80_FR_76615 80 FR 76379 - Special Conditions: Cirrus Aircraft Corporation, SF50; Auto Throttle

80 FR 76379 - Special Conditions: Cirrus Aircraft Corporation, SF50; Auto Throttle

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 236 (December 9, 2015)

Page Range76379-76381
FR Document2015-31058

These special conditions are issued for the Cirrus Aircraft Corporation Model SF50 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with installation of an Auto Throttle System. 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 236 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 236 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76379-76381]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31058]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3464; Special Conditions No. 23-272-SC]


Special Conditions: Cirrus Aircraft Corporation, SF50; Auto 
Throttle

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Cirrus Aircraft 
Corporation Model SF50 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or 
unusual design feature(s) associated with installation of an Auto 
Throttle System. 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: The effective date of these special conditions is December 9, 
2015 and are applicable on December 2, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Pretz, Regulations and Policy 
Branch, ACE-111, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, ACE-111, 901 Locust, Room 
301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329-3239, facsimile (816) 
329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On September 9, 2008, Cirrus Aircraft Corporation applied for a 
type certificate for their new Model SF50. On December 11, 2012 Cirrus 
elected to adjust the certification basis of the SF50 to include 14 CFR 
part 23 through amendment 62. The SF50 is a low-wing, 7-seat (5 adults 
and 2 children), pressurized, retractable gear, carbon composite 
airplane with one turbofan engine mounted partially in the upper aft 
fuselage. It is constructed largely of carbon and fiberglass composite 
materials. Like other Cirrus products, the SF50 includes a 
ballistically deployed airframe parachute. The SF50 has a maximum 
operating altitude of 28,000 feet and the maximum takeoff weight will 
be at or below 6,000 pounds with a range at economy cruise of roughly 
1,000 nautical miles.
    Current part 23 airworthiness regulations do not contain 
appropriate safety standards for an Auto Throttle System (ATS) 
installation; therefore, special conditions are required to establish 
an acceptable level of safety. Part 25 regulations contain appropriate 
safety standards for these systems, making the intent for this project 
to apply the language in Sec.  25.1329 for the auto throttle, while 
substituting Sec.  23.1309 and Sec.  23.143 in place of the similar 
part 25 regulations referenced in Sec.  25.1329. In addition, 
malfunction of the ATS to perform its intended function shall be 
evaluated per the Loss of Thrust Control (LOTC) criteria established 
under part 33 for electronic engine controls. An analysis must show 
that no single failure or malfunction or probable combinations of 
failures of the ATS will permit the LOTC probability to exceed those 
established under part 33 for an electronic engine control.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Cirrus must show that the 
Model SF50 meets the applicable provisions of part 23, as amended by 
amendments 23-1 through 23-62 thereto.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the SF50 because of a novel or unusual 
design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions 
of 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, the SF50 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 section 611 of Public Law 92-574, the Noise 
Control Act of 1972.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type-
certification basis under Sec.  21.17(a)(2).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The SF50 will incorporate the following novel or unusual design 
features: An ATS as part of the automatic flight control system. The 
ATS utilizes a Garmin ``smart'' autopilot servo with a physical 
connection to the throttle quadrant control linkage. The auto throttle 
may be controlled by the pilot with an optional auto throttle control 
panel adjacent to the throttle lever. The auto throttle also provides 
an envelope protection function which does not require installation of 
the optional control panel.

