Main Themes:

* Flammability Standards: The regulation focuses heavily on the fire safety of materials used in aircraft compartment interiors. This is to ensure passenger and crew safety in case of fire.

* Compartment Specific Standards: Different standards apply to the main passenger cabin compared to isolated compartments like galleys and lavatories.

* Smoking Regulations: While smoking is generally being phased out, the regulations still address ashtray requirements for compartments where smoking is allowed.

Source: eCFR :: 14 CFR 25.853 -- Compartment interiors. (FAR 25.853)

Date: October 26, 2024

Subscribe for free at KOTaero.com

Key Points:

* All Materials Must Meet Fire Resistance Tests: Regardless of the passenger capacity, all materials used in the cabin interior, including finishes and decorations, must pass the flammability tests outlined in Appendix F, Part I, or other approved equivalent methods.

* "Materials (including finishes or decorative surfaces applied to the materials) must meet the applicable test criteria prescribed in part I of appendix F of this part, or other approved equivalent methods, regardless of the passenger capacity of the airplane."

* Seat Cushions Have Additional Requirements: In addition to the general material requirements, seat cushions (except those for flight crew) must undergo separate tests detailed in Appendix F, Part II, or equivalent methods.

* "In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, seat cushions, except those on flight crewmember seats, must meet the test requirements of part II of appendix F of this part, or other equivalent methods, regardless of the passenger capacity of the airplane."

* Stringent Standards for Large Aircraft: Airplanes carrying 20 or more passengers have additional flammability requirements for:

* Interior ceiling and wall panels (excluding lighting and windows)

* Partitions (excluding transparent safety panels)

* Galley structure (including stowed carts and exposed cavity walls)

* Large cabinets and cabin stowage compartments (excluding underseat compartments)

* Exceptions for Isolated Compartments: Compartments like pilot compartments, galleys, lavatories, and crew rest areas that are isolated from the main cabin by doors don't need to meet the stricter standards for larger aircraft.

* Ashtray Provisions: Lavatories must always have ashtrays, regardless of smoking policies in other parts of the aircraft. If smoking is permitted, designated areas must have enough ashtrays for all seated occupants.

* Flammable Waste Receptacles: Receptacles for flammable waste must be fully enclosed, fire resistant, and proven capable of containing fires under normal use and foreseeable wear and tear.

Conclusion:

These regulations highlight the FAA's commitment to fire safety in aircraft cabin interiors. The detailed flammability standards and compartment-specific requirements aim to minimize the risk of fire and its spread, ensuring the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kotaero.substack.com