81_FR_23648 81 FR 23570 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Pilot Compartment View Requirements With an Enhanced Flight Vision System

81 FR 23570 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-G500 Airplanes, Pilot Compartment View Requirements With an Enhanced Flight Vision System

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 78 (April 22, 2016)

Page Range23570-23572
FR Document2016-09334

These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (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 an enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) that includes a head-up display (HUD) capable of displaying forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery, intended to be used for instrument approaches under provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 91.175(l) and (m). 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 81 Issue 78 (Friday, April 22, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 78 (Friday, April 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23570-23572]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09334]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7301; Special Conditions No. 25-614-SC]


Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVII-
G500 Airplanes, Pilot Compartment View Requirements With an Enhanced 
Flight Vision System

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:  Final special conditions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY:  These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation (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 an enhanced flight 
vision system (EFVS) that includes a head-up display (HUD) capable of 
displaying forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery, intended to be used 
for instrument approaches under provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) 91.175(l) and (m). 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:  This action is effective on Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on 
April 22, 2016. We must receive your comments by June 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES:  Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-7301 
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.

[[Page 23571]]

     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    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:  Dale Dunford, FAA, Airplane and 
Flightcrew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2239; facsimile 425-227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice of, and 
opportunity for prior public comment on, these special conditions is 
impracticable because these procedures would significantly delay 
issuance of the design approval and thus delivery of the affected 
airplane.
    In addition, the substance of these special conditions has been 
subject to the public comment process in several prior instances with 
no substantive comments received. The FAA therefore finds that good 
cause exists for making these special conditions effective upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

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 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 series airplane. The 
Model GVII-G500 series airplane will be a business jet capable of 
accommodating up to 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.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) 21.17, Gulfstream must show that the Model GVII-G500 series 
airplane meets the applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25, as amended 
by Amendments 25-1 through 25-129.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the Model GVII-G500 series airplane 
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 Model GVII-G500 series airplane must comply with the 
fuel-vent and exhaust-emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34, and the 
noise-certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36. The FAA must issue 
a finding of regulatory adequacy under Sec.  611 of Public Law 92-574, 
the ``Noise Control Act of 1972.''
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, 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 Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplane will incorporate the 
following novel or unusual design feature:
    An enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) that includes a head-up 
display (HUD) capable of displaying forward-looking infrared (FLIR) 
imagery, intended to be used for instrument approaches under provisions 
of Sec.  91.175(l) and (m).

Discussion

    The EFVS uses novel technology for which the FAA has no 
certification criteria. Furthermore, 14 CFR 25.773, which was not 
written in anticipation of such technology, does not permit visual 
distortions and reflections that could interfere with the pilot's 
compartment view. The video image potentially interferes with the 
pilot's ability to see the natural scene in the center of their forward 
field of view. Because Sec.  25.773 does not provide for alternatives 
or considerations for such a novel system, it is necessary to establish 
safety requirements that assure an equivalent level of safety and 
effectiveness of the pilot compartment view as intended by this rule. 
These special conditions for the EFVS are prescribed under the 
provisions of Sec.  21.16. Other applications for certification of such 
technology are anticipated in the near future, and magnify the need to 
establish FAA safety standards that can be applied consistently for all 
such approvals.
    Unlike the pilot's natural forward vision, the EFVS image is 
infrared-based, monochrome, 2-dimensional (i.e., providing no depth 
perception), and of lower resolution. While the pilot may be readily 
able to see around and through small individual stroke-written symbols 
on the HUD, the pilot may not be able to see around or through the 
image that fills the display without some interference of the outside 
view. Nevertheless, the EFVS may be capable of meeting an equivalent 
level of safety when considering the combined view of the image and the 
outside scene, which is visible to the pilot through the image. It is 
essential that the pilot be able to use this combination of image and 
natural view of the outside scene as safely and effectively as the 
pilot compartment view currently allows without the EFVS image.
    These special conditions provide the unique pilot-compartment view 
requirements for the EFVS installation.
    Compliance with these special conditions is required for the EFVS 
to be found acceptable, for the following intended functions, in 
accordance with Sec.  91.175(l) and (m):
    1. Presenting an image that would aid the pilot during a straight-
in instrument approach.
    2. Enable the pilot to determine the ``enhanced flight 
visibility,'' as required by Sec.  91.175(l)(2), for descent and 
operation below MDA/DH.
    3. Enable the pilot to use the EFVS imagery to detect and identify 
the ``visual references for the intended runway,'' required by Sec.  
91.175(l)(3), to continue the approach with vertical