Discussion

    Part 23 currently does not sufficiently address auto throttle (also 
referred to as auto thrust) technology and safety concerns. Therefore, 
special conditions must be developed and applied to this project to 
ensure an acceptable level of safety has been obtained. For approval to 
use the ATS during flight, the SF50 must demonstrate compliance to the 
intent of the requirements of Sec.  25.1329,

[[Page 76380]]

applying the appropriate part 23 references to Sec.  23.1309 (to 
include performing a functional hazard assessment or system safety 
assessment to determine the applicable Software and Airborne Electronic 
Hardware assurance levels, and compliance to DO-178C & DO-254, as 
required) and Sec.  23.143.
    In addition, a malfunction of the ATS to perform its intended 
function is an LOTC event, and may result in a total loss of thrust 
control, transients, or uncommanded thrust changes. The classification 
of the failure condition for an LOTC event on a Class II single-engine 
aircraft is hazardous for aircraft that stall at or below 61 knots. 
From publication AC 23.1309-1E, based upon failure probability values 
shown in Figure 2, an LOTC event would have to meet a probability of 
failure value not to exceed 1 x 10-6. In-service data for 
LOTC in single-engine turbine aircraft shows LOTC events exceed this 
probability; therefore, part 33 requirements for engine control 
probabilities will be accepted for the part 23 LOTC requirement.
    The probabilities of failure for an LOTC event on a turbine engine 
shall not exceed the following (see AC33.28-1 and ANE-1993-33.28TLD-R1 
for further guidance):

1. Average Events per Million Hours: 10 (1x10-05 per 
hour)
2. Maximum Events per Million Hours: 100 (1x10-04 per 
hour)

    Note:  The maximum events per flight hour are intended for Time 
Limited Dispatch (TLD) operation where the risk exposure is 
mitigated by limiting the time in which the aircraft is operated in 
the degraded condition.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions No. 23-15-04-SC for the 
Cirrus Aircraft Corporation Model SF50 airplanes was published in the 
Federal Register on August 21, 2015 (80 FR 50808). No comments were 
received, and the special conditions are adopted as proposed.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Model SF50. Should Cirrus apply at a later date for a change to the 
type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel 
or unusual design feature, the special conditions would apply to that 
model as well.
    Under standard practice, the effective date of final special 
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the 
Federal Register; however, as the certification date for the Cirrus 
Aircraft Corporation Model SF50 airplane is imminent, the FAA finds 
that good cause exists to make these special conditions effective upon 
issuance.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model of airplanes. It is not a rule of general applicability 
and it affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for approval 
of these features on the airplane.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

Citation

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704, 14 CFR 
21.16 and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.

The Special Conditions

    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 Cirrus Aircraft Corporation Model SF50 
airplanes.

1. Certification of Auto Throttle System Under Part 23

    a. Quick disengagement controls for the auto thrust functions must 
be provided for each pilot. The auto thrust quick disengagement 
controls must be located on the thrust control levers. Quick 
disengagement controls must be readily accessible to each pilot while 
operating the thrust control levers.
    b. The effects of a failure of the system to disengage the auto 
thrust functions when manually commanded by the pilot must be assessed 
in accordance with the requirements of Sec.  23.1309.
    c. Engagement or switching of the flight guidance system, a mode, 
or a sensor may not cause the auto thrust system to affect a transient 
response that alters the airplane's flight path any greater than a 
minor transient, as defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this section.
    d. Under normal conditions, the disengagement of any automatic 
control function of a flight guidance system may not cause a transient 
response of the airplane's flight path any greater than a minor 
transient.
    e. Under rare normal and non-normal conditions, disengagement of 
any automatic control function of a flight guidance system may not 
result in a transient any greater than a significant transient, as 
defined in paragraph (l)(2) of this section.
    f. The function and direction of motion of each command reference 
control, such as heading select or vertical speed, must be plainly 
indicated on, or adjacent to, each control if necessary to prevent 
inappropriate use or confusion.
    g. Under any condition of flight appropriate to its use, the flight 
guidance system may not produce hazardous loads on the airplane, nor 
create hazardous deviations in the flight path. This applies to both 
fault-free operation and in the event of a malfunction, and assumes 
that the pilot begins corrective action within a reasonable period of 
time.
    h. When the flight guidance system is in use, a means must be 
provided to avoid excursions beyond an acceptable margin from the speed 
range of the normal flight envelope. If the airplane experiences an 
excursion outside this range, a means must be provided to prevent the 
flight guidance system from providing guidance or control to an unsafe 
speed.
    i. The flight guidance system functions, controls, indications, and 
alerts must be designed to minimize flight crew errors and confusion 
concerning the behavior and operation of the flight guidance system. 
Means must be provided to indicate the current mode of operation, 
including any armed modes, transitions, and reversions. Selector switch 
position is not an acceptable means of indication. The controls and 
indications must be grouped and presented in a logical and consistent 
manner. The indications must be visible to each pilot under all 
expected lighting conditions.
    j. Following disengagement of the auto thrust function, a caution 
(visual and auditory) must be provided to each pilot.
    k. During auto thrust operation, it must be possible for the flight 
crew to move the thrust levers without requiring excessive force. The 
auto thrust may not create a potential hazard when the flight crew 
applies an override force to the thrust levers.
    l. For purposes of this section, a transient is a disturbance in 
the control or flight path of the airplane that is not consistent with 
response to flight crew inputs or environmental conditions.
    (1) A minor transient would not significantly reduce safety margins 
and would involve flight crew actions that are well within their 
capabilities. A minor transient may involve a slight increase in flight 
crew workload or some physical discomfort to passengers or cabin crew.
    (2) A significant transient may lead to a significant reduction in 
safety

