80_FR_34649 80 FR 34533 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII Series Airplanes; Limit Pilot Forces for Side-Stick Controller

80 FR 34533 - 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 116 (June 17, 2015)

Page Range34533-34534
FR Document2015-14904

These special conditions are issued 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 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 116 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34533-34534]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14904]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1079; Special Conditions No. 25-585-SC]


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued 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 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: Effective July 17, 2015.

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:

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 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 the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) 21.17, Gulfstream must show that the Model GVII-G500 airplane 
meets the applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25, as amended by 
Amendments 25-1 through 25-137.
    The certification basis 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 or similar 
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 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 required for the Gulfstream Model GVII series 
airplanes based on similar airplane programs that include side-stick 
controllers. These special conditions are also appropriate for the 
Model GVII series airplane's side-stick controller.
    These 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.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions no. 25-15-01-SC for the 
Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on February 26, 2015 (80 FR 10422). No substantive comments 
were received, and the special conditions are adopted as proposed.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these 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 
or similar novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions 
would apply to that model as well.

[[Page 34534]]

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 special conditions is as follows:

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

The Special Conditions

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued, in lieu of 
Sec.  25.397(c), as part of the type-certification basis.
    For 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 June 2, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14904 Filed 6-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 116 / Wednesday, June 17, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 34533 (5) Funds from the replacement accommodating up to 19 passengers. or unusual design feature, these special reserve account cannot be used to pay The GVII series will certify a base conditions would also apply to the other any fees associated with the Section 538 configuration GVII–G500, which model under § 21.101. GRRH loan guarantee, as determined by incorporates a low, swept-wing design In addition to the applicable the Agency. with winglets and a T-tail. The airplanes airworthiness regulations and special * * * * * have two aft-fuselage-mounted Pratt & conditions, the Model GVII series Whitney turbofan engines. Avionics airplanes must comply with the fuel- Dated: May 18, 2015. include four primary display units and vent and exhaust-emission requirements Tony Hernandez, multiple touchscreen controllers. The of 14 CFR part 34, and the noise- Administrator, Rural Housing Service. flight-control system is a three-axis, fly- certification requirements of 14 CFR [FR Doc. 2015–14783 Filed 6–16–15; 8:45 am] by-wire system using active control/ part 36. The FAA must issue a finding BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P coupled side sticks. of regulatory adequacy under § 611 of The GVII–G500 has a wingspan of 87 Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise Control ft. and a length of 91 ft. Maximum Act of 1972.’’ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION takeoff weight is 76,850 lbs. Maximum The FAA issues special conditions, as takeoff thrust is 15,135 lbs., maximum defined in 14 CFR 11.19, under § 11.38, Federal Aviation Administration range is 5,000 nautical miles (nm), and and they become part of the type- maximum operating altitude is certification basis under § 21.17(a)(2) for 14 CFR Part 25 51,000 ft. new type certificates, and § 21.101 for The Model GVII series airplanes are [Docket No. FAA–2014–1079; Special amended type certificates. Conditions No. 25–585–SC] equipped with two side-stick controllers instead of the conventional control Novel or Unusual Design Features Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model columns and wheels. This side-stick The Gulfstream Model GVII series GVII Series Airplanes; Limit Pilot controller is designed for one-hand airplanes will incorporate the following Forces for Side-Stick Controller operation. The requirement of Title 14, novel or unusual design feature: Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) AGENCY: Federal Aviation 25.397(c), which defines limit pilot A side-stick controller for one-hand Administration (FAA), DOT. forces and torques for conventional operation requiring wrist motion only, ACTION: Final special conditions. wheel or stick controls, is not adequate not arms. for a side-stick controller. Special Discussion SUMMARY: These special conditions are conditions are necessary to specify the issued for the Gulfstream Model GVII– Current regulations reference pilot- appropriate loading conditions for this G500 (GVII series) airplanes. These effort loads for the flight deck pitch-and- controller design. airplanes will have a novel or unusual roll controls that are based on two- design feature when compared to the Type-Certification Basis handed effort. Special conditions are state of technology envisioned in the Under the provisions of Title 14, Code required for the Gulfstream Model GVII airworthiness standards for transport- of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, series airplanes based on similar category airplanes. Gulfstream must show that the Model airplane programs that include side- This design feature is associated with GVII–G500 airplane meets the stick controllers. These special side-stick controllers that require applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25, conditions are also appropriate for the limited pilot force because they are as amended by Amendments 25–1 Model GVII series airplane’s side-stick operated by one hand only. The through 25–137. controller. applicable airworthiness regulations do The certification basis of the GVII– These special conditions contain the not contain adequate or appropriate G500 airplane is 14 CFR part 25, additional safety standards that the safety standards for this design feature. effective February 1, 1965, including Administrator considers necessary to These special conditions contain the Amendments 25–1 through 25–137; 14 establish a level of safety equivalent to additional safety standards that the CFR part 34, as amended by that established by the existing Administrator considers necessary to Amendments 34–1 through the most airworthiness standards. establish a level of safety equivalent to current amendment at the time of design that established by the existing Discussion of Comments approval; and 14 CFR part 36, airworthiness standards. Amendment 36–29. In addition, the Notice of proposed special conditions DATES: Effective July 17, 2015. certification basis includes special no. 25–15–01–SC for the Gulfstream FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: conditions and equivalent-safety Model GVII series airplanes was Todd Martin, FAA, Airframe and Cabin findings related to the flight-control published in the Federal Register on Safety Branch, ANM–115, Transport system. February 26, 2015 (80 FR 10422). No Airplane Directorate, Aircraft If the Administrator finds that the substantive comments were received, Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue applicable airworthiness regulations and the special conditions are adopted SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356; (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain as proposed. telephone 425–227–1178; facsimile adequate or appropriate safety standards Applicability 425–227–1320. for the Model GVII series airplanes SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: because of a novel or unusual design As discussed above, these special feature, special conditions are conditions apply to Gulfstream Model srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Background prescribed under § 21.16. GVII series airplanes. Should On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream Special conditions are initially Gulfstream apply later for a change to Aerospace applied for a type certificate applicable to the model for which they the type certificate to include another for their new Model GVII–G500 are issued. Should the type certificate model incorporating the same or similar airplane. for that model be amended later to novel or unusual design feature, these The Model GVII series airplanes are include any other model that special conditions would apply to that large-cabin business jets capable of incorporates the same or similar novel model as well. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Jun 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JNR1.SGM 17JNR1

