81_FR_46101 81 FR 45965 - Special Conditions: Cirrus Design Corporation, Model SF50; Whole Airplane Parachute Recovery System

81 FR 45965 - Special Conditions: Cirrus Design Corporation, Model SF50; Whole Airplane Parachute Recovery System

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 136 (July 15, 2016)

Page Range45965-45968
FR Document2016-16813

These special conditions are issued for the Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus), model SF50 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with a whole airplane parachute recovery 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 81 Issue 136 (Friday, July 15, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 136 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45965-45968]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16813]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2016-3462; Notice No. 23-275-SC]


Special Conditions: Cirrus Design Corporation, Model SF50; Whole 
Airplane Parachute Recovery System

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Cirrus Design 
Corporation (Cirrus), model SF50 airplane. This airplane will have a 
novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with a whole airplane 
parachute recovery 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: These special conditions are effective August 15, 2016 and are 
applicable on July 6, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bob Stegeman, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane 
Directorate, ACE-111, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
telephone (816) 329-4140; facsimile (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On September 9, 2008, Cirrus Design Corporation applied for a type 
certificate for their new SF50 airplane. The SF50 is a seven seat (five 
adults and two children), pressurized, retractable gear, carbon 
composite, single engine jet airplane. The airplane will have a Maximum 
Take-Off Weight of 6,000 pounds, a Maximum Operating Speed of 250 Knots 
Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS), and a Maximum Operating Altitude of 28,000 
feet.
    Cirrus intends to install a whole airplane ballistic parachute 
system (BPS) called the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). This 
installation couples the BPS with the automatic flight controls. The 
CAPS will be installed as standard equipment on the SF50 airplane. 
Unlike the SR20 and SR22 airplanes CAPS, the SF50 CAPS is a 
supplemental system and no credit for the system will be used to meet 
part 23 requirements. The SF50 CAPS design will require some 
performance enhancements over existing technology used in other BPS.
    The system will consist of the recovery parachute, activation and 
deployment systems, and autopilot functions. The SF50 CAPS will be 
designed for a higher gross weight, maximum activation speed, and 
maximum operating altitude.
    Whole airplane parachute recovery systems are intended to save the 
lives of the occupants in life-threatening situations for which normal 
emergency procedures have been exhausted. Potential emergencies 
include, but are not limited to--loss of power or thrust; loss of 
airplane control; pilot disorientation; pilot incapacitation with a 
passenger on board; mechanical or structural failure; icing; and 
accidents resulting from pilot negligence or error. The recovery system 
should prioritize protection from most probable hazards, but it is not 
reasonable to expect it to protect occupants from every possible 
situation.
    This technology, which was originally developed for ultralight and 
experimental aircraft, was first approved for general aviation 
airplanes with a Supplemental Type Certificate for the Cessna model 
150/152 airplanes. The FAA issued special conditions for these 
airplanes to incorporate ballistic recovery systems on October 22, 1987 
(Special Condition No. 23-ACE-33; Ballistic Recovery System, Inc., 
Modified Cessna 150/A150 Series Airplanes and 152/A152 Model Airplanes 
to Incorporate the GARD-150 System; Docket No. 037CE) (FR Doc. 87-
26420, November 11, 1987). These special conditions were later modified 
for the other general aviation airplanes (Special Condition No. 23-ACE-
76; Ballistic Recovery Systems, Modified for Small General Aviation 
Airplanes; Docket No. 118CE) (FR Doc. 94-16233, August 5, 1994), 
including the Cirrus Design Corporation SR20 airplanes (Special 
Condition No. 23-ACE-88, Ballistic Recovery Systems Cirrus SR20 
Installation, Docket No. 136CE) (FR Doc. 97-27504, October 15, 1997).
    The previously FAA-approved BPS consists of a parachute packed in a 
compartment within the airframe. A solid propellant rocket motor, 
adjacent to the parachute pack, extracts the parachute. A mechanical 
pull handle mounted within reach of the pilot and copilot or passenger 
activates the system. At least two separate independent actions are 
necessary to activate the system.
    In addition to a normal BPS, the SF50 CAPS system will incorporate 
an airbag to assist deployment and a system for sequencing deployment 
and interfacing with the airplane's avionics. The avionics interface is 
intended to bring the airplane within a valid deployment envelope speed 
(67-160 KCAS).
    The SF50 CAPS is a non-required system that differs from other BPS 
in that it will interact with the flight control system and other 
airplane systems. The baseline special conditions must incorporate the 
required level of safety for the normal BPS as well as the aspect that 
interfaces with the airplane. Since it is a non required system, 
additional latitude exists to evaluate and substantiate the system so 
it will present no additional hazards.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Cirrus Design Corporation 
must show that the 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.
    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).
    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.

[[Page 45966]]

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The SF50 will incorporate the following novel or unusual design 
features: A whole-airplane parachute recovery system that is a 
supplemental safety system and unlike any previously approved BPS, will 
add enhancements that assist deployment and autopilot functions that 
work to bring the airplane into an acceptable deployment envelope.

