80 FR 60027 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Side-Stick Controllers; Controllability and Maneuverability

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 192 (October 5, 2015)

Page Range		60027-60028
FR Document		2015-25276

These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplane. This airplane 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 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 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 192 (Monday, October 5, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 192 (Monday, October 5, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60027-60028]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25276]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 192 / Monday, October 5, 2015 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 60027]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1496; Special Conditions No. 25-601-SC]


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream Model 
GVII-G500 airplane. This airplane 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 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 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 November 4, 2015.

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:

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. 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 
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 special conditions would also 
apply to the other model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and 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.
    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 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.

[[Page 60028]]

     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.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions no. 25-15-07-SC for the 
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplane was published in the Federal 
Register on August 18, 2015 [80 FR 49934]. No comments were received, 
and the special conditions are adopted as proposed.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these 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 special conditions 
would apply to that model as well.

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.


0
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Special Conditions

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for the Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 
airplane, 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, September 25, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-25276 Filed 10-2-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

60027

Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 80, No. 192

Monday, October 5, 2015

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER type certificate for their new Model Special conditions are initially
contains regulatory documents having general GVII–G500 airplane. The Model GVII– applicable to the model for which they
applicability and legal effect, most of which G500 will be a large-cabin business jet are issued. Should the type certificate
are keyed to and codified in the Code of with seating for 19 passengers. It will for that model be amended later to
Federal Regulations, which is published under incorporate a low, swept-wing design include any other model that
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
with winglets and a T-tail. The incorporates the same or similar novel
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by powerplant will consist of two aft- or unusual design feature, the special
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of fuselage-mounted Pratt & Whitney conditions would also apply to the other
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL turbofan engines. The flight-control model under § 21.101.
REGISTER issue of each week. system is a three-axis, fly-by-wire (FBW) In addition to the applicable
system incorporating active control/ airworthiness regulations and special
coupled side sticks. conditions, Gulfstream Model GVII–
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The Model GVII–G500 will have a G500 airplanes must comply with the
wingspan of approximately 87 ft. and a fuel-vent and exhaust-emission
Federal Aviation Administration length of just over 91 ft. Maximum requirements of 14 CFR part 34, and the
takeoff weight will be approximately noise-certification requirements of 14
14 CFR part 25 76,850 lbs and maximum takeoff thrust CFR part 36.
[Docket No. FAA–2015–1496; Special will be approximately 15,135 lbs. The FAA issues special conditions, as
Conditions No. 25–601–SC] Maximum range will be approximately defined in 14 CFR 11.19, under § 11.38,
5,000 nm and maximum operating and they become part of the type
Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model altitude will be 51,000 ft. certification basis under § 21.17(a)(2).
GVII–G500 Airplanes, Side-Stick The Model GVII–G500 airplane will
Controllers; Controllability and incorporate a FBW flight-control system, Novel or Unusual Design Features
Maneuverability through side-stick controllers, for pitch Gulfstream Model GVII–G500
and roll control. Regulatory airplanes will incorporate the following
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
requirements, such as the pilot-control novel or unusual design feature:
Administration (FAA), DOT.
forces prescribed in the referenced Side-stick controllers incorporating
ACTION: Final special conditions. regulations, are not applicable for the fly-by-wire technology for pitch and roll
SUMMARY: These special conditions are side-stick controller design. In addition, control, in place of conventional wheel-
issued for the Gulfstream Model GVII– pilot-control authority may be uncertain and-column controls.
G500 airplane. This airplane will have because the side-stick controllers are not
a novel or unusual design feature when mechanically interconnected to flight Discussion
compared to the state of technology controls as are conventional wheel-and- These special conditions for the
envisioned in the airworthiness column controls. Gulfstream Model GVII–G500 airplane
standards for transport category Type Certification Basis address the unique features of the side-
airplanes. This design feature is side- stick controllers. The Model GVII–G500
Under Title 14, Code of Federal
stick controllers, instead of airplane will incorporate side-stick
Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, Gulfstream
conventional-control wheel-and-column controllers controlling a FBW flight-
must show that the Model GVII–G500
design, for pitch and roll control. The control system. The FBW control laws
airplane meets the applicable provisions
applicable airworthiness regulations do of 14 CFR part 25, effective February 1, are designed to provide conventional
not contain adequate or appropriate 1965, including Amendments 25–1 flying qualities such as positive static
safety standards for this design feature. through 25–137; 14 CFR part 34, as longitudinal and lateral stability as
These special conditions contain the amended by Amendments 34–1 through prescribed in part 25, subpart B.
additional safety standards that the the most current amendment at time of However, the pilot-control forces
Administrator considers necessary to design approval; and 14 CFR part 36, prescribed in the referenced regulations
establish a level of safety equivalent to Amendment 36–29. are not applicable for the side-stick
that established by the existing In addition, the certification basis controller design.
airworthiness standards. includes other regulations, special Because current FAA regulations do
DATES: Effective November 4, 2015. conditions, and exemptions that are not not specifically address the use of side-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe relevant to these special conditions. stick controllers for pitch and roll
Jacobsen, FAA, Airplane and Flight Type Certificate no. TC–01–2010–0024 control, the unique features of the side
Crew Interface Branch, ANM–111, will be updated to include a complete stick therefore must be demonstrated,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft description of the certification basis for through flight and simulator tests, to
Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue this airplane model. have suitable handling and control
SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; If the Administrator finds that the characteristics when considering the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES

