Safety Topics

THE Manchester accident in August has again focused attention on the problems of aircraft fires. Implementation of flammability requirements is proceeding in the airline industry with cabin interiors of operators' aircraft being brought up to date at suitable times throughout the fleets. The particular aircraft involved had not yet been so modified. In Autumn, 1984, the FAA issued rules for flammability standards and earlier this year, the CAA issued an Airworthiness Notice which requires British Airlines to provide all aircraft over 5,700kg in weight with passenger seats which comply with the new standards. By July, 1986, all newly manufactured seats will have to satisfy the new rules and by December, 1987, all British registered public transport aircraft in the above weight category will have to comply.