Discussion

    This system is a non-required system that will interact with the 
flight control system. These special conditions must incorporate the 
required level of safety for the normal ballistic parachute system as 
established by Special Condition 23-ACE-76 in addition to the aspect 
that interfaces with the airplane.
    The FAA revised Sec.  23.1309, Equipment, systems, and 
installations, in amendment 23-62 (76 FR 75736, December 2, 2011) to 
address two different types of equipment and systems installed in the 
airplane. This system operates at the limit of the normal operating 
envelope and challenges normal expectations of such a supplemental 
system. Amendment 23-62 preamble states: Section 23.1309 lists the 
qualifiers ``under the airplane operating and environmental 
conditions''.
    Section 23.1309, amendment 23-62 preamble also describes two 
actions for the applicant. First, the applicant must consider the full 
normal operating envelope of the airplane, as defined by the Airplane 
Flight Manual, with any modification to that envelope associated with 
abnormal or emergency procedures and any anticipated flightcrew action. 
Second, the applicant must consider the anticipated external and 
internal airplane environmental conditions, as well as any additional 
conditions where equipment and systems are assumed to ``perform as 
intended''.
    Section 23.1309(a)(2) requires analysis of any installed equipment 
or system with potential failure conditions that are catastrophic, 
hazardous, major, or minor, to determine their impact on the safe 
operation of the airplane. The applicant must show that they do not 
adversely affect proper functioning of the equipment, systems, or 
installations covered by Sec.  23.1309 and do not otherwise adversely 
influence the safety of the airplane or its occupants.
    Section 23.1309(a)(2) does not mandate that non-required equipment 
and systems function properly during all airplane operations once in 
service, provided all potential failure conditions have no effect on 
the safe operation of the airplane. The equipment or system must 
function in the manner expected by the manufacturer's operating manual 
for the equipment or system. An applicant's statement of intended 
function must be sufficiently detailed so the FAA can evaluate whether 
the system is appropriate for its intended function(s).
    To incorporate the intent of amendment 23-62, the FAA issues these 
special conditions to include previous BPS special conditions, address 
the interaction CAPS with other airplane systems, and that it is a non-
required system. The system must function within specified 
manufacturer's limits while operated within the manufacturers 
recommended envelope. Since it is a non-required system, the means of 
substantiation have been altered to reflect the bounds of the operating 
envelope, the means of analysis that can be substantiated with 
overlapping lower-level testing/analysis, and relieve in-flight 
deployment to avoid unnecessary expense and the inherent danger in 
performing this test.
    All special condition requirements must meet two fundamental 
criteria:
     The installed system must not introduce unacceptable 
hazards prior to or after activation.
     The applicant must show that the system does not adversely 
affect proper functioning of the equipment, systems, or installations 
covered by Sec.  23.1309 and do not otherwise adversely influence the 
safety of the airplane or its occupants.

The applicant does not have to demonstrate the system in flight on a 
test airplane.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions No. 23-16-01-SC for the 
Cirrus Design Corporation SF50 airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on March 18, 2016 (81 FR 14801). The FAA received 11 comments 
that disagreed with the special condition provisions for demonstration 
via test or test supported by analysis. These comments primarily 
focused on the concern that the FAA should require testing of the BPS 
in flight to validate intended performance.
    The process of an applicant showing compliance to these BPS system 
special conditions is a complex and multi-tiered process. The applicant 
must conservatively demonstrate each function of the entire deployment 
event sequentially, from pulling the handle to securing the airplane 
after ground impact, to meet the special conditions. These separate 
events and functions can be demonstrated to satisfy the requirements of 
these special conditions with lower-level testing, normally using 
analysis supported by test. This is consistent with certification 
methods used on many other parts of the airplane.
    The FAA decision to allow a means of compliance without requiring 
inflight deployment on a test airplane is not a complete elimination of 
testing or an evaluation of the system. The FAA believes that test or 
analysis supported by test will provide an acceptable level of safety 
to demonstrate that the system will perform its intended function; 
therefore, no in-flight deployment on a test airplane will be required.
    The Cirrus SF50 BPS is a non-required safety device intended to 
improve occupant survivability in emergencies and under extreme 
conditions. The certification requirements contained in these special 
conditions are consistent with the requirements of Sec. Sec.  
23.1301(a) and 23.1309(a) for equipment that is not required for type 
certification or by the operating rules. Because the BPS is non-
required equipment, its design must be shown to be appropriate for the 
intended function and it must not adversely affect safety. The FAA 
Aircraft Certification Service has evaluated the intended function, 
design, and installation of the SF50 BPS, and has considered what is 
required to meet an acceptable confidence level.
    The potential operational decision to deploy the BPS in service 
would be the result of an emergency, one that will invariably result in 
a controlled crash. While the BPS is expected to improve occupant 
survivability in an emergency, the residual risk to the occupants is 
not completely eliminated. The primary hazard introduced while 
performing a comprehensive BPS flight test is the risk to the flight 
test crew when exposed to controlled crash conditions during a 
successful deployment. The FAA has determined the requirement to 
demonstrate the BPS via testing or testing supported by analysis to be 
``appropriate for the intended function and does not adversely affect 
safety''. Therefore, the FAA will not require a comprehensive flight 
test deployment.
    Another commenter requested clarification of paragraph 1(c)(3), 
regarding definition of occupant protection after aircraft structure 
damage. To clarify, the FAA's intent of this paragraph was to ensure 
that the cabin can protect the occupants after a normal deployment even 
if the cabin experiences damage resulting from the deployment process 
or as a result of ground impact. The paragraph does not

[[Page 45967]]

assume any airplane damage prior to system deployment.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
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 
SF50 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 airplane. 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, 14 CFR 11.38, 11.39, 
21.16 and 21.17.