telephone (425) 227–2011; facsimile applicable airworthiness regulations following:
(425) 227–1320. (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain • The handling-qualities tasks and
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: adequate or appropriate safety standards requirements of the Gulfstream Model
for the Gulfstream Model GVII–G500 GVII–G500 Special Conditions and
Background airplane because of a novel or unusual other 14 CFR part 25 requirements for
On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream design feature, special conditions are stability, control, and maneuverability,
Aerospace Corporation applied for a prescribed under § 21.16. including the effects of turbulence.

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60028 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 192 / Monday, October 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

• General ergonomics: Armrest overriding control inputs by either pilot Branch, ANM–115, Transport Airplane
comfort and support, local freedom of with no unsafe characteristics. Directorate, Aircraft Certification
movement, displacement-angle Annunciation of the controller status Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
suitability, and axis harmony. must be provided, and must not be Renton, Washington 98057–3356;
• Inadvertent pilot input in confusing to the flightcrew. telephone 425–227–2774; facsimile
turbulence. Pilot control: Gulfstream must show 425–227–1232.
• Inadvertent pitch and roll crosstalk by flight tests that the use of side-stick SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
from pilot inputs on the side-stick controllers does not produce unsuitable
controller. pilot-in-the-loop control characteristics Background
when considering precision path control On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream
Discussion of Comments
and tasks, and turbulence. In addition, Aerospace Corporation applied for a
Notice of proposed special conditions pitch and roll control force and type certificate for their new Model
no. 25–15–07–SC for the Gulfstream displacement sensitivity must be GVII–G500 airplane. The Model GVII–
Model GVII–G500 airplane was compatible, so that normal pilot inputs G500 airplane will be a large-cabin
published in the Federal Register on on one control axis will not cause business jet with seating for 19
August 18, 2015 [80 FR 49934]. No significant unintentional inputs passengers. It will incorporate a low,
comments were received, and the (crossover) on the other. swept-wing design with winglets and a
special conditions are adopted as Issued in Renton, Washington, September T-tail. The powerplant will consist of
proposed. 25, 2015. two aft-fuselage-mounted Pratt &
Applicability Michael Kaszycki, Whitney turbofan engines.
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane The Model GVII–G500 will have a
As discussed above, these special wingspan of approximately 87 feet and
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
conditions apply to Gulfstream Model a length of just over 91 feet. Maximum
[FR Doc. 2015–25276 Filed 10–2–15; 8:45 am]
GVII–G500 airplanes. Should takeoff weight will be approximately
Gulfstream apply later for a change to BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
76,850 pounds and maximum takeoff
the type certificate to include another thrust will be approximately 15,135
model incorporating the same or similar pounds. Maximum range will be
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
novel or unusual design feature, the approximately 5,000 nautical miles, and
special conditions would apply to that Federal Aviation Administration maximum operating altitude will be
model as well. 51,000 feet.
Conclusion 14 CFR Part 25
Type Certification Basis
This action affects only certain novel [Docket No. FAA–2015–1482; Special Under the provisions of Title 14, Code
or unusual design features on Conditions No. 25–600–SC]
of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17,
Gulfstream Model GVII–G500 airplanes. Gulfstream must show that the Model
It is not a rule of general applicability. Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model
