7 PROCEDURES AND LIMITATIONS.
7.1 To ensure that the contents of Class B and F compartments are accessible to crewmembers seeking to combat a fire, the cargo or baggage loading limitations and any operational limitations or procedures provided are expected to be identified with placards in the compartment. The loading and operational limitations must also be addressed in the appropriate weight and balance or loading document.
7.2 Any operational limitations or procedures necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the fire protection system for Class B and Class F cargo and baggage compartments should be clearly defined in the AFM. This should include such items as any changes to the ventilation system to prevent the entrance of smoke or gasses into occupied areas, use of hand fire extinguishers, use of protective breathing equipment, use of protective clothing, and use of the FCCs and FRCs in Class F cargo compartments. For example, the use of FCCs and FRCs in Class B cargo compartments do not afford a single crewmember immediate access to the source of the fire, which is critical in extinguishing the fire. The purpose of FCCs and FRCs is to control the fire within the cargo container without exposing the airplane to damage from a fire. The opening of an FCC or FRC to fight a fire would negate the benefits of their design. Therefore, the FAA may restrict use of FCCs and FRCs to certain classes of cargo compartments. The applicant and the ACO should work closely with the FAA Flight Standards organization (Aircraft Evaluation Group) to ensure that additional training necessary for crewmembers assigned to combat fires is adequately addressed.
7.3 Any time limit for a cargo or baggage compartment fire protection system, or other conditions or procedures related to combating a fire in a compartment, should be clearly defined in the AFM.
8 AFM CONSIDERATIONS.
8.1 Any crewmember designated to combat a fire in a Class B compartment will need special training. Fires occurring in luggage are difficult to extinguish completely and rekindling may occur. Crewmembers designated to combat fires in Class B compartments should be trained to check periodically to ensure that a fire has not grown back to hazardous proportions. The applicant and the ACO should work with the appropriate organizations, including the operators, to ensure that training in the use of protective breathing equipment, fire extinguishers, protective gloves and clothing is provided.
8.2 AFMs should contain instructions to land at the nearest suitable airport following smoke or fire detection, unless it can be positively determined that the fire is extinguished.
8.3 In the unusual event that occupancy of a Class B or F compartment during flight is approved by the FAA, that approval may require limitations in the AFM.
8.4 Any loading restrictions associated with access to cargo or baggage or special containers, including the use of FCCs and FRCs in Class F cargo compartments, should be clearly identified in the AFM. This would include, but not be limited to, placement of luggage in a Class B compartment or identification of special containers or covers associated with fire protection in a Class F compartment. If FCCs or FRCs are used in conjunction with a Class F cargo compartment, they should be easy to install and sufficiently durable to withstand in-service conditions.
If you have any suggestions for improvements or changes to this AC, you may use the Advisory Circular Feedback form at the end of this AC.
Jeffrey E. Duven Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate Aircraft Certification Service 14
Advisory Circular Feedback If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by (1) emailing this form to 9-AWA-AVS AIR500-Coord@faa.gov or (2) faxing it to the attention of the Aircraft Certification Service Directives Management Officer at (202) 267-3983.
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