Revised Insulation Rule Still Draws Concern

The National Air Transportation Association still has concerns regarding the recently published requirements for improved flammability characteristics of thermal/acoustic insulation used as replacements on aircraft manufactured before Sept. 2, 2005. This final rule significantly narrowed the scope of the requirement to use only replacement thermal/acoustic insulation meeting new Part 25 fire-protection standards by limiting the requirement to insulation blankets and insulation around air ducts only. However, in a letter to the FAA, the association said hundreds of parts catalogs now contain part numbers that are no longer compliant with this rule. “New production aircraft compliancy will be ensured by the original equipment manufacturer, but parts catalogs of many out-of-production models have not been addressed by this rule,” NATA said. “Operators risk enforcement action for operating aircraft with noncompliant replacement insulation.” The rule became effective on January 30 and the FAA is accepting comments through February 28.