Consultation closed with comments. The final Special Condition (SC) has been updated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in accordance with the comments received.
Details
Identification of issue
EASA was made aware of minor changes to install Cargo Seat Bags on passenger seats in order to conduct flights for transportation of mail and/or cargo.
A Certification Memo EASA CM – CS – 003 Installation of “Cargo Seat Bags” on Passenger Seats was issued on 14th Nov 2012 requiring application for major modification or STC.
EASA received a new application for a STC and therefore started the process to review the applicable Special Conditions.
Whereas the initial issue of the Special Condition was addressing an installation of Cargo Seat Bags in the entire passenger cabin, this SC addresses the installation of a limited number of Cargo Seat Bags in combination with a normal cabin seat layout used by fare paying passengers. The intention of this installation is the possibility to transport limited specific items of passenger luggage such as skiing equipment (without skis and poles) and golf equipment bags.
Since the installation of Cargo Seat Bags is a change in the scope of operation of the aeroplane, and in the absence of operational requirements covering this kind of operation, the installation and the procedures for operation have to be addressed taking into account the specific configuration of each aeroplane model affected.
While the certification base for the aeroplane models affected by the change may vary the configuration of the aeroplane cabins modified for transportation of passenger luggage shall conform to a minimum standard with respect to the affected parts of CS-25.