80 FR 49934 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Side-Stick Controllers; Controllability and Maneuverability

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 159 (August 18, 2015)

Page Range		49934-49936
FR Document		2015-20298

This action proposes special conditions for Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with side-stick controllers, instead of conventional-control wheel-and-column design, for pitch and roll control. 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 159 (Tuesday, August 18, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 159 (Tuesday, August 18, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49934-49936]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20298]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1496; Notice No. 25-15-07-SC]

Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Side-
Stick Controllers; Controllability and Maneuverability

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for Gulfstream Model
GVII-G500 airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual
design feature associated with side-stick controllers, instead of
conventional-control wheel-and-column design, for pitch and roll
control. 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 October 2, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-1496
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.

[[Page 49935]]

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/ 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: Joe Jacobsen, FAA, Airplane and Flight
Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2011; 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 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 proposed special conditions based on the
comments we receive.

Background

On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation applied for a
type certificate for their new Model GVII-G500 airplane. The Model
GVII-G500 will be a large-cabin business jet with seating for 19
passengers. It will incorporate a low, swept-wing design with winglets
and a T-tail. The powerplant will consist of two aft-fuselage-mounted
Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines. Avionics will include four primary
display units and multiple touchscreen controllers. The flight-control
system is a three-axis, fly-by-wire (FBW) system incorporating active
control/coupled side sticks.
The Model GVII-G500 will have a wingspan of approximately 87 ft.
and a length of just over 91 ft. Maximum takeoff weight will be
approximately 76,850 lbs and maximum takeoff thrust will be
approximately 15,135 lbs. Maximum range will be approximately 5,000 nm
and maximum operating altitude will be 51,000 ft.
The Model GVII-G500 airplane will incorporate a FBW flight-control
system, through side-stick controllers, for pitch and roll control.
Regulatory requirements, such as the pilot-control forces prescribed in
the referenced regulations, are not applicable for the side-stick
controller design. In addition, pilot-control authority may be
uncertain because the side-stick controllers are not mechanically
interconnected to flight controls as are conventional wheel-and-column
controls.

Type Certification Basis

Under 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, 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 time of design
approval; and 14 CFR part 36, Amendment 36-29.
In addition, the certification basis includes other regulations,
special conditions, and exemptions that are not relevant to these
proposed special conditions. Type Certificate no. TC-01-2010-0024 will
be updated to include a complete description of the certification basis
for this airplane model.
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 Gulfstream Model GVII-G500
airplane 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, the proposed special conditions would
also apply to the other model under Sec. 21.101.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and
proposed special conditions, Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 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;
and 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).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplanes will incorporate the following
novel or unusual design feature:
Side-stick controllers incorporating fly-by-wire technology for
pitch and roll control, in place of conventional wheel-and-column
controls.

Discussion

These proposed special conditions for the Gulfstream Model GVII-
G500 airplane address the unique features of the side-stick
controllers. The Model GVII-G500 airplane will incorporate side-stick
controllers controlling a FBW flight-control system. The FBW control
laws are designed to provide conventional flying qualities such as
positive static longitudinal and lateral stability as prescribed in
part 25, subpart B. However, the pilot-control forces prescribed in the
referenced regulations are not applicable for the side-stick controller
design.
Because current FAA regulations do not specifically address the use
of side-stick controllers for pitch and roll control, the unique
features of the side stick therefore must be demonstrated, through
flight and simulator tests, to have suitable handling and control
characteristics when considering the following:
The handling-qualities tasks and requirements of the
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 Special Conditions and other 14 CFR part 25
requirements for stability, control, and maneuverability, including the
effects of turbulence.
General ergonomics: Armrest comfort and support, local
freedom of movement, displacement-angle suitability, and axis harmony.
Inadvertent pilot input in turbulence.
Inadvertent pitch and roll crosstalk from pilot inputs on
the side-stick controller.

Applicability

As discussed above, these proposed special conditions apply to
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 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, the proposed
special conditions would apply to that model as well.

[[Page 49936]]

Conclusion

This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 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 Proposed Special Conditions

The current airworthiness regulations pertaining to pilot strength
and controllability for conventional-control column-and-wheel designs
do not adequately address the side-stick controllers proposed for the
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplane. Accordingly, the FAA proposes the
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis
for Gulfstream GVII-G500 airplanes, in lieu of Sec. Sec. 25.143(d),
25.143(i)(2), 25.145(b), 25.173(c), 25.175(b), and 25.175(d):
Pilot strength: In lieu of the control-force limits shown in Sec.
25.143(d) for pitch and roll, and in lieu of specific pitch-force
requirements of Sec. Sec. 25.143(i)(2), 25.145(b), 25.173(c),
25.175(b), and 25.175(d), Gulfstream must show that the temporary and
maximum prolonged-force levels for the side-stick controllers are
suitable for all expected operating conditions and configurations,
whether normal or non-normal.
Pilot-control authority: The electronic side-stick-controller
coupling design must provide for corrective and overriding control
inputs by either pilot with no unsafe characteristics. Annunciation of
the controller status must be provided, and must not be confusing to
the flightcrew.
Pilot control: Gulfstream must show by flight tests that the use of
side-stick controllers does not produce unsuitable pilot-in-the-loop
control characteristics when considering precision path control and
tasks, and turbulence. In addition, pitch and roll control force and
displacement sensitivity must be compatible, so that normal pilot
inputs on one control axis will not cause significant unintentional
inputs (crossover) on the other.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 5, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-20298 Filed 8-17-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

