Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 92-4 - Flightcrew Compartment Access and Door Designs

1. Applicability. This Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) applies to all operators that hold an air carrier certificate or operating certificate issued under 14 CFR part 119 and that conduct operations under this part 121 and to operators of U.S. registered transport category aircraft operated under 14 CFR part 129, except paragraph 5 of this SFAR does not apply to cargo operations and 14 CFR part 129 operations. It applies to the operators specified in this SFAR that modify airplanes to improve the flightcrew compartment door installations to restrict the unwanted entry of persons into the flightcrew compartment. This SFAR also applies to production certificate holders applicants for airworthiness certificates for airplanes to be operated by operators specified in this SFAR, and producers of parts to be used in such modification.

2. Regulatory Relief. Contrary provisions of this part 21, and §§ 121.313(h), 121.153(a)(2), 121.153(c), 121.379(b), 121.583(b)(1) and (2) and 14 CFR 129.13 notwithstanding:

(a) An operator may operate airplanes modified to improve the flightcrew compartment door installations to restrict the unauthorized entry of persons into the flightcrew compartment without regard to the applicable airworthiness requirements and may modify those airplanes for that purpose, using technical data for previously approved by the Administrator, subject to the following conditions:

(i) Not later than February 15, 2002, submit to the Director, Aircraft Certification Service, a detailed description of the changes to the airplanes that have been accomplished before that date to enhance the intrusion resistance of the flightcrew compartment including identification of what major alterations have been done without previously approved data.

(ii) If, upon reviewing the data submitted in paragraph 2(a)(i) of this SFAR, the Administrator determines that a door modification presents an unacceptable safety risk, the FAA may issue an order requiring changes to such modifications.

(b) An applicant for an airworthiness certificate may obtain such a certificate for modified airplanes to be operated by operators described in this SFAR.

(c) A holder of a production certificate may submit for airworthiness certification or approval, modified airplanes to be operated by operators described in this SFAR.

(d) A person may produce parts for installation on airplanes in connection with modifications described in this SFAR, without FAA parts manufacturer approval (PMA).

3. Report of Modifications. Not later than April 22, 2002, all operators who are required to install flightdeck door modifications in accordance with § 121.313(j) must submit a report to the Director, Aircraft Certification Service. The report must describe the modifications to be made and provide a schedule for the changes necessary to restore compliance with all applicable airworthiness requirements and to meet the requirements of § 121.313(j). The schedule may not extend beyond the termination data of this SFAR.

4. Return to Service Documentation. Where operators have modified airplanes as authorized in this SFAR, the affected airplane must be returned to service with a note that it was done under the provisions of this SFAR.

5. Provision for Flightdeck Door Compartment Key. Contrary to provisions of § 121.313(g), the following provision applies: A key for each door that separates a passenger compartment from an emergency exist must be identified to passengers in the briefing required by § 121.571(a)(1)(ii). The key required for access to the emergency exit must be readily available for each crewmember. No key to the flightcrew compartment shall be available to any crewmember during flight, except for flight crewmembers, unless an internal flightdeck locking device such as a deadbolt or bar is installed, operative, and in use.

6. Door Modification Requirement. After March 1, 2002, for each airplane required under § 121.313(f) to have a door between the passenger and pilot compartments, and for transport category all-cargo airplanes that have a door installed between the pilot compartment and any other occupied compartment on or after January 15, 2002, such door must be equipped with an internal locking device installed, operative, and in use. Such internal locking device has to be designed so that it can only be unlocked from inside the flightdeck.

7. Termination. This SFAR terminates on April 9, 2003.