Safety Topics: Improved flammability standards

THE upgrading of fire safety standards for cabin interior materials in transport category aircraft was the subject of NPRM 85–10 issued in April, 1985 which followed upon research and development and the recommendations of the SAFER committee. Testing activities have included the adoption of the Ohio State University (OSU) rate‐of‐heat‐release apparatus as the most suitable for material qualifications. A considerable amount of comments were received after the issue of 85–10 and further extensive testing was undertaken. Amendments were adopted which meant that the standards differed from those originally proposed in a number of ways. Test procedures and acceptance criteria were adjusted and aircraft seating less than 19 passengers are not now required to meet the new standards. Now also, aircraft newly manufactured on or after August 20, 1988, must meet interim standards and those newly manufactured on or after August 20, 1990, must meet the definitive standards. Similarly, certain aircraft in which the cabin interior is replaced on or after August 20, 1988 or August 20, 1990, must meet the interim or definitive standards, respectively. Many further comments were received subsequent to the issue of these amended rules.