Safety

A US Federal Aviation Administration counter-terrorism proposal to be released today could require manufacturers of new commercial aircraft with more than over 60-seats or with a maximum take-off weight of 45,000kg (100,000lb) or more to strengthen cabin interiors to limit the effects of an in-flight explosion.

The notice of proposed rulemaking estimates that the effort will cost $500 million, but will provide $1.2 billion in benefits and bring the USA more in line with international standards.

Under the proposed rules, the FAA calls for:

• Strengthen bulkheads, walls, grilles and floors surrounding the cockpit to the same standards as the cockpit doors;
• Limit penetration of smoke, fumes or gas from incendiary devices entering the cockpit and the cabin;
• Install cargo bay fire suppression systems that will survive an explosion and continue working;
• Separate redundant flight critical systems to maximize the ability to survive an explosion or fire; and
• The design aircraft interiors “to deter the easy concealment of weapons or explosives or other objects, and lessen the likelihood of overlooking those items in a search”.

Each aircraft has what is called a "least risk bomb location" onboard to where any device found can be moved, so in the event of detonation, it will cause the least damage to the structure. The FAA is proposing adding this location information to type information for all airliners above the take-off weight thresholds and making it known to relevant personnel.

The comment period on the proposed rules ends in April.