[[Page 76381]]

margins, an increase in flight crew workload, discomfort to the flight 
crew, or physical distress to the passengers or cabin crew, possibly 
including non-fatal injuries. Significant transients do not require, in 
order to remain within or recover to the normal flight envelope, any of 
the following:
    i. Exceptional piloting skill, alertness, or strength.
    ii. Forces applied by the pilot which are greater than those 
specified in Sec.  23.143(c).
    iii. Accelerations or attitudes in the airplane that might result 
in further hazard to secured or non-secured occupants.
    It must also be demonstrated, through tests and analysis, that no 
single failure or malfunction or probable combinations of failures of 
the auto thrust system components results in the probability for LOTC, 
or un-commanded thrust changes and transients that result in an LOTC 
event, to exceed the following:

(1) Average Events per Million Hours: 10 (1x10-05 per 
hour)
(2) Maximum Events per Million Hours: 100 (1x10-04 per 
hour)

    Note:  The term ``probable'' in the context of ``probable 
combination of failures'' does not have the same meaning as used for 
a safety assessment process. The term ``probable'' in ``probable 
combination of failures'' means ``foreseeable,'' or those failure 
conditions anticipated to occur one or more times during the 
operational life of each airplane.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 2, 2015.
Patrick Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31058 Filed 12-8-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                       76379