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 SF50 airplanes.
    1. Whole Airplane Parachute Recovery System With Flight Control and 
Deployment Augmentation.
    (a) System Validation.
    (1) The applicant must demonstrate by test, or analysis supported 
by test, that the system will not cause an unacceptable hazard or 
otherwise exceed the system deployment design loads for the critical 
flight conditions.
    (2) The recovery system activation envelope must include speeds at 
or near VS up to at least Vo. The applicant must 
satisfactorily demonstrate by test, or by analysis supported by test, 
the logic and automatic control interface that allow the recovery 
system activation over this speed range.
    (b) Occupant Restraint.
    Each seat in the airplane must be equipped with an approved 
restraint system, which will protect the occupants from serious head 
and upper torso injuries during a recovery system deployment and ground 
impact at the critical load conditions.
    (c) Parachute Performance.
    (1) A 1.5 factor of safety applied to the limit load must be used 
for all components of the recovery system as well as the attachment 
structure, the cabin structure surrounding the occupants, and any 
interconnecting structure of the airplane. Limit loads are defined as 
the parachute deployment forces developed within the operational 
envelope of the system. Lower factors of safety for airplane weight and 
velocity may be used, so that when combined in the energy equation, 
represent a 1.5 factor of safety of the energy equation.
    (2) Stitching must be of a type that will not ravel when broken.
    (3) The applicant must show via test, or analysis supported by 
test, that with the recovery parachute deployed and the airplane 
structure damaged, the airplane impact during touchdown will result in 
an occupant environment in which serious injury to the occupants is 
improbable.
    (4) The applicant must show via test, or analysis supported by 
test, that with the recovery parachute deployed, the airplane can 
impact the ground in various adverse weather conditions, including 
winds up to 15 knots, without endangering the airplane occupants at and 
after touchdown.
    (d) System Function and Operations.
    (1) The installation design and location of the extraction device 
must consider fire hazards associated with the activation of the 
parachute system and reduce this potential as much as possible without 
compromising function of the extraction device.
    (2) A system safety analysis will be conducted on the recovery 
system that will consider the effects of annunciated and un-annunciated 
failures. This analysis will address both losses of function as well as 
malfunction (including un-commanded system activation). The applicant 
must show that they do not adversely affect proper functioning of the 
equipment, systems, or installations covered by Sec.  23.1309, and do 
not otherwise adversely influence the safety of the airplane or its 
occupants. It must be shown that reliable and functional deployment in 
the adverse weather conditions that the airplane is approved for have 
been considered. For example, if the airplane is certified for flight 
in icing conditions, and flight test in icing reveals that ice may 
cover the deployment area, then the possible adverse effects of ice or 
an ice layer covering the parachute deployment area should be analyzed.
    (3) The recovery system must be designed to safeguard against 
inadvertent activation. Two separate and intentional actions will be 
required to activate the system.
    (4) It must be demonstrated that the system can be activated 
without difficulty by occupants of various sizes, from a 10th 
percentile female to a 90th percentile male, while sitting in the pilot 
or copilot seat.
    (5) The system must be labeled for identification, function, and 
operating limitations.
    (6) The airplane must be equipped with ASTM F 2316-06 conforming 
placards suitable to draw attention of first responders. Section 11 of 
ASTM F 2316-06, specifies that the airplane should be marked with a 
``danger'' placard placed adjacent to the exit point of each rocket/
parachute, an ``identifying'' placard attached to each rocket, and 
``warning'' placard(s) applied where occupant(s) enter the airplane or 
where rescue personnel can readily see the placard(s).
    (e) Design and Construction.
    (1) All components of the system must be protected against 
deterioration due to weathering, corrosion, and abrasion.
    (2) Adequate provisions must be made for ventilation and drainage 
of the system compartments and associated structure to ensure the sound 
condition of the system.
    (f) Materials and workmanship.
    (1) The suitability and durability of materials used for parts, the 
failure of which could adversely affect safety, must--
    i. Be established by experience or tests;
    ii. Meet approved specifications that ensure their having the 
strength and other properties assumed in the design data; and
    iii. Take into account the effects of environmental conditions, 
such as temperature and humidity, expected in service.
    (2) Workmanship must be of a high standard.
    (3) The parachute(s) must be identified with a data panel that 
defines the Manufacturer, Date of Manufacture, Part Number, and Serial 
Number.
    (g) Systems Maintenance and Inspection.
    (1) Instructions for continued airworthiness must be prepared for 
the system that meet the requirements of Sec.  23.1529.
    (2) Adequate means must be provided to permit the close examination 
of the system components to ensure proper functioning, alignment, 
lubrication, and adjustment during the required inspection of the 
system.

