80_FR_38927 80 FR 38798 - Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External Loads as a Restricted Category Special Purpose Flight Operation

80 FR 38798 - Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External Loads as a Restricted Category Special Purpose Flight Operation

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 129 (July 7, 2015)

Page Range38798-38799
FR Document2015-16558

This notice announces the availability of and request comments on the proposed authorization of Alaska Fixed Wing External Loads (FWEL) as a new restricted category special purpose operation, pursuant to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.25(b)(7), for operations within the State of Alaska.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 129 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 129 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38798-38799]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16558]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External Loads as a Restricted 
Category Special Purpose Flight Operation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and request comments 
on the proposed authorization of Alaska Fixed Wing External Loads 
(FWEL) as a new restricted category special purpose operation, pursuant 
to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.25(b)(7), 
for operations within the State of Alaska.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 6, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Federal Aviation Administration, 
Design Manufacturing and

[[Page 38799]]

Airworthiness Division, Design Certification Section (AIR-111), 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. ATTN: Mr. Graham Long. 
Telephone (202) 267-1624, fax 202-267-1813, email to: 
graham.long@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Reauthorization Act of 1966 
(110 Sat. 3213) SEC. 1205., Regulations Affecting Intrastate Aviation 
in Alaska, modifying regulations contained in Title 14 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations, in a manner affecting intrastate aviation in 
Alaska became law. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration considered the extent to which Alaska is not served by 
transportation modes other than aviation, established such regulatory 
distinctions as deemed appropriate.
    The Design, Manufacturing and Airworthiness Division (AIR-100) 
proposes Alaskan Fixed Wing External Loads (FWEL) as a recognized 
special purpose operation in the restricted category, under Title 14 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Sec.  21.25(b)(7). Alaskan 
FWEL is the carriage of external loads temporarily attached to small, 
fixed-wing aircraft operating within the state of Alaska. This approval 
is issued with the following requirements:
    1. Alaskan FWEL must be performed in conjunction with the 
procedures contained in FAA Notice N8900.272 (or its successor policy).
    2. An airplane eligible for the carriage of external loads must:
    a. Be a small propeller-driven airplane type-certificated in 
accordance with 14 CFR part 23 (or its predecessor regulations) in the 
normal, utility, or acrobatic category, and have a valid airworthiness 
certificate in that category.
    b. Have a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or 
less.
    3. The airworthiness limitations issued with the airworthiness 
certificate must include a requirement for training in the carriage of 
FWEL. The pilot must have sufficient knowledge of (1) external load 
attaching methods; (2) the airplane operating limitations issued for 
the external load operation; and (3) how the external load may affect 
the flight characteristics of the airplane.

    Note: Airplane Handling and Flight Characteristics: When 
carrying external loads, aerodynamic forces and the weight of an 
external load change an airplane's handling and flight 
characteristics. These forces can negatively affect airplane 
performance (takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing), airplane 
stability, flight control effectiveness, vibration, fuel 
consumption, and engine cooling, among other characteristics. The 
operator must take care when selecting and mounting an external load 
and also exercise prudence to avoid operation outside the airplane's 
approved weight & balance envelope, and to avoid aerodynamic effects 
that make operations unsafe.

    4. The aircraft must be operated in accordance with the gross 
weight and flight envelope limitations when in the restricted category.
    5. No passengers are permitted on board when in restricted 
category. All persons onboard must be flight crew members, flight crew 
member trainees, persons who perform an essential function in 
connection with the special purpose operation, or persons necessary to 
accomplish the work activity directly associated with the special 
purpose operation.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2015.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing and Airworthiness Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16558 Filed 7-6-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