                                           fewer losses on an aggregate basis than                  The applicable airworthiness                          to exceed those established under part
                                           Class A interests, the Class B interests                 regulations do not contain adequate or                33 for an electronic engine control.
                                           would not qualify as common equity                       appropriate safety standards for this
                                                                                                                                                          Type Certification Basis
                                           tier 1 capital. However, where the                       design feature. These special conditions
                                           membership interests provide for                         contain the additional safety standards                  Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17,
                                           disproportionate allocation of profits,                  that the Administrator considers                      Cirrus must show that the Model SF50
                                           such as described in the example in                      necessary to establish a level of safety              meets the applicable provisions of part
                                           paragraph (c)(4) of this section, and the                equivalent to that established by the                 23, as amended by amendments 23–1
                                           reallocation of prior distributions would                existing airworthiness standards.                     through 23–62 thereto.
                                           be limited to reversing the                                                                                       If the Administrator finds that the
                                                                                                    DATES: The effective date of these
                                           disproportionate portions of prior                                                                             applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                                                                    special conditions is December 9, 2015                (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain
                                           distributions, both the Class A and Class                and are applicable on December 2, 2015.
                                           B interests could qualify as common                                                                            adequate or appropriate safety standards
                                                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff                 for the SF50 because of a novel or
                                           equity tier 1 capital provided that they
                                           met all the other criteria in § 217.20(b).               Pretz, Regulations and Policy Branch,                 unusual design feature, special
                                                                                                    ACE–111, Federal Aviation                             conditions are prescribed under the
                                           § 217.502 Application of the Board’s                     Administration, Small Airplane                        provisions of § 21.16.
                                           Regulatory Capital Framework to Employee                 Directorate, Aircraft Certification                      Special conditions are initially
                                           Stock Ownership Plans that are Depository                Service, ACE–111, 901 Locust, Room                    applicable to the model for which they
                                           Institution Holding Companies and Certain                301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone                 are issued. Should the type certificate
                                           Trusts that are Savings and Loan Holding                 (816) 329–3239, facsimile (816) 329–
                                           Companies.
                                                                                                                                                          for that model be amended later to
                                                                                                    4090.                                                 include any other model that
                                             (a) Employee Stock Ownership Plans.                                                                          incorporates the same or similar novel
                                           Notwithstanding § 217.1(c), a bank                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                          or unusual design feature, the special
                                           holding company or covered savings                       Background                                            conditions would also apply to the other
                                           and loan holding company that is an                                                                            model under § 21.101.
                                           employee stock ownership plan is                            On September 9, 2008, Cirrus Aircraft
                                                                                                                                                             In addition to the applicable
                                           exempt from this part until the Board                    Corporation applied for a type
                                                                                                                                                          airworthiness regulations and special
                                           adopts regulations that directly relate to               certificate for their new Model SF50. On
                                                                                                                                                          conditions, the SF50 must comply with
                                           the application of capital regulations to                December 11, 2012 Cirrus elected to
                                                                                                                                                          the fuel vent and exhaust emission
                                           employee stock ownership plans.                          adjust the certification basis of the SF50
                                                                                                                                                          requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the
                                             (b) Personal or Family Trusts.                         to include 14 CFR part 23 through
                                                                                                                                                          noise certification requirements of 14
                                           Notwithstanding § 217.1(c), a covered                    amendment 62. The SF50 is a low-wing,