[[Page 23572]]

guidance to 100 feet height above touchdown-zone elevation.
    Note: The term ``Enhanced Vision System,'' or EVS, commonly refers 
to a system comprising a HUD, imaging sensor(s), and avionics 
interface(s) that displays the sensor imagery on the HUD and overlays 
it with alpha-numeric and symbolic flight information. However, the 
term has also been used to refer to systems that display the sensor 
imagery, with or without other flight information, on a head-down 
display. Therefore, to avoid confusion, the FAA has defined the term 
``Enhanced Flight Vision System'' (EFVS) to refer to certain EVS that 
meet the requirements of Sec.  91.175(m), in particular the requirement 
for a HUD and specified flight information, and the ability to 
determine ``enhanced flight visibility.'' Accordingly, an EFVS can be 
considered a subset of systems otherwise labeled EVS.
    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.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplane. Should Gulfstream apply at a later 
date for a change to the type certificate to include another model 
incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, these special 
conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only a certain novel or unusual design feature 
on one model series of airplane. It is not a rule of general 
applicability.
    The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the 
notice and comment period in several prior instances and has been 
derived without substantive change from those previously issued. It is 
unlikely that prior public comment would result in a significant change 
from the substance contained herein. Therefore, because a delay would 
significantly affect the certification of the airplane, the FAA has 
determined that prior public notice and comment are unnecessary and 
impracticable, and good cause exists for adopting these special 
conditions upon publication in the Federal Register.
    The FAA is requesting comments to allow interested persons to 
submit views that may not have been submitted in response to the prior 
opportunities for comment described above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Special Conditions

