FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 08055: Flammability of Airline Blankets
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO contains information and recommendations concerning the flammability of blankets typically carried aboard air carrier aircraft. It has been developed in response to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation A-94-131 and supersedes Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation (FSAT) 96-11.
Why It Matters
In November 1993, smoke was observed in an overhead storage compartment of an air carrier's Boeing 727. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was being pushed back from the gate to begin its scheduled flight.
Recommended Action
Air carriers are encouraged to review the above mentioned document and consider the findings when selecting its airline blankets. Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department InFO 08055
of Transportation DATE: 12/30/08
Federal Aviation
Administration Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Subject: Flammability of Airline Blankets
Purpose: This InFO contains information and recommendations concerning the flammability of blankets typically carried aboard air carrier aircraft. It has been developed in response to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendation A-94-131 and supersedes Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation (FSAT) 96-11.
Background: In November 1993, smoke was observed in an overhead storage compartment of an air carrier's Boeing 727. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was being pushed back from the gate to begin its scheduled flight. Crewmembers extinguished the fire and subsequently the aircraft was evacuated. The investigation determined the fire originated in several blankets stored in an overhead compartment. It was noted that the blanket fabric was 100-percent polyester and ignited easily with a match. Evidence from the incident suggested that the fire in the overhead compartment had been deliberately set, most likely with a match.
Discussion: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require flammability testing of airline blankets. However, the FAA has developed fire performance criteria for blankets supplied to commercial airlines. The criteria may be reviewed in a technical report developed by the Airport and Aircraft Safety Research and Development Division (AAR-400), FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ, DOT/FAA/AR-96/15, titled “The Development of a Flammability Test Method for Aircraft Blankets.” This document is available at FAA web site: http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/reports/reports.asp.
Recommended Action: Air carriers are encouraged to review the above mentioned document and consider the findings when selecting its airline blankets.
Approved by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-220
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 08055