                                                                                                                                                          CFR part 36 and the FAA must issue a
                                           savings and loan holding company is                      7-seat (5 adults and 2 children),
                                                                                                                                                          finding of regulatory adequacy under
                                           exempt from this part if it is a personal                pressurized, retractable gear, carbon
                                                                                                                                                          section 611 of Public Law 92–574, the
                                           or family trust and not a business trust                 composite airplane with one turbofan
                                                                                                                                                          Noise Control Act of 1972.
                                           until the Board adopts regulations that                  engine mounted partially in the upper                    The FAA issues special conditions, as
                                           apply capital regulations to such a                      aft fuselage. It is constructed largely of            defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
                                           covered savings and loan holding                         carbon and fiberglass composite                       with § 11.38, and they become part of
                                           company.                                                 materials. Like other Cirrus products,                the type-certification basis under
                                             By order of the Board of Governors of the              the SF50 includes a ballistically                     § 21.17(a)(2).
                                           Federal Reserve System, December 4, 2015.                deployed airframe parachute. The SF50
                                                                                                    has a maximum operating altitude of                   Novel or Unusual Design Features
                                           Robert deV. Frierson,
                                                                                                    28,000 feet and the maximum takeoff                     The SF50 will incorporate the
                                           Secretary of the Board.
                                                                                                    weight will be at or below 6,000 pounds               following novel or unusual design
                                           [FR Doc. 2015–31013 Filed 12–8–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                    with a range at economy cruise of                     features: An ATS as part of the
                                           BILLING CODE P
                                                                                                    roughly 1,000 nautical miles.                         automatic flight control system. The
                                                                                                       Current part 23 airworthiness                      ATS utilizes a Garmin ‘‘smart’’ autopilot
                                                                                                    regulations do not contain appropriate                servo with a physical connection to the
                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             safety standards for an Auto Throttle                 throttle quadrant control linkage. The
                                                                                                    System (ATS) installation; therefore,                 auto throttle may be controlled by the
                                           Federal Aviation Administration
                                                                                                    special conditions are required to                    pilot with an optional auto throttle
                                                                                                    establish an acceptable level of safety.              control panel adjacent to the throttle
                                           14 CFR Part 23
                                                                                                    Part 25 regulations contain appropriate               lever. The auto throttle also provides an
                                           [Docket No. FAA–2015–3464; Special                       safety standards for these systems,                   envelope protection function which
                                           Conditions No. 23–272–SC]                                making the intent for this project to                 does not require installation of the
                                                                                                    apply the language in § 25.1329 for the               optional control panel.
                                           Special Conditions: Cirrus Aircraft                      auto throttle, while substituting
                                           Corporation, SF50; Auto Throttle                         § 23.1309 and § 23.143 in place of the                Discussion
                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                similar part 25 regulations referenced in               Part 23 currently does not sufficiently
                                           Administration (FAA), DOT.                               § 25.1329. In addition, malfunction of                address auto throttle (also referred to as
                                           ACTION: Final special conditions.                        the ATS to perform its intended                       auto thrust) technology and safety
                                                                                                    function shall be evaluated per the Loss              concerns. Therefore, special conditions
wgreen on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           SUMMARY:   These special conditions are                  of Thrust Control (LOTC) criteria                     must be developed and applied to this
                                           issued for the Cirrus Aircraft                           established under part 33 for electronic              project to ensure an acceptable level of
                                           Corporation Model SF50 airplane. This                    engine controls. An analysis must show                safety has been obtained. For approval
                                           airplane will have a novel or unusual                    that no single failure or malfunction or              to use the ATS during flight, the SF50
                                           design feature(s) associated with                        probable combinations of failures of the              must demonstrate compliance to the
                                           installation of an Auto Throttle System.                 ATS will permit the LOTC probability                  intent of the requirements of § 25.1329,


