Cabin Safety Research Technical Group
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Background
In the past, the various aviation authorities of the world were conducting research in transport category airplane cabin safety sometimes cooperatively, but mostly individually, without the benefit of a coordinating 'tool'. The international nature of civil aviation, commitments and trends in harmonization, and budgetary constraints, dictated the need for a mechanism to foster greater and broader association, cooperation and coordination in cabin safety research. In the early nineties, the aviation authorities of North America [the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA)], Europe [the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)] and Japan [the Civil Aviation Bureau of Japan (JCAB)] formed the Cabin Safety Research Technical Group (CSRTG) to 'bring together' their respective cabin safety research efforts. As time progressed, other authorities were invited to, and joined the group; the CSRTG now comprises some ten member authorities (ref. list below).
The goal of the CSRTG is to enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of cabin safety research by establishing an international framework which allows for the systematic joint identification, prioritization and coordination of needed research, and integrate therein the pertinent activities of the participating authorities. The prime objective for cabin safety research is to support rulemaking, although some research is conducted to identify safety issues and develop safety systems and data.
The primary focus of cabin safety is on post-crash survivability of occupants. 'Post-crash' is intended in the broadest sense, including impact protection, where evacuation is not critical, as well as evacuation-related events. Principal elements include crash dynamics, fire safety, evacuation and ditching.
There are also several important, but less dominant objectives of cabin safety. These include in-flight incidents (turbulence, decompression, fire) and various safety items that fall into general design practice (e.g. no sharp edges or tripping hazards).
In general, the CSRTG focuses on safety-related issues that can be classified as acute and occurring on a specific flight. Chronic issues such as air quality or general product safety, that might otherwise be termed 'cabin safety', are not addressed by the CSRTG.
Post-Crash Safety
Post crash safety consists of: 1) protection from the crash itself, 2) egress from the airplane after the crash event, and 3) water/environmental survival.
Major areas relating to item 1) include occupant injury protection and human tolerance, adequacy of interior structural features (including seats, galleys, closets, overhead stowage compartments) and, ultimately, airframe capability.
Item 2) can be further divided into: a) facilitating rapid egress, and b) extending the time available for egress. Included in a) are exit performance, escape slide performance, interior arrangements etc., and many issues related to operational procedures. Included in b) are improved flammability of materials, active fire suppression systems, burn-through protection, protection of escape systems from the effects of fire, and enhanced ditching flotation time.
In-Flight Safety
In-flight safety consists of the effects in the cabin from 1) turbulence, 2) decompression, 3) fire and 4) medical emergencies.
Turbulence is primarily an occupant protection issue, although all ‘occupiable’ areas of the cabin must be considered, not just those occupied for takeoff and landing. This relates to both design and procedures.
Protection against the effects of decompression involves oxygen systems and the capability of structures to tolerate pressure differentials without failures that could cause injury.
In-flight fire protection is primarily a function of design practice, flammability of materials, emergency equipment and procedural considerations (e.g., no smoking in lavatories).
Medical emergencies relate to equipment standards and training procedures.
The CSRTG
The CSRTG is a core group consisting of members from each the participating authorities and representing both the research and regulatory elements of each organization (from the 'performing' and 'customer' groups). The CSRTG meets regularly (approximately 3-5 time a year) and as needed to ensure the achievement of the Program objectives and the proper conduct and progress of the research efforts.
Other authorities-related representatives (such as members of external research organizations or other government agencies) are invited to participate in some of the CSRTG's work, as and when needed to address specific issues/activities.
The CSRTG is responsible for the identification, prioritizing, planning, coordination and general direction (but not day to day) management of the various projects, for the provision of regular briefings to management on the progress and findings of the various research efforts, and for all 'working' aspects of the Program.
In addition to the above, input relative to research needs and priorities is, as appropriate, sought and received from pertinent authorities-associated working groups and advisory committees [such as the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), the Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC), the JAA Cabin Safety Steering Group (CSSG), and the FAA/JAA/TCA International Cabin Safety Team (iCST)], as well as from recognized public- and industry-associated working groups.
Member Authorities
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United States Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) |
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Joint Aviation Authorities of Europe (JAA) |
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Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) |
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Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
- France (DGAC) |
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United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) |
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Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile -
Italy (ENAC) |
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Civil Aviation Bureau of Japan (JCAB) |
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National Civil Aviation Agency - Brazil (ANAC) |
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Aviation Register - Russia |
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Civil Aviation Safety Authority Australia (CASA) |
Additional information can be found in report DOT/FAA/AR-95/14 "Proposed Cabin Safety Research Program (Transport Category Airplanes)", October 1995 |
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International Fire & Cabin Safety Research Conference
- Conference Proceedings from 2004
- Conference Proceedings from 2001
- Conference Proceedings from 1998
- Conference Proceedings from 1995
- Proceedings are available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161. Report No. DOT/FAA/AR-95/120