38798 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 129 / Tuesday, July 7, 2015 / Notices Access Control System (VACS–D) ELTs to be ineffective and unable to The FAA acknowledges this database. Please see the Security perform their intended function. The comment. This final Federal Register Records System of Records Notice FAA also evaluated the retention tests notice clarifies the FAA recommends (State–36) at http://www.state.gov/ specified by TSO–C91a, TSO–C126, and voluntary changes to the securing documents/organization/103419.pdf for TSO–C126a and determined these mechanisms for automatic fixed and additional information. standards did not adequately address automatic portable ELTs. Additionally, For additional information, contact the use of hook and loop fasteners. Hook the requirements section of TSO–C126b Melike Yetken, Office of Economic and loop fasteners were not an specifies the use of hook and loop Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy, acceptable means of compliance to meet fasteners is not an acceptable means of Bureau of Economic and Business the mounting and retention attachment when showing compliance Affairs, at (202) 647–2744, or requirements of the ELT TSOs. While with the Crash Safety requirements of YetkenMA@state.gov the evaluation of installation approval RTCA/DO–204A, section 2.2.5. Section Dated: June 29, 2015. using hook and loop fasteners may meet 2.2.5 of this RTCA document applies Melike A. Yetken, the TSO requirements for retention only to AF and AP ELTs. forces in laboratory conditions, accident Designated Federal Official, U.S. Department Conclusion of State. investigations found these fasteners did not perform their intended function. The FAA evaluated the mounting [FR Doc. 2015–16616 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am] requirements and retention test and Technical Standard Order TSO–C126b, BILLING CODE 4710–08–P 406 MHz Emergency Locator determined the standards do not Transmitters, already excludes hook and adequately address the use of hook and loop fasteners as the primary method of loop fasteners. Upon completion of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ELT attachment. evaluation, the FAA identified numerous concerns with the use of hook Federal Aviation Administration FAA Concerns and loop fasteners and continues to The agency identified the following recommend voluntary changes of Emergency Locator Transmitters securing mechanisms for existing ELTs (ELTs) concerns after completing its evaluation of the use of hook and loop fasteners: which utilize hook and loop fasteners. AGENCY: Federal Aviation (1) Hook and loop fasteners fail to The FAA also asks aircraft owners/ Administration (FAA), DOT. retain the ELT when insufficient tension operators with ELTs secured with hook ACTION: Final notice recommending is applied to close the fastener. There is and loop fasteners in their aircraft to voluntary change to securing existing no repeatable method for installation voluntarily switch to a metal strap type ELTs as specified in Technical Standard and no method to evaluate the tension restraint method. Order (TSO)–C126b, 406MHz of the hook and loop fastener. The Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30, Emergency Locator Transmitter. allowance for pilots to secure ELTs to 2015. the aircraft when changing ELT batteries Susan J.M. Cabler, SUMMARY: This notice summarizes the further increases the potential for Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing, & inadequacies of hook and loop fasteners inconsistent and unsatisfactory Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification as a means for securing automatic fixed installations. Service. (AF) and automatic potable (AP) ELTs, (2) Hook and loop fasteners closed [FR Doc. 2015–16557 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am] and avoids placing an undue burden on with proper tension may stretch or BILLING CODE 4910–13–P aircraft owners while acknowledging loosen over time due to wear, fluids, the voluntary efforts of ELT vibration, and repeated use, leading to manufacturers to improve designs. insufficient tension to retain the ELT. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. (3) Hook and loop fasteners closed Charisse R. Green, AIR–131, Federal with proper tension do not provide Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Administration, 470 L’Enfant stated retention capability due to debris Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External which can contaminate the hooks and 20024. Telephone (202) 267–8551, fax Loads as a Restricted Category loops of the fastener. (202) 267–8589, email to: Special Purpose Flight Operation (4) Hook and loop fasteners closed Charisse.Green@faa.gov. with proper tension degrade due to AGENCY: Federal Aviation SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: environmental factors such as repeated Administration (FAA), DOT. heating and cooling cycles, temperature ACTION: Notice of availability and Background extremes, and contamination resulting request for public comments. On March 10, 2015, the Federal from location in equipment areas. Aviation Administration (FAA) SUMMARY: This notice announces the Comments availability of and request comments on published in the Federal Register, (80 FR 12697 (2015)), a Notice announcing The FAA received one comment in the proposed authorization of Alaska the recommendation of voluntary response to the March 10, 2015, Federal Fixed Wing External Loads (FWEL) as a change to a metal strap type restraint Register Notice. The comment, by new restricted category special purpose method for securing ELTs. The FAA ELTA, stated that there is some operation, pursuant to Title 14 of the recommends voluntary changes to potential confusion as to which ELTs Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.25(b)(7), for operations within the tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES existing ELTs installed with hook and were applicable under the FAA’s loop fasteners because of their tendency proposed voluntary change from the use State of Alaska. to become dislodged from their of hook and loop fasteners to metallic DATES: Comments must be received on mounting trays on impact. The straps. Some customers could assume or before August 6, 2015. separation of those ELTs from their the Federal Register notice is applicable FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: mounting trays caused their antenna to all types of ELTs, including the Federal Aviation Administration, connection to sever, thus rendering the survival type ELT. Design Manufacturing and VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:31 Jul 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 129 / Tuesday, July 7, 2015 / Notices 38799 Airworthiness Division, Design characteristics. The operator must take care 2014, replaces AC 20–159 and provides Certification Section (AIR–111), 950 when selecting and mounting an external guidance for applicants seeking L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC load and also exercise prudence to avoid authorization to display an own-ship operation outside the airplane’s approved 20024. ATTN: Mr. Graham Long. weight & balance envelope, and