TSB Recommendation A99-08

In its response on 02 November 1999, TC recognized that certain types of thermal acoustical insulation material systems exhibit a propensity to propagate fire under certain circumstances. TC states that it is actively cooperating with both the FAA and JAA in developing new test standards. These new standards will qualify the flammability characteristics of thermal acoustical insulation material systems against realistic fire threats under environmental conditions to which they are subjected in service.

TC states that it will proceed with appropriate regulatory action once an internationally harmonized solution is reached. The FAA response of 16 September 1999 indicates that it intends to propose new rulemaking (NPRM) in the near future that would introduce new flammability test requirements for thermal/acoustic insulation cover material. The FAA accepts that there are materials currently in use that will not meet the proposed new standards. However, because these materials do not have the same susceptibility to ignite, the FAA has not identified an unsafe condition that would cause the FAA to take the same action as with MPET.

Both TC's response received 02 November 1999, and the FAA's response dated 16 September 1999 indicate that they are committed to replacing existing test criteria with a more stringent flammability standard for thermal acoustic insulation blanket materials. However, it is unclear the extent to which proposed test criteria will reduce or eliminate the identified deficiency or for that matter whether they will be adopted.

Therefore, the responses are considered to be Satisfactory Intent.

In its update of active recommendations dated 14 December 2005, TC indicated that an update to Recommendation A99-08 was not available due to scheduling conflicts for some Swissair Recommendation team members. Furthermore, TC indicated that an update will follow as soon as team members can meet and draft updates.

Although the FAA's final rule issued 31 July 2003 has created more rigorous test criteria, has amended the FAA regulations, and has drafted advisory material, no comprehensive validation of existing materials called for in the recommendation has been accomplished by the FAA. TC's harmonization efforts have resulted in proposed changes (NPA 2004-028) to Airworthiness Standard, Section 525.856, which include new flammability requirements that address flame propagation. Although the new test requirements establish a new level of safety, TC has not undertaken a validation of existing materials as recommended in A99-08. As of 23 June 2006, TC has not provided an update with respect to the residual risks associated with A99-08.

It is the Board's understanding that TC remains committed to providing an update to its action plan. Notwithstanding, the confirmed actions taken and planned will reduce but not substantially reduce or eliminate the deficiency.

Therefore, the assessment is Satisfactory in Part.

TC's response repeats the fact that the FAA has created a more rigorous test criterion, amended its FARs and created advisory material with respect to the design standards of thermal acoustic insulation materials. Additionally, regulations are in the process of being amended that will hold future thermal acoustic insulation materials to this new standard.

TC states that "through testing in-service thermal acoustic insulation materials," the FAA has identified another widely used thermal acoustic insulation cover material that fails the recently adopted flammability test criteria. Subsequently, the FAA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposes the removal and replacement of this material. TC's response also indicates that an alternate means of compliance is being proposed by industry that would apply a flame retardant to the material in lieu of wholesale replacement.

The adoption of a more rigorous test criterion for the design standards of future thermal acoustic insulation materials reduces the risks associated with the deficiency identified in Recommendation A99-08. However, the risks to aircraft using existing thermal acoustic insulation materials have not been addressed as neither the FAA nor TC has undertaken a validation of existing materials as recommended in Recommendation A99-08. The fact that another widely used thermal acoustic insulation material has exhibited unacceptable in-service performance and is being targeted for wholesale removal by the FAA further supports this aspect of the deficiency identified in Recommendation A99-08. This lack of action leaves many materials at risk and fails to mitigate this risk associated with this facet of the deficiency identified in Recommendation A99-08.

Therefore, in summary, this reassessment remains at Satisfactory in Part.

In its response of 11 March 2008, TC reviews previously known FAA and TC regulatory actions taken.

In addition, TC states that the FAA, by testing in-service thermal acoustic insulation materials, has identified one additional exceptionally high-risk material (AN-26), which failed the radiant panel test. Consequently, the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive for its removal and replacement. TC also states that, due to the high cost of replacing thermal acoustic insulation materials, manufacturers and operators are proposing an alternate means of compliance to minimize the flammability risk of AN-26 insulation by the in situ application of a flame retardant.

TC considers this recommendation closed because:

• with the elimination of PET and AN-26 insulations, the identified safety deficiency has been minimized; and
• no further action needs to take place once international harmonization is accomplished.

The Board agrees that the adoption of a more rigorous test criterion for the design standards of future thermal acoustic insulation materials reduces the risks associated with the deficiency identified in Recommendation A99-08. However, the response contains no indication that regulatory authorities have undertaken a comprehensive validation of all thermal acoustic insulation materials in use. The action taken will reduce, but not substantially reduce or eliminate, the deficiency identified in Recommendation A99-08.

Therefore, this reassessment remains at Satisfactory in Part.

In its latest position statement regarding the deficiency identified in Recommendation A99-08, TC states that its "risk based" action plan has "focussed on high risks materials" and that "testing all material is impractical." TC considers this recommendation closed and plans no further action.

Therefore, the assessment remains at Satisfactory in Part.

The Board also concludes that, as no further action is planned, continued reassessment will not likely yield further results.

The Board requested that all recommendations 10 years old or more be reviewed to determine if the deficiency file status was appropriate. After an initial evaluation, it was determined that the safety deficiency addressed by Recommendation A99-08 needed to be reassessed.

A request for further information was sent to Transport Canada (TC) and a reassessment will be conducted upon receipt of TC’s response. In the interim, the assessment remains at Satisfactory in Part.

Consequently, the status of Recommendation A99-08 is changed to Active.