49934 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 159 / Tuesday, August 18, 2015 / Proposed Rules

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, information that is exempt from public Issued in Washington, DC, on August 12,
and information in response to the disclosure. 2015.
framework document received no later Kathleen B. Hogan,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
than September 2, 2015. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
ADDRESSES: Interested parties are Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
encouraged to submit comments Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency Energy.
electronically. However, comments may and Renewable Energy, Building [FR Doc. 2015–20381 Filed 8–17–15; 8:45 am]
be submitted, identified by docket Technologies, EE–5J, 1000 BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
number EERE–2015–BT–STD–0006 Independence Avenue SW.,
and/or Regulation Identification Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Number (RIN) 1904–AD51, by any of the Telephone: (202) 287–1604. Email: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
following methods: fluorescent_lamp_ballasts@
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: ee.doe.gov. Federal Aviation Administration
www.regulations.gov. Follow the Ms. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of
instructions for submitting comments. 14 CFR Part 25
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
• Email: GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue [Docket No. FAA–2015–1496; Notice No. 25–
FluorLampBallast2015STD0006@ SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. 15–07–SC]
ee.doe.gov. Include the docket number Telephone: (202) 586–1777. Email:
EERE–2015–BT–STD–0006 and/or RIN sarah.butler@hq.doe.gov. Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model
1904–AD51 in the subject line of the GVII–G500 Airplanes, Side-Stick
message. For information on how to submit or Controllers; Controllability and
• Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, review public comments, contact Ms. Maneuverability
U.S. Department of Energy, Building Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–5B, Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Framework Document for Fluorescent Renewable Energy, Building Administration (FAA), DOT.
Lamp Ballasts, Docket No. EERE–2015– Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000 ACTION: Notice of proposed special
BT–STD–0006 and/or RIN 1904–AD51, Independence Avenue SW., conditions.
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Washington, DC 20585–0121. If Telephone (202) 586–2945. Email: SUMMARY: This action proposes special
possible, please submit all items on a conditions for Gulfstream Model GVII–
brenda.edwards@ee.doe.gov.
compact disc (CD), in which case it is G500 airplanes. These airplanes will
not necessary to include printed copies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June have a novel or unusual design feature
[Please note that comments and CDs 23, 2015, DOE published a notice in the associated with side-stick controllers,
sent by mail are often delayed and may Federal Register announcing the instead of conventional-control wheel-
be damaged by mail screening availability of a framework document and-column design, for pitch and roll
processes.] for potential energy conservation control. The applicable airworthiness
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. regulations do not contain adequate or
Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 80 FR 35886. This framework document appropriate safety standards for this
Building Technologies Program, Sixth details the analytical approach and design feature. These proposed special
Floor, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., scope of coverage for the rulemaking, conditions contain the additional safety
Washington, DC 20024. Telephone (202) and identifies several issues on which standards that the Administrator
586–2945. If possible, please submit all DOE is particularly interested in considers necessary to establish a level
items on CD, in which case it is not receiving comments.1 The notice also of safety equivalent to that established
necessary to include printed copies. announced a public meeting to present by the existing airworthiness standards.
Instructions: All submissions received the framework document, which was DATES: Send your comments on or
must include the agency name and held on July 17, 2015. The notice before October 2, 2015.
docket number and/or RIN for this provided for the submission of written ADDRESSES: Send comments identified
rulemaking. No telefacsimilies (faxes) comments by August 7, 2015. by docket number FAA–2015–1496
will be accepted. On August 6, 2015, DOE received a using any of the following methods:
Docket: The docket is available for request from the National Electrical • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to
review at www.regulations.gov, Manufacturers Association (NEMA) http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow
including Federal Register notices, requesting an additional two weeks to the online instructions for sending your
framework document, public meeting prepare comment. In this notice, DOE is comments electronically.
attendee lists and transcripts, reopening the public comment period to • Mail: Send comments to Docket
comments, and other supporting allow interested parties to provide DOE Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of
documents/materials throughout the with comments and data in response to Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
rulemaking process. The regulations.gov the methodologies presented in the Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West
Web page contains simple instructions framework document. DOE will Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC
on how to access all documents, 20590–0001.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

consider any comments in response to
including public comments, in the the framework document received by • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take
docket. The docket can be accessed by comments to Docket Operations in
midnight of September 2, 2015, and
searching for docket number EERE– Room W12–140 of the West Building
deems any comments received by that
2015–BT–STD–0006 on the Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
time to be timely submitted.
regulations.gov Web site. All documents Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
in the docket are listed in the 1 The framework document is available through
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
www.regulations.gov index. However, DOE’s Web site at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/
Friday, except Federal holidays.
not all documents listed in the index buildings/appliance_standards/ • Fax: Fax comments to Docket
may be publicly available, such as rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=110. Operations at 202–493–2251.

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 12:04:43
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 12:04:43

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed special conditions.
Dates		Send your comments on or before October 2, 2015.
Contact		Joe Jacobsen, FAA, Airplane and Flight Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2011; facsimile (425) 227- 1320.
FR Citation		80 FR 49934
CFR Associated		Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

80 FR 49934 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Side-Stick Controllers; Controllability and Maneuverability

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 159 (August 18, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration