Sec. 23.841 - Pressurized cabins.
(a) If certification for operation over
25,000 feet is requested, the airplane must be able to maintain a cabin
pressure altitude of not more than 15,000 feet in event of any probable
failure or malfunction in the pressurization system.
(b) Pressurized cabins must have at
least the following valves, controls, and indicators, for controlling
cabin pressure:
(1) Two pressure relief valves to
automatically limit the positive pressure differential to a predetermined
value at the maximum rate of flow delivered by the pressure source. The
combined capacity of the relief valves must be large enough so that the
failure of any one valve would not cause an appreciable rise in the
pressure differential. The pressure differential is positive when the
internal pressure is greater than the external.
(2) Two reverse pressure differential
relief valves (or their equivalent) to automatically prevent a negative
pressure differential that would damage the structure. However, one valve
is enough if it is of a design that reasonably precludes its
malfunctioning.
(3) A means by which the pressure
differential can be rapidly equalized.
(4) An automatic or manual regulator for
controlling the intake or exhaust airflow, or both, for maintaining the
required internal pressures and airflow rates.
(5) Instruments to indicate to the pilot
the pressure differential, the cabin pressure altitude, and the rate of
change of cabin pressure altitude.
(6) Warning indication at the pilot
station to indicate when the safe or preset pressure differential is
exceeded and when a cabin pressure altitude of 10,000 feet is exceeded.
(7) A warning placard for the pilot if
the structure is not designed for pressure differentials up to the maximum
relief valve setting in combination with landing loads.
(8) A means to stop rotation of the
compressor or to divert airflow from the cabin if continued rotation of an
engine-driven cabin compressor or continued flow of any compressor bleed
air will create a hazard if a malfunction occurs.
[Amdt. 23-14, 38 FR 31822, Nov. 19, 1973, as
amended by Amdt. 23-17, 41 FR 55464, Dec. 20, 1976; Amdt. 23-49, 61 FR
5167, Feb. 9, 1996]