[[Page 45968]]

    (h) Operating Limitations.
    (1) Operating limitations must be prescribed to ensure proper 
operation of the system. A detailed discussion of the system, including 
operation, limitations, and deployment envelope must be included in the 
Airplane Flight Manual.
    (2) Operating limitations must be prescribed for inspecting and 
overhauling the system components at approved intervals.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 6, 2016.
William Schinstock,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-16813 Filed 7-14-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 136 / Friday, July 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        45965

                                               Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 8th day                Cirrus intends to install a whole                  compartment within the airframe. A
                                             of July 2016.                                            airplane ballistic parachute system                   solid propellant rocket motor, adjacent
                                               For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.                 (BPS) called the Cirrus Airframe                      to the parachute pack, extracts the
                                             Theresa Barczy,                                          Parachute System (CAPS). This                         parachute. A mechanical pull handle
                                             Acting Branch Chief, Rules, Announcements                installation couples the BPS with the                 mounted within reach of the pilot and
                                             and Directives Branch, Division of                       automatic flight controls. The CAPS will              copilot or passenger activates the
                                             Administrative Services, Office of                       be installed as standard equipment on                 system. At least two separate
                                             Administration.                                          the SF50 airplane. Unlike the SR20 and                independent actions are necessary to
                                             [FR Doc. 2016–16659 Filed 7–14–16; 8:45 am]              SR22 airplanes CAPS, the SF50 CAPS is                 activate the system.
                                             BILLING CODE 7590–01–P                                   a supplemental system and no credit for                 In addition to a normal BPS, the SF50
                                                                                                      the system will be used to meet part 23               CAPS system will incorporate an airbag
                                                                                                      requirements. The SF50 CAPS design                    to assist deployment and a system for
                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             will require some performance                         sequencing deployment and interfacing
                                                                                                      enhancements over existing technology                 with the airplane’s avionics. The
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                          used in other BPS.                                    avionics interface is intended to bring
                                                                                                         The system will consist of the                     the airplane within a valid deployment
                                             14 CFR Part 23                                           recovery parachute, activation and                    envelope speed (67–160 KCAS).
                                                                                                      deployment systems, and autopilot                       The SF50 CAPS is a non-required
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2016–3462; Notice No. 23–                functions. The SF50 CAPS will be                      system that differs from other BPS in
                                             275–SC]                                                  designed for a higher gross weight,                   that it will interact with the flight
                                                                                                      maximum activation speed, and                         control system and other airplane
                                             Special Conditions: Cirrus Design
                                                                                                      maximum operating altitude.                           systems. The baseline special conditions
                                             Corporation, Model SF50; Whole
                                                                                                         Whole airplane parachute recovery                  must incorporate the required level of
                                             Airplane Parachute Recovery System
                                                                                                      systems are intended to save the lives of             safety for the normal BPS as well as the
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                the occupants in life-threatening                     aspect that interfaces with the airplane.
                                             Administration (FAA), DOT.                               situations for which normal emergency                 Since it is a non required system,
                                             ACTION: Final special conditions.                        procedures have been exhausted.                       additional latitude exists to evaluate
                                                                                                      Potential emergencies include, but are                and substantiate the system so it will
                                             SUMMARY:   These special conditions are                  not limited to—loss of power or thrust;               present no additional hazards.
                                             issued for the Cirrus Design Corporation                 loss of airplane control; pilot
                                                                                                      disorientation; pilot incapacitation with             Type Certification Basis
                                             (Cirrus), model SF50 airplane. This
                                             airplane will have a novel or unusual                    a passenger on board; mechanical or                      Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17,
                                             design feature(s) associated with a                      structural failure; icing; and accidents              Cirrus Design Corporation must show