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 airplanes.
    1. Enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) imagery on the head-up 
display (HUD) must not degrade the safety of flight or interfere with 
the effective use of outside visual references for required pilot tasks 
during any phase of flight in which it is to be used.
    2. To avoid unacceptable interference with the safe and effective 
use of the pilot-compartment view, the EFVS device must meet the 
following requirements:
    a. EFVS design must minimize unacceptable display characteristics 
or artifacts (e.g. noise, ``burlap'' overlay, running water droplets) 
that obscure the desired image of the scene, impair the pilot's ability 
to detect and identify visual references, mask flight hazards, distract 
the pilot, or otherwise degrade task performance or safety.
    b. Control of EFVS display brightness must be sufficiently 
effective, in dynamically changing background (ambient) lighting 
conditions, to prevent full or partial blooming of the display that 
would distract the pilot, impair the pilot's ability to detect and 
identify visual references, mask flight hazards, or otherwise degrade 
task performance or safety. If automatic control for image brightness 
is not provided, it must be shown that a single manual setting is 
satisfactory for the range of lighting conditions encountered during a 
time-critical, high-workload phase of flight (e.g., low-visibility 
instrument approach).
    c. A readily accessible control must be provided that permits the 
pilot to immediately deactivate and reactivate display of the EFVS 
image on demand, without removing the pilot's hands from the primary 
flight controls (yoke or equivalent) or thrust control.
    d. The EFVS image on the HUD must not impair the pilot's use of 
guidance information, or degrade the presentation and pilot awareness 
of essential flight information displayed on the HUD, such as alerts, 
airspeed, attitude, altitude and direction, approach guidance, wind-
shear guidance, traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) resolution 
advisories, and unusual-attitude recovery cues.
    e. The EFVS image and the HUD symbols, which are spatially 
referenced to the pitch scale, outside view, and image, must be scaled 
and aligned (i.e., conformal) to the external scene and, when 
considered singly or in combination, must not be misleading, cause 
pilot confusion, or increase workload. There may be airplane attitudes 
or cross-wind conditions which cause certain symbols, such as the zero-
pitch line or flight-path vector, to reach field-of-view limits such 
that they cannot be positioned conformably with the image and external 
scene. In such cases, these symbols may be displayed, but with an 
altered appearance which makes the pilot aware that they are no longer 
displayed conformably (for example, ``ghosting'').
    f. A HUD system used to display EFVS images must, if previously 
certified, continue to meet all of the requirements of the original 
approval.
    3. The safety and performance of the pilot tasks associated with 
the use of the pilot-compartment view must be not be degraded by the 
display of the EFVS image. Pilot tasks which must not be degraded by 
the EFVS image include:
    a. Detection, accurate identification, and maneuvering, as 
necessary, to avoid traffic, terrain, obstacles, and other hazards of 
flight.
    b. Accurate identification and utilization of visual references 
required for every task relevant to the phase of flight.
    4. Appropriate limitations must be stated in the Operating 
Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual to prohibit the use 
of the EFVS for functions that have not been found to be acceptable.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-09334 Filed 4-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                  23570                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 78 / Friday, April 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                     a. An ATTCS failure or a combination                 thereof, of the ATTCS, including                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                  of failures in the ATTCS during the                     associated systems, may cause the
                                                  critical time interval (Figure 2):                      failure of any powerplant function                    Federal Aviation Administration
                                                     i. Must not prevent the insertion of                 necessary for safety.
                                                  the maximum approved go-around                             b. The ATTCS must be designed to:                  14 CFR Part 25
                                                  thrust or power, or must be shown to be
                                                  a remote event.                                            i. Apply thrust or power on the                    [Docket No. FAA–2015–7301; Special
                                                                                                          operating engine(s), following any one-               Conditions No. 25–614–SC]
                                                     ii. Must not result in a significant loss
                                                  or reduction in thrust or power, or must                engine failure during a go-around, to
                                                                                                          achieve the maximum approved go-                      Special Conditions: Gulfstream
                                                  be shown to be an extremely improbable                                                                        Aerospace Corporation Model GVII–
                                                  event.                                                  around thrust without exceeding the
                                                                                                          engine operating limits;                              G500 Airplanes, Pilot Compartment
                                                     b. The concurrent existence of an
                                                                                                                                                                View Requirements With an Enhanced
                                                  ATTCS failure and an engine failure                        ii. Permit manual decrease or increase             Flight Vision System
                                                  during the critical time interval must be               in thrust or power up to the maximum
                                                  shown to be extremely improbable.                       go-around thrust approved for the                     AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                     c. All applicable performance                        airplane under the existing conditions                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                  requirements of 14 CFR part 25 must be                  through the use of the power lever. For               ACTION: Final special conditions;
                                                  met with an engine failure occurring at                 airplanes equipped with limiters that                 request for comments.
                                                  the most critical point during go-around                automatically prevent the engine
                                                  with the ATTCS functioning.                             operating limits from being exceeded                  SUMMARY:   These special conditions are
                                                     d. The probability analysis must                     under existing ambient conditions,                    issued for the Gulfstream Aerospace
                                                  include consideration of ATTCS failure                  other means may be used to increase the               Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII–
                                                  occurring after the time at which the                   thrust in the event of an ATTCS failure,              G500 airplane. This airplane will have
                                                  flightcrew last verifies that the ATTCS                 provided that the means:                              a novel or unusual design feature when
                                                  is in a condition to operate until the                                                                        compared to the state of technology
                                                  beginning of the critical time interval.                   1. Is located on or forward of the
                                                                                                                                                                envisioned in the airworthiness
                                                     e. The propulsive thrust obtained                    power levers;
                                                                                                                                                                standards for transport category
