80_FR_10460 80 FR 10422 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII Series Airplanes; Limit Pilot Forces for Side-Stick Controller

80 FR 10422 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII Series Airplanes; Limit Pilot Forces for Side-Stick Controller

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 38 (February 26, 2015)

Page Range10422-10423
FR Document2015-03968

This action proposes special conditions for the Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 (GVII series) airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport- category airplanes. This design feature is associated with side-stick controllers that require limited pilot force because they are operated by one hand only. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10422-10423]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03968]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1079; Notice No. 25-15-01-SC]


Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII Series Airplanes; Limit 
Pilot Forces for Side-Stick Controller

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Gulfstream 
Model GVII-G500 (GVII series) airplanes. These airplanes will have a 
novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of 
technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-
category airplanes.
    This design feature is associated with side-stick controllers that 
require limited pilot force because they are operated by one hand only. 
The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 
special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the 
Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety 
equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

DATES: Send your comments on or before April 13, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2014-1079 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending 
your comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal 
information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the 
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all 
comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the 
individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an 
association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Martin, FAA, Airframe and Cabin 
Safety Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1178; facsimile 425-227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the proposed special conditions, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting 
data.
    We will consider all comments we receive by the closing date for 
comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments 
we receive.

Background

    On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream Aerospace applied for a type 
certificate for their new Model GVII-G500 airplane.
    The Model GVII series airplanes are large-cabin business jets 
capable of accommodating up to 19 passengers. The GVII series will 
certify a base configuration GVII-G500, which

[[Page 10423]]

incorporates a low, swept-wing design with winglets and a T-tail. The 
airplanes have two aft-fuselage-mounted Pratt & Whitney turbofan 
engines. Avionics include four primary display units and multiple 
touchscreen controllers. The flight-control system is a three-axis, 
fly-by-wire system using active control/coupled side sticks.
    The GVII-G500 has a wingspan of 87 ft and a length of 91 ft. 
Maximum takeoff weight is 76,850 lbs. Maximum takeoff thrust is 15,135 
lbs, maximum range is 5,000 nautical miles (nm), and maximum operating 
altitude is 51,000 ft.
    The Model GVII series airplanes are equipped with two side-stick 
controllers instead of the conventional control columns and wheels. 
This side-stick controller is designed for one-hand operation. The 
requirement of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
25.397(c), which defines limit pilot forces and torques for 
conventional wheel or stick controls, is not adequate for a side-stick 
controller. Special conditions are necessary to specify the appropriate 
loading conditions for this controller design.

Type-Certification Basis

    Under 14 CFR 21.17, Gulfstream must show that the Model GVII-G500 
airplanes meet the applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25, as amended 
by Amendments 25-1 through 25-137.
    The certification of the GVII-G500 airplane is 14 CFR part 25, 
effective February 1, 1965, including Amendments 25-1 through 25-137; 
14 CFR part 34, as amended by Amendments 34-1 through the most current 
amendment at the time of design approval; and 14 CFR part 36, Amendment 
36-29. In addition, the certification basis includes special conditions 
and equivalent-safety findings related to the flight-control system.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the Model GVII series airplanes 
because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are 
prescribed under Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended 
later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or 
unusual design feature, these special conditions would also apply to 
the other model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and 
proposed special conditions, the Model GVII series airplanes must 
comply with the fuel-vent and exhaust-emission requirements of 14 CFR 
part 34, and the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36. 
The FAA must issue a finding of regulatory adequacy under Sec.  611 of 
Public Law 92-574, the ``Noise Control Act of 1972.''
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, 
under Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type-certification basis 
under Sec.  21.17(a)(2) for new type certificates, and Sec.  21.101 for 
amended type certificates.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes will incorporate the 
following novel or unusual design feature:
    A side-stick controller for one-hand operation requiring wrist 
motion only, not arms.

Discussion

    Current regulations reference pilot-effort loads for the flight 
deck pitch-and-roll controls that are based on two-handed effort. 
Special conditions are being proposed for Gulfstream GVII series 
airplanes based on similar airplane programs that include side-stick 
controllers. These proposed special conditions are also appropriate for 
the Model GVII series airplane's side-stick controller.
    These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety 
standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a 
level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing 
airworthiness standards.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these proposed special conditions apply to 
Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes. Should Gulfstream apply later 
for a change to the type certificate to include another model 
incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, these proposed 
special conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on the Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes. It is not a rule of 
general applicability.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these proposed special conditions is as 
follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.