                                             whole airplane parachute recovery                        resulting from pilot negligence or error.             that the SF50 meets the applicable
                                             system. The applicable airworthiness                     The recovery system should prioritize                 provisions of part 23, as amended by
                                             regulations do not contain adequate or                   protection from most probable hazards,                amendments 23–1 through 23–62
                                             appropriate safety standards for this                    but it is not reasonable to expect it to              thereto.
                                             design feature. These special conditions                 protect occupants from every possible                    If the Administrator finds that the
                                             contain the additional safety standards                  situation.                                            applicable airworthiness regulations
                                             that the Administrator considers                            This technology, which was originally              (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain
                                             necessary to establish a level of safety                 developed for ultralight and                          adequate or appropriate safety standards
                                             equivalent to that established by the                    experimental aircraft, was first approved             for the SF50 because of a novel or
                                             existing airworthiness standards.                        for general aviation airplanes with a                 unusual design feature, special
                                                                                                      Supplemental Type Certificate for the                 conditions are prescribed under the
                                             DATES: These special conditions are
                                                                                                      Cessna model 150/152 airplanes. The                   provisions of § 21.16.
                                             effective August 15, 2016 and are                        FAA issued special conditions for these                  In addition to the applicable
                                             applicable on July 6, 2016.                              airplanes to incorporate ballistic                    airworthiness regulations and special
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.                     recovery systems on October 22, 1987                  conditions, the SF50 must comply with
                                             Bob Stegeman, Federal Aviation                           (Special Condition No. 23–ACE–33;                     the fuel vent and exhaust emission
                                             Administration, Aircraft Certification                   Ballistic Recovery System, Inc.,                      requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the
                                             Service, Small Airplane Directorate,                     Modified Cessna 150/A150 Series                       noise certification requirements of 14
                                             ACE–111, 901 Locust; Kansas City,                        Airplanes and 152/A152 Model                          CFR part 36 and the FAA must issue a
                                             Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329–                     Airplanes to Incorporate the GARD–150                 finding of regulatory adequacy under
                                             4140; facsimile (816) 329–4090.                          System; Docket No. 037CE) (FR Doc. 87–                section 611 of Public Law 92–574, the
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                               26420, November 11, 1987). These                      ‘‘Noise Control Act of 1972.’’
                                                                                                      special conditions were later modified                   The FAA issues special conditions, as
                                             Background
                                                                                                      for the other general aviation airplanes              defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
                                               On September 9, 2008, Cirrus Design                    (Special Condition No. 23–ACE–76;                     with § 11.38, and they become part of
                                             Corporation applied for a type                           Ballistic Recovery Systems, Modified for              the type-certification basis under
                                             certificate for their new SF50 airplane.                 Small General Aviation Airplanes;                     § 21.17(a)(2).
                                             The SF50 is a seven seat (five adults and                Docket No. 118CE) (FR Doc. 94–16233,                     Special conditions are initially
                                             two children), pressurized, retractable                  August 5, 1994), including the Cirrus                 applicable to the model for which they
                                             gear, carbon composite, single engine jet                                                                      are issued. Should the type certificate
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                                                                      Design Corporation SR20 airplanes
                                             airplane. The airplane will have a                       (Special Condition No. 23–ACE–88,                     for that model be amended later to
                                             Maximum Take-Off Weight of 6,000                         Ballistic Recovery Systems Cirrus SR20                include any other model that
                                             pounds, a Maximum Operating Speed of                     Installation, Docket No. 136CE) (FR Doc.              incorporates the same or similar novel
                                             250 Knots Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS),                    97–27504, October 15, 1997).                          or unusual design feature, the special
                                             and a Maximum Operating Altitude of                         The previously FAA-approved BPS                    conditions would also apply to the other
                                             28,000 feet.                                             consists of a parachute packed in a                   model under § 21.101.