                                                  from the operating engine after failure of                 2. Is easily identified and operated               airplanes. This design feature is an
                                                  the critical engine during a go-around                  under all operating conditions by a                   enhanced flight vision system (EFVS)
                                                  used to show compliance with the one-                   single action of either pilot with the                that includes a head-up display (HUD)
                                                  engine-inoperative climb requirements                   hand that is normally used to actuate                 capable of displaying forward-looking
                                                  of § 25.121(d) may not be greater than                  the power levers; and                                 infrared (FLIR) imagery, intended to be
                                                  the lesser of:                                             3. Meets the requirements of                       used for instrument approaches under
                                                     i. The actual propulsive thrust                      § 25.777(a), (b), and (c).                            provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal
                                                  resulting from the initial setting of                                                                         Regulations (14 CFR) 91.175(l) and (m).
                                                  power or thrust controls with the                          iii. Provide a means to verify to the
                                                                                                          flightcrew before beginning an approach               The applicable airworthiness
                                                  ATTCS functioning; or                                                                                         regulations do not contain adequate or
                                                     ii. 111% of the propulsive thrust                    for landing that the ATTCS is in a
                                                                                                          condition to operate (unless it can be                appropriate safety standards for this
                                                  resulting from the initial setting of                                                                         design feature. These special conditions
                                                  power or thrust controls with the                       demonstrated that an ATTCS failure
                                                                                                          combined with an engine failure during                contain the additional safety standards
                                                  ATTCS failing to reset thrust or power                                                                        that the Administrator considers
                                                  and without any action by the                           an entire flight is extremely
                                                                                                          improbable); and                                      necessary to establish a level of safety
                                                  flightcrew to reset thrust or power.                                                                          equivalent to that established by the
                                                     4. Thrust setting                                       iv. Provide a means for the flightcrew             existing airworthiness standards.
                                                     a. The initial go-around thrust setting              to deactivate the automatic function.                 DATES: This action is effective on
                                                  on each engine at the beginning of the                  This means must be designed to prevent
                                                  go-around phase may not be less than                                                                          Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on
                                                                                                          inadvertent deactivation.                             April 22, 2016. We must receive your
                                                  any of the following:                                      6. Powerplant instruments: In
                                                     i. That required to permit normal                                                                          comments by June 6, 2016.
                                                                                                          addition to the requirements of                       ADDRESSES: Send comments identified
                                                  operation of all safety-related systems
                                                                                                          § 25.1305:                                            by docket number FAA–2015–7301
                                                  and equipment dependent upon engine
                                                  thrust or power lever position; or                         a. A means must be provided to                     using any of the following methods:
                                                     ii. That shown to be free of hazardous               indicate when the ATTCS is in the                        • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to
                                                  engine response characteristics and not                 armed or ready condition; and                         http://www.regulations.gov/and follow
                                                  to result in any unsafe aircraft operating                 b. If the inherent flight characteristics          the online instructions for sending your
                                                  or handling characteristics when thrust                 of the airplane do not provide adequate               comments electronically.
                                                  or power is advanced from the initial                   warning that an engine has failed, a                     • Mail: Send comments to Docket
                                                  go-around position to the maximum                       warning system that is independent of                 Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of
                                                  approved power setting.                                 the ATTCS must be provided to give the                Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
                                                     b. For approval to use an ATTCS for                  pilot a clear warning of any engine                   Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West
                                                  go-arounds, the thrust setting procedure                failure during a go-around.                           Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  must be the same for go-arounds                                                                               20590–0001.
                                                                                                            Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 8,              • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take
                                                  initiated with all engines operating as
                                                                                                          2016.                                                 comments to Docket Operations in
                                                  for go-arounds initiated with one engine
                                                  inoperative.                                            Michael Kaszycki,                                     Room W12–140 of the West Building
                                                     5. Powerplant controls                               Acting Manager, Transport Airplane                    Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
                                                     a. In addition to the requirements of                Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.          Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
                                                  § 25.1141, no single failure or                         [FR Doc. 2016–09333 Filed 4–21–16; 8:45 am]           a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
                                                  malfunction, or probable combination                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                Friday, except Federal holidays.


