EASA ETSO-C127c Rotorcraft, Transport Aircraft and Small Aircraft Seat Systems

Developed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) “EASA ETSO-C127c Rotorcraft, transport aircraft and small aircraft seating systems”, a European Technical Standard Organization (ETSO) This standard specifies the minimum performance standards that the following designated types of rotary wing aircraft, large aircraft (transport) and small aircraft seating systems, designed and manufactured on or after the effective date of this standard, must meet in order to be identified by valid markings.

These standards apply to equipment designed for use as an aircraft seating system with the following classifications:

• Seat type and applicable aircraft category:
  • Type A aircraft: Aircraft category, transportation
  • Type B rotary wing aircraft: Aircraft category, large (transport) or small (normal)
  • Type C small aircraft: Aircraft category,
    • Normal, general use, acrobatic or passenger
    • Normal level 1, Normal level 2, normal level 3, normal level 4.
• Seat subtype:
  • Subtype 1 Passenger
  • Subtype 2 Cabin crew
  • Subtype 3 Observer
  • Subtype 4 Pilot and co-pilot
• Seat orientation:
  • Forward facing: Installation of forward-facing seating systems on an aircraft at an angle of up to 18 degrees relative to the aircraft's longitudinal axis.
  • Rear-facing: Installation of rear-facing seating systems on aircraft at an angle of up to 18 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
  • Sideways facing: Installation of seating systems facing the side of the aircraft at an angle of between 80 degrees and 100 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
  • Inclined: The installation of forward-facing seating systems in an aircraft at an angle greater than 18 degrees and no greater than 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

In this standard, the technical conditions are specified as follows:

• Basic: These standards apply to equipment designed for use as aircraft seating systems.
  • Minimum performance standard: New models of rotary-wing aircraft, large aircraft (transport), and small aircraft seating systems identified and manufactured on or after the effective date of this standard shall meet the requirements of the following standards:
    • SAE AS8049C Performance standard for seats in civil rotary-wing aircraft, transport aircraft, and general aviation aircraft
    • SAE AS8049/1B Performance standards for side-facing seats in civil rotary-wing aircraft, transport aircraft, and general aviation aircraft
    • SAE ARP5526D Aircraft seat design guide and descriptions
    • SAE AS6316 Performance standards for reclining passenger seats in transport aircraft
    • SAE ARP6337 Design, manufacturing, and performance standard for composite materials used in aircraft seat structures
  • Functional capability: Demonstrates required functional performance under the following test conditions:
    • SAE AS8049C Performance standard for seats in civil helicopters, transport and general aviation aircraft
    • SAE AS8049/1B Performance standards for side-facing seats in civil helicopters, transport and general aviation aircraft
    • SAE AS6316 Performance standards for reclining passenger seats in transport aircraft
    • SAE ARP5526D Aircraft seat design guide and descriptions
    • SAE ARP6337 Design, manufacturing, and performance standard for composite materials used in aircraft seat structures
    • Annex 2 to this standard for certain optional requirements.
• Specific:
  • Failure state classification: There is no standard minimum failure state classification for this standard. The appropriate failure state classification for a product depends on its intended use in a particular aircraft. The loss of function and failure state classifications for which the equipment is designed must be documented.

In general, at least one main component must be marked permanently and legibly and must contain all the information detailed in the relevant standard.

The EASA ETSO-C127c standard is a certification standard for seating systems for helicopters, transport aircraft, and small aircraft. This standard specifies the minimum performance and safety requirements for aircraft seating systems to ensure their safe use in civil aviation.

The EASA ETSO-C127c standard is a minimum performance standard for seating systems used in rotary-wing aircraft, transport aircraft, and small aircraft. It defines the design, performance, and quality criteria that aircraft seats must meet to be approved for use. This standard ensures that seating systems can withstand the stresses of flight, protect occupants in emergency situations, and comply with safety regulations. It is part of a broader framework governing the certification of aviation components.

This standard references industry standards such as SAE AS8049D, managed by SAE International, which provides detailed performance criteria for aircraft seats, including dynamic test requirements for crashworthiness. This standard has been updated to reflect innovations in cabin design and to address modern seating configurations, such as herringbone seats in business class cabins.

The EASA ETSO-C127c standard outlines several critical requirements for seating systems:

• Design and construction:
  • Seats must be designed to ensure passenger safety during normal operations and emergency situations, such as turbulence or collision scenarios.
  • Compliance with SAE AS8049D, which specifies performance standards for seat durability, occupant restraint, and energy absorption, is required.
  • The design must accommodate passengers of varying sizes and weights, ensuring accessibility and safety for all passengers.
• Dynamic test:
  • Seats must undergo rigorous dynamic crash tests to simulate emergency landing conditions. These tests include forward, side, and downward load tests to ensure the seat remains safe and protects occupants.
  • Testing should confirm compliance with specific load factors and injury criteria, such as head injury criteria.
• Material and flammability standards:
  • All materials used in the cabin, including upholstery and cushioning, must meet strict flammability requirements to reduce fire risks in the cabin.
  • For material safety, compliance with the “EASA CS-25 Certification specifications for large aircraft” standard or equivalent standards for smaller aircraft is required.
• Design and performance declaration:
  • Manufacturers must submit a design and performance declaration to EASA, including detailed reports, test results, and compliance documentation. The design and performance declaration demonstrates that the seat meets all ETSO-C127c requirements.
  • The design must be approved under design organization approval or alternative procedures to design organization approvals.
• Production and quality assurance:
  • The production of seats compliant with the EASA ETSO-C127c standard requires production organization approval or special inspection.
  • Manufacturers must maintain a quality assurance system to ensure consistent production standards.
• Continuing airworthiness:
  • Manufacturers must provide continuing airworthiness instructions to ensure that seats remain safe throughout their operational life.
  • All changes to the seat design must be classified as either minor or major. Minor changes are permitted without re-approval, while major changes, such as those requiring new dynamic tests, require re-approval by EASA.

A key difference is that approval to the EASA ETSO-C127c standard does not imply approval for installation. While this standard guarantees that the seat meets minimum performance criteria, its suitability for a specific aircraft must be assessed individually as part of the aircraft's type certification. This includes verifying compliance with the aircraft's type design and operational requirements.

Consequently, the EASA ETSO-C127c standard plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of seating systems in rotary-wing aircraft, transport aircraft, and small aircraft. It protects occupants by establishing stringent design, testing, and manufacturing requirements and aligns with global aviation safety standards. Manufacturers must overcome both technical and regulatory challenges to achieve compliance, but compliance with this standard ensures that aircraft seats meet the highest safety standards.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EASA ETSO-C127c Rotorcraft, Transport Aircraft, and Small Aircraft Seat Systems standard.