GVII–G500 Airplanes, Automatic Speed GVII–G500 airplane meets the
List of Subjects in 14 CFR part 25 Protection for Design Dive Speed applicable provisions of part 25 as
amended by Amendments 25–1 through
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting AGENCY: Federal Aviation 25–137.
and recordkeeping requirements. Administration (FAA), DOT. In addition, the certification basis
■ The authority citation for these ACTION: Final special conditions. includes other regulations, special
special conditions is as follows: conditions, and exemptions that are not
SUMMARY: These special conditions are relevant to these special conditions.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
issued for the Gulfstream Model GVII– If the Administrator finds that the
44702, 44704.
G500 airplane. This airplane will have applicable airworthiness regulations
The Special Conditions a novel or unusual design feature when (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain
■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority compared to the state of technology adequate or appropriate safety standards
delegated to me by the Administrator, envisioned in the airworthiness for Model GVII–G500 airplanes because
the following special conditions are standards for transport-category of a novel or unusual design feature,
issued as part of the type certification airplanes. special conditions are prescribed under
basis for the Gulfstream Model GVII– This design feature is associated with the provisions of § 21.16.
G500 airplane, in lieu of §§ 25.143(d), a reduced margin between design Special conditions are initially
25.143(i)(2), 25.145(b), 25.173(c), cruising speed, VC/MC, and design applicable to the model for which they
25.175(b), and 25.175(d): diving speed, VD/MD, based on the are issued. Should the type certificate
Pilot strength: In lieu of the control- incorporation of a high-speed protection for that model be amended later to
force limits shown in § 25.143(d) for system that limits nose-down pilot include any other model that
pitch and roll, and in lieu of specific authority at speeds above VC/MC. The incorporates the same novel or unusual
pitch-force requirements of applicable airworthiness regulations do design feature, the special conditions
§§ 25.143(i)(2), 25.145(b), 25.173(c), not contain adequate or appropriate would also apply to the other model
25.175(b), and 25.175(d), Gulfstream safety standards for this design feature. under § 21.101.
must show that the temporary and These special conditions contain the In addition to the applicable
maximum prolonged-force levels for the additional safety standards that the airworthiness regulations and special
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES

side-stick controllers are suitable for all Administrator considers necessary to conditions, the Model GVII–G500
expected operating conditions and establish a level of safety equivalent to airplane must comply with the fuel-vent
configurations, whether normal or non- that established by the existing and exhaust-emission requirements of
normal. airworthiness standards. 14 CFR part 34, and the noise-
Pilot-control authority: The electronic DATES: Effective November 4, 2015. certification requirements of 14 CFR
side-stick-controller coupling design FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Walt part 36; and the FAA must issue a
must provide for corrective and Sippel, FAA, Airframe and Cabin Safety finding of regulatory adequacy under

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 08:53:21
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 08:53:21

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		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final special conditions.
Dates		Effective November 4, 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 60027
CFR Associated		Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

80 FR 60027 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Side-Stick Controllers; Controllability and Maneuverability

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 192 (October 5, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration