As a result of the 1996 Valujet accident, the United States Federal Aviation Regulations Sec 121.314(c) require that after March 19, 2001, each Class D cargo compartment must meet the requirements of FAR 25.857(c) and FAR 25.858 for Class C cargo compartments and all cargo operation aircraft may have the Class D compartments meet the requirements of FAR 25.857(e) for Class E.
This paper addresses issues relative to the conversion from Class D to Class C cargo compartments for the design and installation of fire detection systems, fire suppression systems, flight deck indications, systems description and system operation, certification testing, certification, updating of aircraft flight and technical manuals, and continued airworthiness.
The paper addresses typical systems that are currently installed in the United States as well as those that are being considered and installed in other countries.