The Nation - News from Aug. 23, 1989

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines operating “combis”--a jetliner carrying a combination of passengers and cargo--to make changes that could cost up to $2.5 million per aircraft to improve fire safety. The new rules, which go into effect Sept. 25, give airlines between one and three years to comply and will affect 40 jets being operated as combis in the United States, the FAA’s Seattle district office said. A number of Boeing models, including 707s, 727s, 737s and 747s, as well as McDonnell Douglas DC-8s, DC-9s and DC-10s, will be affected. The rules were proposed following the 1987 crash into the Indian Ocean of a South African Airways Boeing 747 combi after what is believed to have been a major fire in the cargo compartment. All 159 people aboard were killed. Operators will have a choice of modifications under the proposed rules. They may change their present cargo sections, called Class B areas, into better contained Class C areas. A second option would require design changes, including installation of smoke or fire detection and fire extinguishing systems.