The Proposed Special Conditions

    Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the 
following special conditions in lieu of Sec.  25.397(c):
    For the Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes equipped with side-
stick controls designed for forces to be applied by one wrist and not 
arms, the limit pilot forces are as follows.
    1. For all components between and including the side-stick control-
assembly handle and its control stops:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Pitch                                Roll
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nose up, 200 lbf..........................  Nose left, 100 lbf.
Nose down, 200 lbf........................  Nose right, 100 lbf.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. For all other components of the side-stick control assembly, but 
excluding the internal components of the electrical sensor assemblies, 
to avoid damage to the control system as the result of an in-flight 
jam:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Pitch                                Roll
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nose up, 125 lbf..........................  Nose left, 50 lbf.
Nose down, 125 lbf........................  Nose right, 50 lbf.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 19, 2015.
John J. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-03968 Filed 2-25-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

10422 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 38 / Thursday, February 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules agreements pursuant to § 1026.58(c)(1)(iv) must continue to conform to the form and Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey and (c)(4) through (7) for those four quarters. content requirements set forth in Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 2. Resuming submission of credit card § 1026.58(c)(8). a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through agreements to the Bureau. Beginning with * * * * * Friday, except Federal holidays. the submission due on the first business day on or after April 30, 2016, card issuers shall • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Dated: February 19, 2015. Operations at 202–493–2251. resume submitting credit card agreements on Richard Cordray, Privacy: The FAA will post all a quarterly basis to the Bureau pursuant to § 1026.58(c). A card issuer shall submit Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial comments it receives, without change, agreements for the prior calendar quarter Protection. to http://www.regulations.gov/, (that is, the calendar quarter ending March [FR Doc. 2015–03879 Filed 2–25–15; 8:45 am] including any personal information the 31, 2016), as specified in § 1026.58(c)(1)(ii) BILLING CODE 4810–AM–P commenter provides. Using the search through (iv) and (c)(3) through (7), to the function of the docket Web site, anyone Bureau no later than the first business day on or after April 30, 2016. can find and read the electronic form of i. Specifically, the submission due on the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION all comments received into any FAA first business day on or after April 30, 2016 docket, including the name of the shall contain, as applicable: Federal Aviation Administration individual sending the comment (or A. Identifying information about the card signing the comment for an association, issuer and the agreements submitted, 14 CFR part 25 business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s including the issuer’s name, address, and complete Privacy Act Statement can be identifying number (such as an RSSD ID [Docket No. FAA–2014–1079; Notice No. 25– 15–01–SC] found in the Federal Register published number or tax identification number), pursuant to § 1026.58(c)(1)(i); on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), B. The credit card agreements that the card Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model as well as at http://DocketsInfo. issuer offered to the public as of the last GVII Series Airplanes; Limit Pilot dot.gov/. business day of the calendar quarter ending Forces for Side-Stick Controller Docket: Background documents or March 31, 2016 that the card issuer had not comments received may be read at previously submitted to the Bureau as of the AGENCY: Federal Aviation http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. first business day on or after January 31, Administration (FAA), DOT. Follow the online instructions for 2015, pursuant to § 1026.58(c)(1)(ii); ACTION: Notice of proposed special accessing the docket or go to Docket C. Any credit card agreement previously conditions. Operations in Room W12–140 of the submitted to the Bureau that was amended since the last business day of the calendar SUMMARY: This action proposes special West Building Ground Floor at 1200 quarter ending December 31, 2014 and that conditions for the Gulfstream Model New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, the card issuer offered to the public as of the GVII–G500 (GVII series) airplanes. DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday last business day of the calendar quarter These airplanes will have a novel or through Friday, except Federal holidays. ending March 31, 2016, pursuant to unusual design feature when compared FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: § 1026.58(c)(1)(iii) and (c)(3); and to the state of technology envisioned in Todd Martin, FAA, Airframe and Cabin D. Notification regarding any credit card the