level exit?
3. Section 25.787 “Stowage compartments.”
a. Does each compartment have a weight limit placard or is it dedicated for emergency equipment only or no stowage?
b. Are all compartments completely enclosed?
c. Are double latches present where necessary?
d. Are there provisions to account for wear and tear in service?
e. Are means of latching positive with a positive indication when latched or unlatched?
4. Section 25.789 “Retention of items of mass.”
a. Is compartment sub-division (critical load distribution) accounted for in weight limits i.e., single carts in a two cart stall?
b. Are meal containers stowed in pairs, and is this accounted for with latches or placarding?
c. Are there restraints in each direction (including aft and up)?
5. Section 25.791 “Passenger information signs.”
a. Is a passenger information sign visible from each flight attendant and passenger seat?
b. If there are seats that translate or swivel, is a sign visible from each seat position?
6. Section 25.803 “Emergency evacuation.”
a. Are there any tripping hazards present in the aisle, crossaisles or passageways?
b. Are there any other impediments (projecting objects) to rapid evacuation (head, arms legs)?
c. Are there any data sheet limitations regarding passenger capacity that are relevant to the interior arrangement?
d. Refer to also “Video Monitors” under the Special Areas of Attention Section.
7. Section 25.807 “Passenger emergency exits.”
a. Do all clear exit openings equal or exceed the minimum required dimensions, including any protrusions from linings, hinges etc.?
b. Are step-ups to and step-downs from exits within the requirements?
c. Is there a flight attendant seat positioned adjacent to each Type A exit?
8. Section 25.809 “Emergency exit arrangement.”
a. Are exits openable from inside and outside?
b. Are all exits openable within 10 seconds?
c. Is the means of opening simple and obvious, i.e., could an untrained passenger do it?
d. Is the means of opening protected from inadvertent operation?
9. Section 25.811 “Emergency exit marking.”
a. Are all of the required signs (locator, bulkhead, marking) present and visible to persons in the main aisle? Evaluation should include consideration of a range of occupants (5th percentile female to 95th percentile male).
b. Is the next exit sign visible from each point in the aisle?
c. Are all exit signs positioned such that they lead persons to exits and not into galleys or other "dead ends"?
d. Do curtains or other features, e.g. video monitors, interfere with exit sign visibility?
e. Are exit operating instructions clear?
f. Are exits identifiable from a distance equal to the airplane width?
10. Section 25.812 “Emergency lighting.”
a. Are floor proximity escape path markings continuous to exits and to the ends of aisles?
Are they installed such that they lead occupants to exits and not into galleys or other dead ends?
b. Do stowed curtains, baggage bars or carry-on baggage block floor proximity lights?
c Are overwing exits given additional aisle cues to draw attention to their location?
d. Has the interior arrangement affected the original basis of the emergency lighting approval, i.e., location of interior features, ceiling changes that might create new shaded areas?
11. Section 25.813 “Emergency exit access.”
a. Are all passageways unobstructed from the aisle to the exit opening, including galley features, retracted flight attendant seats and consideration of assist space?
b. Are assist spaces that are 12"x20" on the floor and usable provided at all floor level exits that have slides?
c. Is an assist handle provided at the assist space? (Is an assist handle required?)
d. Is there an unobstructed projected opening of overwing exits for the width of a seat, including the seatback in any position? (Tools are required to defeat lockouts.)
e. Are overwing hatches openable without interference, from the inside and outside?
12. Section 25.815 “Width of aisle.”
a. Are any aisle widths compromised by seatback recline, seatback breakover, or swivel?
At divided zones?
b. Do rubstrips reduce the required aisle?
c. Are curtain tiebacks readily movable, where they project into the required aisle?
d. Do movable armrests that protrude into the required aisle return to the normal position when released? Are latches discreet (not easily discovered by passenger) when used to control a movable armrest that protrude into the required aisle?
13. Section 25.819 “Lower deck service compartments (including galleys).”
a. Are there at least two emergency evacuation routes?
b. Is there one evacuation route at each end of the compartment or two evacuation routes that have sufficient separation?
c. Are all emergency evacuation routes independent of any powered devices?
d. Are all emergency evacuation routes usable by all occupants of the service compartment under normal and emergency lighting conditions?
e. Are all emergency evacuation routes designed to minimize the possibility of blockage from fire, mechanical failure, structural failure or persons standing on top of or against the escape routes?
f. Is the emergency light system automatically activated when the normal light system fails?
g Is there two-way voice communications between the flight deck and the lower deck service compartment?
h. Is there an aural emergency alarm system audible during normal and emergency conditions? Can this system be activated from the flight deck and each required floor level exit?
i. Is there a means to notify the occupants of the lower deck service compartments when seat belts should be fastened?
j. Is there a public address system installed on the airplane? Are there speakers for the public address system installed in the lower deck service compartment?
k. Is there a seat in the lower deck service compartment for each occupant?
l. Are the operating controls for powered lift safeguarded to prevent inadvertent operation when the doors are not properly secured? Does the emergency stop button immediately stop the lift? Is there a hatch in the lift for evacuating persons from the lift that is openable from both inside and outside the lift with out the use of tools?
14. Section 25.853 “Compartment interiors.”
a. Are waste compartments completely enclosed?
b. Are there any areas where waste material could accumulate, such as behind stowage units, sidewalls, seat armrest cavities?
c. Are ashtrays installed outside all lavatories?
d. Are all electrical wires protected from abrasion or crushing?
e. Are all seats fireblocked?
f. Has the applicant provided documentation that all materials in the cabin have been suitably tested to the applicable flammability test?
15. Section 25.1411 “General (safety equipment).”
a. Is emergency equipment readily accessible (not requiring special skills to remove)?
Consider reclined seats, stowage of other equipment, stowage of carry on baggage.
b. Are emergency equipment stowage locations conspicuously and conveniently marked?
Are placards as close to eye level height as practicable? Are additional arrows needed to locate the specific stowage location?