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                                             45966                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 136 / Friday, July 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                             Novel or Unusual Design Features                         the airplane. The equipment or system                 requirements of these special conditions
                                               The SF50 will incorporate the                          must function in the manner expected                  with lower-level testing, normally using
                                             following novel or unusual design                        by the manufacturer’s operating manual                analysis supported by test. This is
                                             features: A whole-airplane parachute                     for the equipment or system. An                       consistent with certification methods
                                             recovery system that is a supplemental                   applicant’s statement of intended                     used on many other parts of the
                                             safety system and unlike any previously                  function must be sufficiently detailed so             airplane.
                                             approved BPS, will add enhancements                      the FAA can evaluate whether the                         The FAA decision to allow a means
                                                                                                      system is appropriate for its intended                of compliance without requiring inflight
                                             that assist deployment and autopilot
                                                                                                      function(s).                                          deployment on a test airplane is not a
                                             functions that work to bring the airplane
                                                                                                         To incorporate the intent of                       complete elimination of testing or an
                                             into an acceptable deployment                            amendment 23–62, the FAA issues these
                                             envelope.                                                                                                      evaluation of the system. The FAA
                                                                                                      special conditions to include previous                believes that test or analysis supported
                                             Discussion                                               BPS special conditions, address the                   by test will provide an acceptable level
                                                                                                      interaction CAPS with other airplane                  of safety to demonstrate that the system
                                                This system is a non-required system
                                                                                                      systems, and that it is a non-required                will perform its intended function;
                                             that will interact with the flight control
                                                                                                      system. The system must function                      therefore, no in-flight deployment on a
                                             system. These special conditions must
                                                                                                      within specified manufacturer’s limits                test airplane will be required.
                                             incorporate the required level of safety
                                                                                                      while operated within the                                The Cirrus SF50 BPS is a non-
                                             for the normal ballistic parachute
                                                                                                      manufacturers recommended envelope.                   required safety device intended to
                                             system as established by Special
                                                                                                      Since it is a non-required system, the                improve occupant survivability in
                                             Condition 23–ACE–76 in addition to the
                                                                                                      means of substantiation have been                     emergencies and under extreme
                                             aspect that interfaces with the airplane.
                                                                                                      altered to reflect the bounds of the                  conditions. The certification
                                                The FAA revised § 23.1309,
                                                                                                      operating envelope, the means of                      requirements contained in these special
                                             Equipment, systems, and installations,
                                                                                                      analysis that can be substantiated with               conditions are consistent with the
                                             in amendment 23–62 (76 FR 75736,                         overlapping lower-level testing/analysis,
                                             December 2, 2011) to address two                                                                               requirements of §§ 23.1301(a) and
                                                                                                      and relieve in-flight deployment to                   23.1309(a) for equipment that is not
                                             different types of equipment and                         avoid unnecessary expense and the
                                             systems installed in the airplane. This                                                                        required for type certification or by the
                                                                                                      inherent danger in performing this test.              operating rules. Because the BPS is non-
                                             system operates at the limit of the                         All special condition requirements
                                             normal operating envelope and                                                                                  required equipment, its design must be
                                                                                                      must meet two fundamental criteria:
                                             challenges normal expectations of such                      • The installed system must not                    shown to be appropriate for the
                                             a supplemental system. Amendment                         introduce unacceptable hazards prior to               intended function and it must not
                                             23–62 preamble states: Section 23.1309                   or after activation.                                  adversely affect safety. The FAA
                                             lists the qualifiers ‘‘under the airplane                   • The applicant must show that the                 Aircraft Certification Service has
                                             operating and environmental                              system does not adversely affect proper               evaluated the intended function, design,
                                             conditions’’.                                            functioning of the equipment, systems,                and installation of the SF50 BPS, and
                                                Section 23.1309, amendment 23–62                      or installations covered by § 23.1309                 has considered what is required to meet
                                             preamble also describes two actions for                  and do not otherwise adversely                        an acceptable confidence level.
                                             the applicant. First, the applicant must                 influence the safety of the airplane or its              The potential operational decision to
                                             consider the full normal operating                       occupants.                                            deploy the BPS in service would be the
                                             envelope of the airplane, as defined by                  The applicant does not have to                        result of an emergency, one that will
                                             the Airplane Flight Manual, with any                     demonstrate the system in flight on a                 invariably result in a controlled crash.
                                             modification to that envelope associated                 test airplane.                                        While the BPS is expected to improve
                                             with abnormal or emergency procedures                                                                          occupant survivability in an emergency,
                                             and any anticipated flightcrew action.                   Discussion of Comments                                the residual risk to the occupants is not
                                             Second, the applicant must consider the                     Notice of proposed special conditions              completely eliminated. The primary
                                             anticipated external and internal                        No. 23–16–01–SC for the Cirrus Design                 hazard introduced while performing a
                                             airplane environmental conditions, as                    Corporation SF50 airplanes was                        comprehensive BPS flight test is the risk
                                             well as any additional conditions where                  published in the Federal Register on                  to the flight test crew when exposed to
                                             equipment and systems are assumed to                     March 18, 2016 (81 FR 14801). The FAA                 controlled crash conditions during a
                                             ‘‘perform as intended’’.                                 received 11 comments that disagreed                   successful deployment. The FAA has
                                                Section 23.1309(a)(2) requires                        with the special condition provisions                 determined the requirement to
                                             analysis of any installed equipment or                   for demonstration via test or test                    demonstrate the BPS via testing or
                                             system with potential failure conditions                 supported by analysis. These comments                 testing supported by analysis to be
                                             that are catastrophic, hazardous, major,                 primarily focused on the concern that                 ‘‘appropriate for the intended function
                                             or minor, to determine their impact on                   the FAA should require testing of the                 and does not adversely affect safety’’.
                                             the safe operation of the airplane. The                  BPS in flight to validate intended                    Therefore, the FAA will not require a
                                             applicant must show that they do not                     performance.                                          comprehensive flight test deployment.
                                             adversely affect proper functioning of                      The process of an applicant showing                   Another commenter requested
                                             the equipment, systems, or installations                 compliance to these BPS system special                clarification of paragraph 1(c)(3),
                                             covered by § 23.1309 and do not                          conditions is a complex and multi-                    regarding definition of occupant
                                             otherwise adversely influence the safety                 tiered process. The applicant must                    protection after aircraft structure
                                             of the airplane or its occupants.                        conservatively demonstrate each                       damage. To clarify, the FAA’s intent of
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                                                Section 23.1309(a)(2) does not                        function of the entire deployment event               this paragraph was to ensure that the
                                             mandate that non-required equipment                      sequentially, from pulling the handle to              cabin can protect the occupants after a
                                             and systems function properly during                     securing the airplane after ground                    normal deployment even if the cabin
                                             all airplane operations once in service,                 impact, to meet the special conditions.               experiences damage resulting from the
                                             provided all potential failure conditions                These separate events and functions can               deployment process or as a result of
                                             have no effect on the safe operation of                  be demonstrated to satisfy the                        ground impact. The paragraph does not