airworthiness standards for Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport agreement previously submitted to the Bureau that the issuer is withdrawing, transport-category airplanes. Airplane Directorate, Aircraft pursuant to § 1026.58(c)(1)(iv) and (c)(4) This design feature is associated with Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue through (7). side-stick controllers that require SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356; ii. In lieu of the submission described in limited pilot force because they are telephone 425–227–1178; facsimile comment 58(g)–2.i.B through D, operated by one hand only. The 425–227–1320. § 1026.58(c)(1) permits a card issuer to applicable airworthiness regulations do SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: submit to the Bureau a complete, updated set not contain adequate or appropriate of the credit card agreements the card issuer safety standards for this design feature. Comments Invited offered to the public as of the calendar These proposed special conditions quarter ending March 31, 2016. See comment We invite interested people to take 58(c)(1)–3. contain the additional safety standards part in this rulemaking by sending 3. Continuing obligation to post agreements that the Administrator considers written comments, data, or views. The on a card issuer’s own Web site. Section necessary to establish a level of safety most helpful comments reference a 1026.58(d) requires a card issuer to post and equivalent to that established by the specific portion of the proposed special maintain on its publicly available Web site existing airworthiness standards. conditions, explain the reason for any the credit card agreements that the issuer is DATES: Send your comments on or recommended change, and include required to submit to the Bureau under before April 13, 2015. supporting data. § 1026.58(c). Pursuant to § 1026.58(g)(2), ADDRESSES: Send comments identified We will consider all comments we during the temporary suspension period set forth in § 1026.58(g)(1), a card issuer shall by docket number FAA–2014–1079 receive by the closing date for continue to post its agreements to its own using any of the following methods: comments. We may change these special publicly available Web site as required by • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to conditions based on the comments we § 1026.58(d) using the agreements it would http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow receive. have otherwise submitted to the Bureau the online instructions for sending your under § 1026.58(c). For example, for Background comments electronically. purposes of § 1026.58(d)(4), a card issuer • Mail: Send comments to Docket On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS must continue to update the agreements Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of Aerospace applied for a type certificate posted on its own Web site at least as Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey for their new Model GVII–G500 frequently as the quarterly schedule required Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West airplane. for submission of agreements to the Bureau set forth in § 1026.58(c)(1), notwithstanding Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC The Model GVII series airplanes are the temporary suspension of submission 20590–0001. large-cabin business jets capable of requirements in § 1026.58(g)(1). Similarly, for • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take accommodating up to 19 passengers. purposes of § 1026.58(d)(2), agreements comments to Docket Operations in The GVII series will certify a base posted by a card issuer on its own Web site Room W12–140 of the West Building configuration GVII–G500, which VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:53 Feb 25, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\26FEP1.SGM 26FEP1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 38 / Thursday, February 26, 2015 / Proposed Rules 10423 incorporates a low, swept-wing design special conditions, the Model GVII The Proposed Special Conditions with winglets and a T-tail. The airplanes series airplanes must comply with the Accordingly, the Federal Aviation have two aft-fuselage-mounted Pratt & fuel-vent and exhaust-emission Administration (FAA) proposes the Whitney turbofan engines. Avionics requirements of 14 CFR part 34, and the following special conditions in lieu of include four primary display units and noise certification requirements of 14 § 25.397(c): multiple touchscreen controllers. The CFR part 36. The FAA must issue a For the Gulfstream Model GVII series flight-control system is a three-axis, fly- finding of regulatory adequacy under airplanes equipped with side-stick by-wire system using active control/ § 611 of Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise controls designed for forces to be coupled side sticks. Control Act of 1972.’’ applied by one wrist and not arms, the The GVII–G500 has a wingspan of 87 The FAA issues special conditions, as limit pilot forces are as follows. ft and a length of 91 ft. Maximum defined in 14 CFR 11.19, under § 11.38, 1. For all components between and takeoff weight is 76,850 lbs. Maximum and they become part of the type- including the side-stick control- takeoff thrust is 15,135 lbs, maximum certification basis under § 21.17(a)(2) for assembly handle and its control stops: range is 5,000 nautical miles (nm), and new type certificates, and § 21.101 for maximum operating altitude is 51,000 amended type certificates. Pitch Roll ft. The Model GVII series airplanes are Novel or Unusual Design Features Nose up, 200 lbf ....... Nose left, 100 lbf. equipped with two side-stick controllers The Gulfstream Model GVII series Nose down, 200 lbf ... Nose right, 100 lbf. instead of the conventional control airplanes will incorporate the following columns and wheels. This side-stick novel or unusual design feature: 2. For all other components of the controller is designed for one-hand A side-stick controller for one-hand side-stick control assembly, but operation. The requirement of Title 14, operation requiring wrist motion only, excluding the internal components of Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) not arms. the electrical sensor assemblies, to avoid 25.397(c), which defines limit pilot damage to the control system as the forces and torques for conventional Discussion result of an in-flight jam: wheel or stick controls, is not adequate Current regulations reference pilot- for a side-stick controller. Special Pitch Roll effort loads for the flight deck pitch-and- conditions are necessary to specify the roll controls that are based on two- Nose up, 125 lbf ....... Nose left, 50 lbf. appropriate loading conditions for this handed effort. Special conditions are Nose down, 125 lbf ... Nose right, 50 lbf. controller design. being proposed for Gulfstream GVII Type-Certification Basis series airplanes based on similar Issued in Renton, Washington, on February airplane programs that include side- 19, 2015. Under 14 CFR 21.17, Gulfstream must stick controllers. These proposed show that the Model GVII–G500 John J. Piccola, Jr., special conditions are also appropriate airplanes meet the applicable provisions for the Model GVII series airplane’s Acting Manager, Transport Airplane of 14 CFR part 25, as amended by Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. side-stick controller. Amendments 25–1 through 25–137. [FR Doc. 2015–03968 Filed 2–25–15; 8:45 am] These proposed special conditions The certification of the GVII–G500 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P contain the additional safety standards airplane is 14 CFR part 25, effective that the Administrator considers February 1, 1965, including necessary to establish a level of safety DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Amendments 25–1 through 25–137; 14 equivalent to that established by the CFR part 34, as amended by existing airworthiness standards. Federal Aviation Administration Amendments 34–1 through the most current amendment at the time of design Applicability approval; and 14 CFR part 36, 14 CFR Part 39 As discussed above, these proposed Amendment 36–29. In addition, the [Docket No. FAA–2015–0415; Directorate special conditions apply to Gulfstream certification basis includes special Identifier 2015–CE–001–AD] Model GVII series airplanes. Should conditions and equivalent-safety Gulfstream apply later for a change to RIN 2120–AA64 findings related to the flight-control the type certificate to include another system. Airworthiness Directives; GROB– model incorporating the same novel or If the Administrator finds that the WERKE Airplanes unusual design feature, these proposed applicable airworthiness regulations special conditions would apply to that AGENCY: Federal Aviation (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain model as well. Administration (FAA), Department of adequate or appropriate safety standards for the Model GVII series airplanes Conclusion Transportation (DOT). because of a novel or unusual design ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking This action affects only certain novel feature, special conditions are (NPRM). or unusual design features on the prescribed under § 21.16. Special conditions are initially Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes. SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new applicable to the model for which they It is not a rule of general applicability. airworthiness directive (AD) for certain are issued. Should the type certificate List of Subjects in 14 CFR part 25 GROB–WERKE Models G115EG and rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS for that model be amended later to G120A airplanes that would supersede Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting AD 2014–26–04. This proposed AD include any other model that and recordkeeping requirements. results from mandatory continuing incorporates the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions The authority citation for these airworthiness information (MCAI) would also apply to the other model proposed special conditions is as originated by an aviation authority of under § 21.101. follows: another country to identify and correct In addition to the applicable Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, an unsafe condition on an aviation airworthiness regulations and proposed 44702, 44704. product. The MCAI describes the unsafe VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:42 Feb 25, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\26FEP1.SGM 26FEP1


Document Created: 2015-12-18 13:05:45
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 13:05:45
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed special conditions.
DatesSend your comments on or before April 13, 2015.
ContactTodd Martin, FAA, Airframe and Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98057- 3356; telephone 425-227-1178; facsimile 425-227-1320.
FR Citation80 FR 10422 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
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