The purpose of this SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) is to describe key features that should be incorporated in the lavatory smoke detector. Consideration has been given to existing requirements of the FAA, to recommendations of aircraft operators and manufacturers. The ARP is deliberately not specific in all areas in order to maximize potential supplier's freedom to use the state-of-the-art design and manufacturing technologies. Safe, reliable, and effective lavatory smoke detectors remain the primary goal of the document.

The intent of installing smoke detectors in aircraft lavatories is to enhance, through auditory and visual signals, the ability of flight attendants to detect fires in the cabin, and not to serve as primary detectors such as those used in isolated cargo compartments.