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:23 Apr 21, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00008   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\22APR1.SGM   22APR1


                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 78 / Friday, April 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          23571

                                                     • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                        Background                                            Discussion
                                                  Operations at 202–493–2251.                                                                                      The EFVS uses novel technology for
                                                                                                             On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream
                                                     Privacy: The FAA will post all                                                                             which the FAA has no certification
                                                                                                          Aerospace Corporation applied for a
                                                  comments it receives, without change,                                                                         criteria. Furthermore, 14 CFR 25.773,
                                                                                                          type certificate for their new Model
                                                  to http://www.regulations.gov/,                                                                               which was not written in anticipation of
                                                                                                          GVII–G500 series airplane. The Model
                                                  including any personal information the                                                                        such technology, does not permit visual
                                                                                                          GVII–G500 series airplane will be a
                                                  commenter provides. Using the search                                                                          distortions and reflections that could
                                                                                                          business jet capable of accommodating
                                                  function of the docket Web site, anyone                                                                       interfere with the pilot’s compartment
                                                                                                          up to 19 passengers. It will incorporate
                                                  can find and read the electronic form of                                                                      view. The video image potentially
                                                                                                          a low, swept-wing design with winglets
                                                  all comments received into any FAA                                                                            interferes with the pilot’s ability to see
                                                                                                          and a T-tail. The powerplant will
                                                  docket, including the name of the                                                                             the natural scene in the center of their
                                                                                                          consist of two aft-fuselage-mounted
                                                  individual sending the comment (or                                                                            forward field of view. Because § 25.773
                                                                                                          Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines.
                                                  signing the comment for an association,                                                                       does not provide for alternatives or
                                                  business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s                     Type Certification Basis                              considerations for such a novel system,
                                                  complete Privacy Act Statement can be                                                                         it is necessary to establish safety
                                                  found in the Federal Register published                    Under the provisions of Title 14, Code
                                                                                                          of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17,                requirements that assure an equivalent
                                                  on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),                                                                        level of safety and effectiveness of the
                                                  as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.                   Gulfstream must show that the Model
                                                                                                          GVII–G500 series airplane meets the                   pilot compartment view as intended by
                                                  gov/.                                                                                                         this rule. These special conditions for
                                                     Docket: Background documents or                      applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25,
                                                                                                          as amended by Amendments 25–1                         the EFVS are prescribed under the
                                                  comments received may be read at                                                                              provisions of § 21.16. Other applications
                                                  http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time.                through 25–129.
                                                                                                             If the Administrator finds that the                for certification of such technology are
                                                  Follow the online instructions for                                                                            anticipated in the near future, and
                                                  accessing the docket or go to Docket                    applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                                                                          (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain                 magnify the need to establish FAA
                                                  Operations in Room W12–140 of the                                                                             safety standards that can be applied
                                                  West Building Ground Floor at 1200                      adequate or appropriate safety standards
                                                                                                          for the Model GVII–G500 series airplane               consistently for all such approvals.
                                                  New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                                                                               Unlike the pilot’s natural forward
                                                  DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                   because of a novel or unusual design
                                                                                                          feature, special conditions are                       vision, the EFVS image is infrared-
                                                  through Friday, except Federal holidays.                                                                      based, monochrome, 2-dimensional (i.e.,
                                                                                                          prescribed under the provisions of