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                                           76380            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                           applying the appropriate part 23                         Corporation Model SF50 airplane is                       f. The function and direction of
                                           references to § 23.1309 (to include                      imminent, the FAA finds that good                     motion of each command reference
                                           performing a functional hazard                           cause exists to make these special                    control, such as heading select or
                                           assessment or system safety assessment                   conditions effective upon issuance.                   vertical speed, must be plainly
                                           to determine the applicable Software                                                                           indicated on, or adjacent to, each
                                                                                                    Conclusion                                            control if necessary to prevent
                                           and Airborne Electronic Hardware
                                           assurance levels, and compliance to                        This action affects only certain novel              inappropriate use or confusion.
                                           DO–178C & DO–254, as required) and                       or unusual design features on one model                  g. Under any condition of flight
                                           § 23.143.                                                of airplanes. It is not a rule of general             appropriate to its use, the flight
                                              In addition, a malfunction of the ATS                 applicability and it affects only the                 guidance system may not produce
                                           to perform its intended function is an                   applicant who applied to the FAA for                  hazardous loads on the airplane, nor
                                           LOTC event, and may result in a total                    approval of these features on the                     create hazardous deviations in the flight
                                           loss of thrust control, transients, or                   airplane.                                             path. This applies to both fault-free
                                           uncommanded thrust changes. The                                                                                operation and in the event of a
                                                                                                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                    malfunction, and assumes that the pilot
                                           classification of the failure condition for
                                           an LOTC event on a Class II single-                        Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                begins corrective action within a
                                           engine aircraft is hazardous for aircraft                symbols.                                              reasonable period of time.
                                           that stall at or below 61 knots. From                                                                             h. When the flight guidance system is
                                                                                                    Citation
                                           publication AC 23.1309–1E, based upon                                                                          in use, a means must be provided to
                                           failure probability values shown in                        The authority citation for these                    avoid excursions beyond an acceptable
                                           Figure 2, an LOTC event would have to                    special conditions is as follows:                     margin from the speed range of the
                                           meet a probability of failure value not to                 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,          normal flight envelope. If the airplane
                                           exceed 1 × 10¥6. In-service data for                     44702, 44704, 14 CFR 21.16 and 14 CFR                 experiences an excursion outside this
                                           LOTC in single-engine turbine aircraft                   11.38 and 11.19.                                      range, a means must be provided to
                                           shows LOTC events exceed this                                                                                  prevent the flight guidance system from
                                                                                                    The Special Conditions
                                           probability; therefore, part 33                                                                                providing guidance or control to an
                                           requirements for engine control                            Accordingly, pursuant to the                        unsafe speed.
                                           probabilities will be accepted for the                   authority delegated to me by the                         i. The flight guidance system
                                           part 23 LOTC requirement.                                Administrator, the following special                  functions, controls, indications, and
                                              The probabilities of failure for an                   conditions are issued as part of the type             alerts must be designed to minimize
                                           LOTC event on a turbine engine shall                     certification basis for Cirrus Aircraft               flight crew errors and confusion
                                           not exceed the following (see AC33.28–                   Corporation Model SF50 airplanes.                     concerning the behavior and operation
                                           1 and ANE–1993–33.28TLD–R1 for                           1. Certification of Auto Throttle System              of the flight guidance system. Means
                                           further guidance):                                       Under Part 23                                         must be provided to indicate the current
                                                                                                                                                          mode of operation, including any armed
                                           1. Average Events per Million Hours: 10                     a. Quick disengagement controls for
                                                (1×10¥05 per hour)
                                                                                                                                                          modes, transitions, and reversions.
                                                                                                    the auto thrust functions must be                     Selector switch position is not an
                                           2. Maximum Events per Million Hours: 100
                                                                                                    provided for each pilot. The auto thrust              acceptable means of indication. The
                                                (1×10¥04 per hour)
                                                                                                    quick disengagement controls must be                  controls and indications must be
                                              Note: The maximum events per flight hour
                                                                                                    located on the thrust control levers.                 grouped and presented in a logical and
                                           are intended for Time Limited Dispatch
                                           (TLD) operation where the risk exposure is               Quick disengagement controls must be                  consistent manner. The indications
                                           mitigated by limiting the time in which the              readily accessible to each pilot while                must be visible to each pilot under all
                                           aircraft is operated in the degraded                     operating the thrust control levers.                  expected lighting conditions.
                                           condition.                                                  b. The effects of a failure of the system             j. Following disengagement of the
                                                                                                    to disengage the auto thrust functions                auto thrust function, a caution (visual
                                           Discussion of Comments                                   when manually commanded by the pilot                  and auditory) must be provided to each
                                             Notice of proposed special conditions                  must be assessed in accordance with the               pilot.
                                           No. 23–15–04–SC for the Cirrus Aircraft                  requirements of § 23.1309.                               k. During auto thrust operation, it
                                           Corporation Model SF50 airplanes was                        c. Engagement or switching of the                  must be possible for the flight crew to
                                           published in the Federal Register on                     flight guidance system, a mode, or a                  move the thrust levers without requiring
                                           August 21, 2015 (80 FR 50808). No                        sensor may not cause the auto thrust                  excessive force. The auto thrust may not
                                           comments were received, and the                          system to affect a transient response that            create a potential hazard when the flight
                                           special conditions are adopted as                        alters the airplane’s flight path any                 crew applies an override force to the
                                           proposed.                                                greater than a minor transient, as                    thrust levers.
                                                                                                    defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this                      l. For purposes of this section, a
                                           Applicability                                            section.                                              transient is a disturbance in the control
                                             As discussed above, these special                         d. Under normal conditions, the                    or flight path of the airplane that is not
                                           conditions are applicable to the Model                   disengagement of any automatic control                consistent with response to flight crew
                                           SF50. Should Cirrus apply at a later date                function of a flight guidance system may              inputs or environmental conditions.
                                           for a change to the type certificate to                  not cause a transient response of the                    (1) A minor transient would not
                                           include another model incorporating the                  airplane’s flight path any greater than a             significantly reduce safety margins and
                                           same novel or unusual design feature,                    minor transient.                                      would involve flight crew actions that
                                           the special conditions would apply to                       e. Under rare normal and non-normal                are well within their capabilities. A
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                                           that model as well.                                      conditions, disengagement of any                      minor transient may involve a slight
                                             Under standard practice, the effective                 automatic control function of a flight                increase in flight crew workload or
                                           date of final special conditions would                   guidance system may not result in a                   some physical discomfort to passengers
                                           be 30 days after the date of publication                 transient any greater than a significant              or cabin crew.
                                           in the Federal Register; however, as the                 transient, as defined in paragraph (l)(2)                (2) A significant transient may lead to
                                           certification date for the Cirrus Aircraft               of this section.                                      a significant reduction in safety