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                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 136 / Friday, July 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        45967

                                             assume any airplane damage prior to                      occupants from serious head and upper                    (3) The recovery system must be
                                             system deployment.                                       torso injuries during a recovery system               designed to safeguard against
                                                                                                      deployment and ground impact at the                   inadvertent activation. Two separate
                                             Applicability
                                                                                                      critical load conditions.                             and intentional actions will be required
                                               As discussed above, these special                         (c) Parachute Performance.                         to activate the system.
                                             conditions are applicable to the SF50.                      (1) A 1.5 factor of safety applied to the             (4) It must be demonstrated that the
                                             Should Cirrus apply at a later date for                  limit load must be used for all                       system can be activated without
                                             a change to the type certificate to                      components of the recovery system as                  difficulty by occupants of various sizes,
                                             include another model incorporating the                  well as the attachment structure, the                 from a 10th percentile female to a 90th
                                             same novel or unusual design feature,                    cabin structure surrounding the                       percentile male, while sitting in the
                                             the special conditions would apply to                    occupants, and any interconnecting                    pilot or copilot seat.
                                             that model as well.                                      structure of the airplane. Limit loads are               (5) The system must be labeled for
                                               Under standard practice, the effective                 defined as the parachute deployment                   identification, function, and operating
                                             date of final special conditions would                   forces developed within the operational               limitations.
                                             be 30 days after the date of publication                 envelope of the system. Lower factors of                 (6) The airplane must be equipped
                                             in the Federal Register; however, as the                 safety for airplane weight and velocity               with ASTM F 2316–06 conforming
                                             certification date for the Cirrus SF50 is                may be used, so that when combined in                 placards suitable to draw attention of
                                             imminent, the FAA finds that good                        the energy equation, represent a 1.5                  first responders. Section 11 of ASTM F
                                             cause exists to make these special                       factor of safety of the energy equation.              2316–06, specifies that the airplane
                                             conditions effective upon issuance.                         (2) Stitching must be of a type that               should be marked with a ‘‘danger’’
                                                                                                      will not ravel when broken.                           placard placed adjacent to the exit point
                                             Conclusion                                                  (3) The applicant must show via test,              of each rocket/parachute, an
                                               This action affects only certain novel                 or analysis supported by test, that with              ‘‘identifying’’ placard attached to each
                                             or unusual design features on one model                  the recovery parachute deployed and                   rocket, and ‘‘warning’’ placard(s)
                                             of airplane. It is not a rule of general                 the airplane structure damaged, the                   applied where occupant(s) enter the
                                             applicability and it affects only the                    airplane impact during touchdown will                 airplane or where rescue personnel can
                                             applicant who applied to the FAA for                     result in an occupant environment in                  readily see the placard(s).
                                             approval of these features on the                        which serious injury to the occupants is                 (e) Design and Construction.
                                             airplane.                                                improbable.                                              (1) All components of the system
                                                                                                         (4) The applicant must show via test,              must be protected against deterioration
                                             List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                       or analysis supported by test, that with              due to weathering, corrosion, and
                                               Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                   the recovery parachute deployed, the                  abrasion.
                                             symbols.                                                 airplane can impact the ground in                        (2) Adequate provisions must be made
                                                                                                      various adverse weather conditions,                   for ventilation and drainage of the
                                             Citation                                                 including winds up to 15 knots, without               system compartments and associated
                                               The authority citation for these                       endangering the airplane occupants at                 structure to ensure the sound condition
                                             special conditions is as follows:                        and after touchdown.                                  of the system.
                                                                                                         (d) System Function and Operations.                   (f) Materials and workmanship.
                                               Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,                                                                      (1) The suitability and durability of
                                             14 CFR 11.38, 11.39, 21.16 and 21.17.                       (1) The installation design and
                                                                                                      location of the extraction device must                materials used for parts, the failure of
                                             The Special Conditions                                   consider fire hazards associated with                 which could adversely affect safety,
                                               Accordingly, pursuant to the                           the activation of the parachute system                must—
                                                                                                      and reduce this potential as much as                     i. Be established by experience or
                                             authority delegated to me by the
                                                                                                      possible without compromising                         tests;
                                             Administrator, the following special                                                                              ii. Meet approved specifications that
                                             conditions are issued as part of the type                function of the extraction device.
                                                                                                         (2) A system safety analysis will be               ensure their having the strength and
                                             certification basis for Cirrus SF50                                                                            other properties assumed in the design
                                             airplanes.                                               conducted on the recovery system that
                                                                                                      will consider the effects of annunciated              data; and
                                               1. Whole Airplane Parachute                                                                                     iii. Take into account the effects of
                                             Recovery System With Flight Control                      and un-annunciated failures. This
                                                                                                                                                            environmental conditions, such as
                                             and Deployment Augmentation.                             analysis will address both losses of
                                                                                                                                                            temperature and humidity, expected in
                                               (a) System Validation.                                 function as well as malfunction
                                                                                                                                                            service.
                                               (1) The applicant must demonstrate                     (including un-commanded system                           (2) Workmanship must be of a high
                                             by test, or analysis supported by test,                  activation). The applicant must show                  standard.
                                             that the system will not cause an                        that they do not adversely affect proper                 (3) The parachute(s) must be
                                             unacceptable hazard or otherwise                         functioning of the equipment, systems,                identified with a data panel that defines
                                             exceed the system deployment design                      or installations covered by § 23.1309,                the Manufacturer, Date of Manufacture,
                                             loads for the critical flight conditions.                and do not otherwise adversely                        Part Number, and Serial Number.
                                               (2) The recovery system activation                     influence the safety of the airplane or its              (g) Systems Maintenance and
                                             envelope must include speeds at or near                  occupants. It must be shown that                      Inspection.
                                             VS up to at least Vo. The applicant must                 reliable and functional deployment in                    (1) Instructions for continued
                                             satisfactorily demonstrate by test, or by                the adverse weather conditions that the               airworthiness must be prepared for the
                                             analysis supported by test, the logic and                airplane is approved for have been                    system that meet the requirements of
                                                                                                      considered. For example, if the airplane
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                                             automatic control interface that allow                                                                         § 23.1529.
                                             the recovery system activation over this                 is certified for flight in icing conditions,             (2) Adequate means must be provided
                                             speed range.                                             and flight test in icing reveals that ice             to permit the close examination of the
                                               (b) Occupant Restraint.                                may cover the deployment area, then                   system components to ensure proper
                                               Each seat in the airplane must be                      the possible adverse effects of ice or an             functioning, alignment, lubrication, and
                                             equipped with an approved restraint                      ice layer covering the parachute                      adjustment during the required
                                             system, which will protect the                           deployment area should be analyzed.                   inspection of the system.