34534 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 116 / Wednesday, June 17, 2015 / Rules and Regulations Conclusion DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, This action affects only certain novel Federal Aviation Administration except Federal holidays. The AD docket or unusual design features on the contains this AD, the regulatory Gulfstream Model GVII series airplanes. 14 CFR Part 39 evaluation, any comments received, and It is not a rule of general applicability. other information. The address for the [Docket No. FAA–2006–23706; Directorate List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 Identifier 2006–NE–03–AD; Amendment 39– Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is 18177; AD 2014–12–04] Document Management Facility, U.S. Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting Department of Transportation, Docket RIN 2120–AA64 and recordkeeping requirements. Operations, M–30, West Building Airworthiness Directives; Honeywell Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 The authority citation for these New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, special conditions is as follows: International Inc. Turboprop Engines DC 20590. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 44702, 44704. Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los ACTION: Final rule. The Special Conditions Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, SUMMARY: We are superseding FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Accordingly, pursuant to the airworthiness directive (AD) 2006–15– 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA authority delegated to me by the 08 for all Honeywell International Inc. 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5246; fax: Administrator, the following special TPE331–1, –2, –2UA, –3U, –3UW, –5, 562–627–5210; email: joseph.costa@ conditions are issued, in lieu of –5A, –5AB, –5B, –6, –6A, –10, –10AV, faa.gov. § 25.397(c), as part of the type- –10GP, –10GT, –10P, –10R, –10T, –10U, certification basis. –10UA, –10UF, –10UG, –10UGR, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For Gulfstream Model GVII series –10UR, –11U, –12JR, –12UA, –12UAR, Discussion airplanes equipped with side-stick and –12UHR turboprop engines with controls designed for forces to be certain Honeywell part numbers (P/Ns) We issued a notice of proposed applied by one wrist and not arms, the of Woodward fuel control unit (FCU) rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR limit pilot forces are as follows. assemblies, installed. AD 2006–15–08 part 39 to supersede AD 2006–15–08, required initial and repetitive Amendment 39–14688 (71 FR 41121, 1. For all components between and dimensional inspections of the fuel July 20, 2006), (‘‘AD 2006–15–08’’). AD including the side-stick control- control drives for wear, and replacement 2006–15–08 applied to all Honeywell assembly handle and its control stops: of the FCU and fuel pump. This new AD International Inc. TPE331–1, –2, –2UA, requires initial and repetitive –3U, –3UW, –5, –5A, –5AB, –5B, –6, Pitch Roll dimensional inspections of the affected –6A, –10, –10AV, –10GP, –10GT, –10P, fuel control drives and insertion of –10R, –10T, –10U, –10UA, –10UF, Nose up, 200 lbf ....... Nose left, 100 lbf. certain airplane operating procedures –10UG, –10UGR, –10UR, –11U, –12JR, Nose down, 200 lbf ... Nose right, 100 lbf. into the applicable flight manuals. This –12UA, –12UAR, and –12UHR AD was prompted by reports of loss of turboprop engines with certain 2. For all other components of the the fuel control drive, leading to engine Honeywell part numbers (P/Ns) of side-stick control assembly, but overspeed, overtorque, overtemperature, Woodward FCU assemblies, installed. excluding the internal components of uncontained rotor failure, and The NPRM published in the Federal the electrical sensor assemblies, to avoid asymmetric thrust in multi-engine Register on March 19, 2014 (79 FR damage to the control system as the airplanes. We are issuing this AD to 15261). The NPRM was prompted by result of an in-flight jam: prevent failure of the fuel control drive reports of loss of the fuel control drive, that could result in damage to the leading to engine overspeed, overtorque, Pitch Roll engine and airplane. overtemperature, uncontained rotor DATES: This AD is effective July 22, failure, and asymmetric thrust in multi- Nose up, 125 lbf ....... Nose left, 50 lbf. engine airplanes. The NPRM proposed 2015. Nose down, 125 lbf ... Nose right, 50 lbf. ADDRESSES: For service information to continue to require initial and identified in this AD, contact Honeywell repetitive dimensional inspections of Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 2, the affected fuel control drives but International Inc., 111 S 34th Street, 2015. would no longer require the installation Phoenix, AZ 85034–2802; phone: 800– Jeffrey E. Duven, 601–3099; Internet: https:// of a modified FCU. The NPRM also Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, myaerospace.honeywell.com/wps/ proposed to require insertion of certain Aircraft Certification Service. portal/!ut/. You may view this service airplane operating procedures into the [FR Doc. 2015–14904 Filed 6–16–15; 8:45 am] information at the FAA, Engine & applicable flight manuals. We are Propeller Directorate, 12 New England issuing this AD to prevent failure of the BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For fuel control drive that could result in information on the availability of this damage to the engine and airplane. material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Comments srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Examining the AD Docket We gave the public the opportunity to You may examine the AD docket on participate in developing this AD. The the Internet at http:// following presents the comments www.regulations.gov by searching for received on the NPRM (79 FR 15261, and locating Docket No. FAA–2006– March 19, 2014) and the FAA’s response 23706; or in person at the Docket to each comment. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:57 Jun 16, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JNR1.SGM 17JNR1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 14:22:37
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 14:22:37
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal special conditions.
DatesEffective July 17, 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 34533 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements
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