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 236 / Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                      76381

                                           margins, an increase in flight crew                      S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A and                       Engineer, Safety Management Group,
                                           workload, discomfort to the flight crew,                 A109A II helicopters. This AD requires                Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101
                                           or physical distress to the passengers or                inspecting the slider assembly pitch                  Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177;
                                           cabin crew, possibly including non-fatal                 control (slider) for play and replacing               telephone (817) 222–5110; email
                                           injuries. Significant transients do not                  the slider if the play exceeds certain                martin.r.crane@faa.gov.
                                           require, in order to remain within or                    limits. This AD is prompted by a report
                                                                                                    of excessive slider play and wear that                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                           recover to the normal flight envelope,
                                           any of the following:                                    was detected during a scheduled                       Comments Invited
                                             i. Exceptional piloting skill, alertness,              inspection of a Model A109A II
                                           or strength.                                             helicopter. These actions are intended                   This AD is a final rule that involves
                                             ii. Forces applied by the pilot which                  to detect and prevent excessive wear                  requirements affecting flight safety, and
                                           are greater than those specified in                      and play on a slider, which could lead                we did not provide you with notice and
                                           § 23.143(c).                                             to loss of tail rotor pitch control and               an opportunity to provide your
                                             iii. Accelerations or attitudes in the                 consequently loss of helicopter control.              comments prior to it becoming effective.
                                           airplane that might result in further                    DATES: This AD becomes effective                      However, we invite you to participate in
                                           hazard to secured or non-secured                         December 24, 2015.                                    this rulemaking by submitting written
                                           occupants.                                                 We must receive comments on this                    comments, data, or views. We also
                                             It must also be demonstrated, through                  AD by February 8, 2016.                               invite comments relating to the
                                           tests and analysis, that no single failure               ADDRESSES: You may send comments by                   economic, environmental, energy, or
                                           or malfunction or probable                               any of the following methods:                         federalism impacts that resulted from
                                           combinations of failures of the auto                       • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                 adopting this AD. The most helpful
                                           thrust system components results in the                  http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                comments reference a specific portion of
                                           probability for LOTC, or un-commanded                    online instructions for sending your                  the AD, explain the reason for any
                                           thrust changes and transients that result                comments electronically.                              recommended change, and include
                                           in an LOTC event, to exceed the                            • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                supporting data. To ensure the docket
                                           following:                                                 • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
                                                                                                                                                          does not contain duplicate comments,
                                           (1) Average Events per Million Hours: 10                 Department of Transportation, Docket
                                                                                                                                                          commenters should send only one copy
                                                (1×10¥05 per hour)                                  Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                                                                                                                          of written comments, or if comments are
                                           (2) Maximum Events per Million Hours: 100                Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                                                                                                                          filed electronically, commenters should
                                                (1×10¥04 per hour)                                  New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                                                                    DC 20590–0001.                                        submit them only one time. We will file
                                              Note: The term ‘‘probable’’ in the context
                                                                                                      • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                     in the docket all comments that we
                                           of ‘‘probable combination of failures’’ does
                                           not have the same meaning as used for a                  ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                 receive, as well as a report summarizing
                                           safety assessment process. The term                      p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   each substantive public contact with
                                           ‘‘probable’’ in ‘‘probable combination of                Federal holidays.                                     FAA personnel concerning this
                                           failures’’ means ‘‘foreseeable,’’ or those                                                                     rulemaking during the comment period.
