Equipment/Furnishings

1 FAA Aviation Safety SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Equipment/Furnishings SAIB: NM-17-20 Date: July 19, 2017 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts registered owners and operators of certain Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes of possible issues with the aft galley flight attendant seats installed by Northwest Aerospace Technologies, Inc.

At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Background

The FAA received reports of concerns with the location of the aft galley flight attendant seats installed by Northwest Aerospace Technologies, Inc., as specified in supplemental type certificate (STC) ST02455LA. The seats are forward facing and mounted on the aft wall of the aft galley. There are galley components located in close proximity of the seats (galley carts, galley chilled and dry storage, and a sliding work top), and each galley component is secured with two quarter turn retaining arms. We reviewed the seat and galley component installation and investigated the potential for injuries, given exposure to a flight attendant head strike on a retainer arm in the event of severe turbulence or survivable crash conditions. We conducted a numerical safety analysis and concluded that the risk for flight attendant injury is very small. In light of these factors we have determined that, given the low safety risk, voluntary action by operators to further minimize the risk is sufficient. Additionally, we will continue to monitor operational conditions to maintain safety.

Northwest Aerospace Technologies, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin, NSB-A330-25-027, dated February 13, 2017, which provides procedures for installing new pads on the quarter turn retaining arms in the aft galley to prevent head injuries.

Recommendation

The FAA recommends that all owners and operators of the affected airplanes accomplish the procedures outlined in Northwest Aerospace Technologies, Inc. Service Bulletin, NSB-A330-25-027, dated February 13, 2017, at the earliest opportunity.

For Further Information Contact

Eric M. Brown, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone: (425) 917-6476; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: [email protected].