Gaining Approval for Seats with Integrated Electronics in Accordance with AC 21-49 Section 7.b ARP6448A

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/ARP6448A

Issuing Committee: Aircraft Seat Committee

Publisher: SAE International

Pages: 43

Rationale: The FAA issued AC 21-49, which provides guidance on methods for approving passenger seats with integrated electronics. The seat industry required a recognized means of documenting the processes required to enact the business changes required by this AC. This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) captures an acceptable means by which data can be exchanged between all parties when following Section 7.b of AC 21-49. Revision A is a general update/reorganization of ARP6448 and its appendices for clarity and to improve accuracy; the procedures and agreements used for data exchange between the seat suppliers, TC/ATC/STC applicant/holder, electronics manufacturers, and the customers have not changed. This revision provides more succinct instructions on implementation of TSO holder—electronics manufacturer data exchange agreements and change approval delegation. Appendix A, which defines key characteristics of change types, is updated with improved direction for assessing change impact with respect to the TSO attributes listed in Table 1 of AC 21-49. Appendix B is updated to include Figure B6, which is a flowchart for design change submittal and approval process using the EMNOC form. Appendix C is updated to clarify the process for delegation from the seat supplier to the electronics manufacturer. Appendix D is added to provide an example of a working together agreement (WTA). References to Section 9 of AC 21-49 are added where appropriate to ensure that the effects of changes to electronic components are evaluated at the aircraft installation level in addition to ensuring TSO MPS are not affected by the change.