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale                                                                         providing no depth perception), and of
                                                                                                          § 21.16.
                                                  Dunford, FAA, Airplane and Flightcrew                                                                         lower resolution. While the pilot may be
                                                  Interface Branch, ANM–111, Transport                       Special conditions are initially
                                                                                                                                                                readily able to see around and through
                                                  Airplane Directorate, Aircraft                          applicable to the model for which they
                                                                                                                                                                small individual stroke-written symbols
                                                  Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue                 are issued. Should the type certificate
                                                                                                                                                                on the HUD, the pilot may not be able
                                                  SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356;                     for that model be amended later to
                                                                                                                                                                to see around or through the image that
                                                  telephone 425–227–2239; facsimile                       include any other model that
                                                                                                                                                                fills the display without some
                                                  425–227–1320.                                           incorporates the same or similar novel
                                                                                                                                                                interference of the outside view.
                                                                                                          or unusual design feature, the special
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA                                                                            Nevertheless, the EFVS may be capable
                                                                                                          conditions would also apply to the other
                                                  has determined that notice of, and                                                                            of meeting an equivalent level of safety
                                                                                                          model under § 21.101.
                                                  opportunity for prior public comment                                                                          when considering the combined view of
                                                  on, these special conditions is                            In addition to the applicable                      the image and the outside scene, which
                                                  impracticable because these procedures                  airworthiness regulations and special                 is visible to the pilot through the image.
                                                  would significantly delay issuance of                   conditions, the Model GVII–G500 series                It is essential that the pilot be able to use
                                                  the design approval and thus delivery of                airplane must comply with the fuel-vent               this combination of image and natural
                                                  the affected airplane.                                  and exhaust-emission requirements of                  view of the outside scene as safely and
                                                     In addition, the substance of these                  14 CFR part 34, and the noise-                        effectively as the pilot compartment
                                                  special conditions has been subject to                  certification requirements of 14 CFR                  view currently allows without the EFVS
                                                  the public comment process in several                   part 36. The FAA must issue a finding                 image.
                                                  prior instances with no substantive                     of regulatory adequacy under § 611 of                    These special conditions provide the
                                                  comments received. The FAA therefore                    Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise Control                unique pilot-compartment view
                                                  finds that good cause exists for making                 Act of 1972.’’                                        requirements for the EFVS installation.
                                                  these special conditions effective upon                    The FAA issues special conditions, as                 Compliance with these special
                                                  publication in the Federal Register.                    defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance                conditions is required for the EFVS to
                                                                                                          with § 11.38, and they become part of                 be found acceptable, for the following
                                                  Comments Invited                                        the type-certification basis under                    intended functions, in accordance with
                                                    We invite interested people to take                   § 21.17(a)(2).                                        § 91.175(l) and (m):
                                                  part in this rulemaking by sending                      Novel or Unusual Design Features                         1. Presenting an image that would aid
                                                  written comments, data, or views. The                                                                         the pilot during a straight-in instrument
                                                  most helpful comments reference a                         The Gulfstream Model GVII–G500                      approach.
                                                  specific portion of the special                         airplane will incorporate the following                  2. Enable the pilot to determine the
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                                                  conditions, explain the reason for any                  novel or unusual design feature:                      ‘‘enhanced flight visibility,’’ as required
                                                  recommended change, and include                           An enhanced flight vision system                    by § 91.175(l)(2), for descent and
                                                  supporting data.                                        (EFVS) that includes a head-up display                operation below MDA/DH.
                                                    We will consider all comments we                      (HUD) capable of displaying forward-                     3. Enable the pilot to use the EFVS
                                                  receive by the closing date for                         looking infrared (FLIR) imagery,                      imagery to detect and identify the
                                                  comments. We may change these special                   intended to be used for instrument                    ‘‘visual references for the intended
                                                  conditions based on the comments we                     approaches under provisions of                        runway,’’ required by § 91.175(l)(3), to
                                                  receive.                                                § 91.175(l) and (m).                                  continue the approach with vertical


