Consultation expired with comments. The proposed Equivalent Safety Finding ESF has not been updated based on the comments received.
Details
Publication of the Comment Response Document and the Final Master Technical Subject.
Identification of issue
CS 25.815 at Amdt. 28 requires that:
“The passenger aisle width at any point between seats must equal or exceed the values in the following table:
[see table on page 2 of “CPTS-0000586 Issue 01 – PROPOSED”]
*A narrower width not less than 23 cm (9 inches) may be approved when substantiated by tests found necessary by the Agency.”
EASA received an application for a Supplemental Type Certificate proposing an Air ambulance cabin layout for a Large Aeroplane – Business Jet size of aircraft with single aisle 2 abreast passenger seating. The proposed design consist of one or more stretchers that are to be installed on the RH side of the cabin, after removal of the seats, together with a newly designed medical rack that extends behind the stretcher units and along the sidewall. Medical crew occupying the remaining seats are able bodied crew complying with specific fitness requirements (i.e. they must be capable of lifting a stretcher occupant in case of an emergency) and training (i.e. they must be familiar with the emergency procedures).
In the worst-case scenario, the proposed configuration has a minimum aisle width of 34,3 cm (13,5 inches), above 64 cm (25 inches) from the cabin floor where the aisle floor is dropped (CS 25.815 requires a minimum of 38cm / 15 inches, for a passenger seating capacity up to 10). The area of reduced width of aisle below the limits of CS 25.815 is limited to up to 2 locations where the two LH FWD seats are installed opposite to the stretchers, and up to a height of 76,2 cm (30 inches) from the dropped aisle floor. The aisle width between the stretcher and the LH AFT seat is compliant, since in this location the aisle floor does not drop. The majority width of the aisle is compliant.
The non-compliant locations corresponding to the double-stretcher configuration (worst-case scenario) are shown in red in the following figures.
[see the 2 figures on page 3 of “CPTS-0000586 Issue 01 – PROPOSED”]
Accordingly, literal compliance with CS 25.815 Amdt. 28 "Width of Aisle" cannot be demonstrated.