Airworthiness Standards; Occupant Protection in Normal and Transport Category Rotorcraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is amending the airworthiness standards to improve occupant protection in normal and transport category rotorcraft. These amended standards significantly increase the static design ultimate inertial load factors for restraining heavy items located above or behind the occupied areas during emergency landings. These increased load factors also apply to certain cargo and baggage compartments. These amendments further complement and enhance the standards previously adopted for occupant restraint and protection in normal and transport category rotorcraft in the event of a survivable emergency landing.