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                                                  23572                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 78 / Friday, April 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  guidance to 100 feet height above                       List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25                    avoidance system (TCAS) resolution
                                                  touchdown-zone elevation.                                 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting                advisories, and unusual-attitude
                                                     Note: The term ‘‘Enhanced Vision                     and recordkeeping requirements.                       recovery cues.
                                                  System,’’ or EVS, commonly refers to a                    The authority citation for these                       e. The EFVS image and the HUD
                                                  system comprising a HUD, imaging                        special conditions is as follows:                     symbols, which are spatially referenced
                                                  sensor(s), and avionics interface(s) that                                                                     to the pitch scale, outside view, and
                                                  displays the sensor imagery on the HUD                    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
                                                                                                          44702, 44704.                                         image, must be scaled and aligned (i.e.,
                                                  and overlays it with alpha-numeric and
                                                                                                                                                                conformal) to the external scene and,
                                                  symbolic flight information. However,                   The Special Conditions                                when considered singly or in
                                                  the term has also been used to refer to
                                                                                                             Accordingly, pursuant to the                       combination, must not be misleading,
                                                  systems that display the sensor imagery,
                                                                                                          authority delegated to me by the                      cause pilot confusion, or increase
                                                  with or without other flight information,
                                                                                                          Administrator, the following special                  workload. There may be airplane
                                                  on a head-down display. Therefore, to
                                                                                                          conditions are issued as part of the type             attitudes or cross-wind conditions
                                                  avoid confusion, the FAA has defined
                                                                                                          certification basis for Gulfstream Model              which cause certain symbols, such as
                                                  the term ‘‘Enhanced Flight Vision
                                                                                                          GVII–G500 airplanes.                                  the zero-pitch line or flight-path vector,
                                                  System’’ (EFVS) to refer to certain EVS                    1. Enhanced flight vision system
                                                  that meet the requirements of                                                                                 to reach field-of-view limits such that
                                                                                                          (EFVS) imagery on the head-up display
                                                  § 91.175(m), in particular the                                                                                they cannot be positioned conformably
                                                                                                          (HUD) must not degrade the safety of
                                                  requirement for a HUD and specified                                                                           with the image and external scene. In
                                                                                                          flight or interfere with the effective use
                                                  flight information, and the ability to                                                                        such cases, these symbols may be
                                                                                                          of outside visual references for required
                                                  determine ‘‘enhanced flight visibility.’’               pilot tasks during any phase of flight in             displayed, but with an altered
                                                  Accordingly, an EFVS can be                             which it is to be used.                               appearance which makes the pilot
                                                  considered a subset of systems                             2. To avoid unacceptable interference              aware that they are no longer displayed
                                                  otherwise labeled EVS.                                  with the safe and effective use of the                conformably (for example, ‘‘ghosting’’).
                                                     These special conditions contain the                 pilot-compartment view, the EFVS                         f. A HUD system used to display
                                                  additional safety standards that the                    device must meet the following                        EFVS images must, if previously
                                                  Administrator considers necessary to                    requirements:                                         certified, continue to meet all of the
                                                  establish a level of safety equivalent to                  a. EFVS design must minimize                       requirements of the original approval.
                                                  that established by the existing                        unacceptable display characteristics or
                                                  airworthiness standards.                                artifacts (e.g. noise, ‘‘burlap’’ overlay,               3. The safety and performance of the
                                                                                                          running water droplets) that obscure the              pilot tasks associated with the use of the
                                                  Applicability                                                                                                 pilot-compartment view must be not be
                                                                                                          desired image of the scene, impair the
                                                    As discussed above, these special                     pilot’s ability to detect and identify                degraded by the display of the EFVS
                                                  conditions are applicable to the                        visual references, mask flight hazards,               image. Pilot tasks which must not be
                                                  Gulfstream Model GVII–G500 airplane.                    distract the pilot, or otherwise degrade              degraded by the EFVS image include:
                                                  Should Gulfstream apply at a later date                 task performance or safety.                              a. Detection, accurate identification,
                                                  for a change to the type certificate to                    b. Control of EFVS display brightness              and maneuvering, as necessary, to avoid
                                                  include another model incorporating the                 must be sufficiently effective, in                    traffic, terrain, obstacles, and other
                                                  same novel or unusual design feature,                   dynamically changing background                       hazards of flight.
                                                  these special conditions would apply to                 (ambient) lighting conditions, to prevent
                                                  that model as well.                                     full or partial blooming of the display                  b. Accurate identification and
                                                                                                          that would distract the pilot, impair the             utilization of visual references required
                                                  Conclusion                                                                                                    for every task relevant to the phase of
                                                                                                          pilot’s ability to detect and identify
                                                     This action affects only a certain                   visual references, mask flight hazards,               flight.
                                                  novel or unusual design feature on one                  or otherwise degrade task performance                    4. Appropriate limitations must be
                                                  model series of airplane. It is not a rule              or safety. If automatic control for image             stated in the Operating Limitations
                                                  of general applicability.                               brightness is not provided, it must be                section of the Airplane Flight Manual to
                                                     The substance of these special                       shown that a single manual setting is                 prohibit the use of the EFVS for
                                                  conditions has been subjected to the                    satisfactory for the range of lighting                functions that have not been found to be
                                                  notice and comment period in several                    conditions encountered during a time-                 acceptable.
                                                  prior instances and has been derived                    critical, high-workload phase of flight
                                                  without substantive change from those                   (e.g., low-visibility instrument                        Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 5,
                                                  previously issued. It is unlikely that                                                                        2016.
                                                                                                          approach).
                                                  prior public comment would result in a                     c. A readily accessible control must be            Michael Kaszycki,
                                                  significant change from the substance                   provided that permits the pilot to                    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                  contained herein. Therefore, because a                  immediately deactivate and reactivate                 Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                  delay would significantly affect the                    display of the EFVS image on demand,                  [FR Doc. 2016–09334 Filed 4–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  certification of the airplane, the FAA                  without removing the pilot’s hands from               BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                  has determined that prior public notice                 the primary flight controls (yoke or
                                                  and comment are unnecessary and                         equivalent) or thrust control.
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                                                  impracticable, and good cause exists for                   d. The EFVS image on the HUD must
                                                  adopting these special conditions upon                  not impair the pilot’s use of guidance
                                                  publication in the Federal Register.                    information, or degrade the presentation
                                                     The FAA is requesting comments to                    and pilot awareness of essential flight
                                                  allow interested persons to submit                      information displayed on the HUD, such
                                                  views that may not have been submitted                  as alerts, airspeed, attitude, altitude and
                                                  in response to the prior opportunities                  direction, approach guidance, wind-
                                                  for comment described above.                            shear guidance, traffic collision


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Document Created: 2017-08-22 23:37:31
Document Modified: 2017-08-22 23:37:31
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; request for comments.
DatesThis action is effective on Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on April 22, 2016. We must receive your comments by June 6, 2016.
ContactDale Dunford, FAA, Airplane and Flightcrew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2239; facsimile 425-227-1320.
FR Citation81 FR 23570 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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