                                           failure conditions anticipated to occur one or           Examining the AD Docket                               We will consider all the comments we
                                           more times during the operational life of each              You may examine the AD docket on                   receive and may conduct additional
                                           airplane.                                                the Internet at http://                               rulemaking based on those comments.
                                             Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on                    www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                    and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     Discussion
                                           December 2, 2015.
                                           Patrick Mullen,                                          3783; or in person at the Docket                         EASA, which is the Technical Agent
                                           Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,              Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5                for the Member States of the European
                                           Aircraft Certification Service.                          p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   Union, has issued EASA AD No. 2015–
                                           [FR Doc. 2015–31058 Filed 12–8–15; 8:45 am]              Federal holidays. The AD docket                       0097, dated June 1, 2015, to correct an
                                                                                                    contains this AD, the European Aviation               unsafe condition for Agusta Model
                                           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                    Safety Agency (EASA) AD, the                          A109A and A109A II helicopters. EASA
                                                                                                    economic evaluation, any comments                     advises that during a scheduled 100-
                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             received, and other information. The                  flight-hour inspection on a Model
                                                                                                    street address for the Docket Operations
                                                                                                                                                          A109A II helicopter, unusual play was
                                           Federal Aviation Administration                          Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in
                                                                                                                                                          detected on a part number (P/N) 109–
                                                                                                    the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
                                                                                                                                                          0130–11–7 slider. Further investigation
                                           14 CFR Part 39                                           be available in the AD docket shortly
                                                                                                                                                          revealed excessive wear of the slider
                                                                                                    after receipt.
                                           [Docket No. FAA–2015–3783; Directorate                      For service information identified in              broaching at the point of contact with
                                           Identifier 2015–SW–027–AD; Amendment
                                                                                                    this AD, contact AgustaWestland,                      the tail rotor shaft. However, the cause
                                           39–18342; AD 2015–25–04]                                                                                       of the excessive play and wear has not
                                                                                                    Product Support Engineering, Via del
                                           RIN 2120–AA64                                            Gregge, 100, 21015 Lonate Pozzolo (VA)                been determined.
                                                                                                    Italy, ATTN: Maurizio D’Angelo;                          This condition, if not detected and
                                           Airworthiness Directives; Agusta                         telephone 39–0331–664757; fax 39–                     corrected, could lead to reduced control
                                           S.p.A. Helicopters                                       0331–664680; or at http://                            of the helicopter, EASA advises. EASA
                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                www.agustawestland.com/technical-                     consequently requires repetitive
                                                                                                    bulletins. You may review the                         inspections of slider P/N 109–0130–11–
wgreen on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                           Administration (FAA), Department of
                                           Transportation (DOT).                                    referenced service information at the                 7 more frequently than those performed
                                                                                                    FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,                  at the 100-flight-hour inspection and
                                           ACTION: Final rule; request for
                                                                                                    Southwest Region, Room 6N–321, 10101                  corrective actions depending on the
                                           comments.
                                                                                                    Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177.                  findings. EASA advises that its AD is an
                                           SUMMARY:  We are adopting a new                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      interim measure and further AD action
                                           airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta                  Martin R. Crane, Aviation Safety                      may follow.


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Document Created: 2015-12-14 13:33:04
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 13:33:04
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.
DatesThe effective date of these special conditions is December 9, 2015 and are applicable on December 2, 2015.
ContactJeff Pretz, Regulations and Policy Branch, ACE-111, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, ACE-111, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329-3239, facsimile (816) 329-4090.
FR Citation80 FR 76379 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols

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