to avoid symbol limited to the airport surface as Telephone (202) 267–1624, fax 202– aerodynamic effects that make operations a Type B application for use on any 267–1813, email to: graham.long@ unsafe. EFB. faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To 4. The aircraft must be operated in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant accordance with the gross weight and obtain additional details, please contact: to the Reauthorization Act of 1966 (110 flight envelope limitations when in the Mr. Brad Miller, AIR–130, Federal Sat. 3213) SEC. 1205., Regulations restricted category. Aviation Administration, Aircraft Affecting Intrastate Aviation in Alaska, 5. No passengers are permitted on Certification Service, Systems and modifying regulations contained in Title board when in restricted category. All Equipment Standards Branch, 470 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, persons onboard must be flight crew L’Enfant Plaza Suite 4102, Washington, in a manner affecting intrastate aviation members, flight crew member trainees, DC 20024, Telephone (202) 267–8533, in Alaska became law. The persons who perform an essential FAX: (202) 267–267–8589, Email: Administrator of the Federal Aviation function in connection with the special brad.miller@faa.gov. Administration considered the extent to purpose operation, or persons necessary SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: which Alaska is not served by to accomplish the work activity directly transportation modes other than associated with the special purpose Background aviation, established such regulatory operation. In mid-March 2007, the FAA distinctions as deemed appropriate. Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30, Administrator directed FAA to publish The Design, Manufacturing and 2015. guidance by the end of April 2007 to Airworthiness Division (AIR–100) Susan J.M. Cabler, facilitate the use of an AMMD proposes Alaskan Fixed Wing External Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing and application on EFBs and to streamline Loads (FWEL) as a recognized special Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification the certification means to deploy this purpose operation in the restricted Service. safety enhancement to address airport category, under Title 14 of the Code of [FR Doc. 2015–16558 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am] runway incursions. AC 20–159 provided Federal Regulations (14 CFR) BILLING CODE 4910–13–P EFB AMMD applicant guidance to § 21.25(b)(7). Alaskan FWEL is the obtain TSO–C165 software-only TSO carriage of external loads temporarily authorization requiring the need to attached to small, fixed-wing aircraft DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION obtain a design or production approval. operating within the state of Alaska. However, AC 120–76C later introduced This approval is issued with the Federal Aviation Administration guidance to necessitate only an following requirements: operator-based evaluation submitted to 1. Alaskan FWEL must be performed Advisory Circular (AC) 20–159, an FAA inspector for EFB hardware and in conjunction with the procedures Obtaining Design and Production software application authorization. The contained in FAA Notice N8900.272 (or Approval of Airport Moving Map FAA envisions all new authorizations its successor policy). Display Applications Intended for for use of AMMD functionality on EFBs 2. An airplane eligible for the carriage Electronic Flight Bag Systems be obtained under AC 120–76C as a of external loads must: AGENCY: Federal Aviation Type B application. a. Be a small propeller-driven airplane Administration (DOT). Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30, type-certificated in accordance with 14 ACTION: Notice of intent to cancel AC 2015. CFR part 23 (or its predecessor regulations) in the normal, utility, or 20–159, Obtaining Design and Susan J.M. Cabler, acrobatic category, and have a valid Production Approval of Airport Moving Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing, & airworthiness certificate in that Map Display Applications Intended for Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification category. Electronic Flight Bag Systems. Service. b. Have a maximum certificated [FR Doc. 2015–16556 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: This notice announces the takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less. Federal Aviation Administration’s BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 3. The airworthiness limitations (FAA) intent to cancel AC 20–159. This issued with the airworthiness certificate cancellation will result in no new must include a requirement for training DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION approval of technical standard order in the carriage of FWEL. The pilot must authorizations (TSOA) for an have sufficient knowledge of (1) Federal Railroad Administration ‘‘incomplete system’’ issued for external load attaching methods; (2) the Technical Standard Order (TSO) C–165, [Docket No. FRA–2015–0007–N–18] airplane operating limitations issued for Electronic Map Display Equipment for the external load operation; and (3) how Agency Request for Emergency Graphical Depiction of Aircraft Position. the external load may affect the flight Processing of Collection of Therefore, the guidance contained in AC characteristics of the airplane. Information by the Office of 20–159 allowing applicants to obtain a Management and Budget Note: Airplane Handling and Flight design and production approval using Characteristics: When carrying external the software and database for an airport AGENCY: Federal Railroad loads, aerodynamic forces and the weight of tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES moving map display (AMMD) intended Administration (FRA), United States an external load change an airplane’s for use on a Class 2 electronic flight bag handling and flight characteristics. These Department of Transportation (USDOT). forces can negatively affect airplane (EFB) for ground operations, will no ACTION: Notice. performance (takeoff, climb, cruise, and longer be available. FAA AC 120–76C, landing), airplane stability, flight control Guidelines for the Certification, SUMMARY: FRA hereby gives notice that effectiveness, vibration, fuel consumption, Airworthiness, and Operational Use of it is submitting the following and engine cooling, among other Electronic Flight Bags, dated May 9, Information Collection request (ICR) to VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:31 Jul 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 13:26:57
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 13:26:57
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of availability and request for public comments.
DatesComments must be received on or before August 6, 2015.
ContactFederal Aviation Administration, Design Manufacturing and Airworthiness Division, Design Certification Section (AIR-111), 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. ATTN: Mr. Graham Long. Telephone (202) 267-1624, fax 202-267-1813, email to: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 38798 
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