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                                             45968                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 136 / Friday, July 15, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                               (h) Operating Limitations.                             the online instructions for sending your              written comments, data, or views. The
                                               (1) Operating limitations must be                      comments electronically.                              most helpful comments reference a
                                             prescribed to ensure proper operation of                    • Mail: Send comments to Docket                    specific portion of the special
                                             the system. A detailed discussion of the                 Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                  conditions, explain the reason for any
                                             system, including operation, limitations,                Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                 recommended change, and include
                                             and deployment envelope must be                          Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                        supporting data.
                                             included in the Airplane Flight Manual.                  Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC                   We will consider all comments we
                                               (2) Operating limitations must be                      20590–0001.                                           receive by the closing date for
                                             prescribed for inspecting and                               • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take                   comments. We may change these special
                                             overhauling the system components at                     comments to Docket Operations in                      conditions based on the comments we
                                             approved intervals.                                      Room W12–140 of the West Building                     receive.
                                                                                                      Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
                                               Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 6,                                                                  Background
                                             2016.
                                                                                                      Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
                                                                                                      a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                         On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream
                                             William Schinstock,
                                                                                                      Friday, except Federal holidays.                      Aerospace Corporation applied for a
                                             Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,                 • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                      type certificate for their new Model
                                             Aircraft Certification Service.                          Operations at 202–493–2251.                           GVII–G500 airplane. The Model GVII–
                                             [FR Doc. 2016–16813 Filed 7–14–16; 8:45 am]                 Privacy: The FAA will post all                     G500 airplane will be a business jet
                                             BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                   comments it receives, without change,                 capable of accommodating up to 19
                                                                                                      to http://www.regulations.gov/,                       passengers. It will incorporate a low,
                                                                                                      including any personal information the                swept-wing design with winglets and a
                                             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             commenter provides. Using the search                  T-tail. The powerplant will consist of
                                                                                                      function of the docket Web site, anyone               two aft-fuselage-mounted Pratt &
                                             Federal Aviation Administration                          can find and read the electronic form of              Whitney turbofan engines.
                                                                                                      all comments received into any FAA
                                             14 CFR Part 25                                           docket, including the name of the                     Type Certification Basis
                                             [Docket No. FAA–2016–4237; Special                       individual sending the comment (or                       Under Title 14, Code of Federal
                                             Conditions No. 25–619–SC]                                signing the comment for an association,               Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, Gulfstream
                                                                                                      business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s                   must show that the Model GVII–G500
                                             Special Conditions: Gulfstream                           complete Privacy Act Statement can be                 airplane meets the applicable provisions
                                             Aerospace Corporation Model GVII–                        found in the Federal Register published               of 14 CFR part 25, as amended by
                                             G500 Airplanes; Isolation or Protection                  on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),                Amendments 25–1 through 25–129.
                                             of Airplane Electrical-System Security                   as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot                     If the Administrator finds that the
                                             From Unauthorized Internal Access                        .gov/.                                                applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                                                                         Docket: Background documents or                    (i.e., part 25) do not contain adequate or
                                             AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                                                                      comments received may be read at                      appropriate safety standards for the
                                             Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                                                                      http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time.              Model GVII–G500 airplane because of a
                                             ACTION: Final special conditions; request                Follow the online instructions for
                                             for comments.                                                                                                  novel or unusual design feature, special
                                                                                                      accessing the docket or go to Docket                  conditions are prescribed under the
                                             SUMMARY:   These special conditions are                  Operations in Room W12–140 of the                     provisions of § 21.16.
                                             issued for the Gulfstream Aerospace                      West Building Ground Floor at 1200                       Special conditions are initially
                                             Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII–                     New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    applicable to the model for which they
                                             G500 airplane. This airplane will have                   DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                 are issued. Should the type certificate
                                             a novel or unusual design feature when                   through Friday, except Federal holidays.              for that model be amended later to
                                             compared to the state of technology                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      include any other model that
                                             envisioned in the airworthiness                          Varun Khanna, FAA, Airplane and                       incorporates the same or similar novel
                                             standards for transport-category                         Flightcrew Interface Branch, ANM–111,                 or unusual design feature, the special
                                             airplanes. This design feature is a digital              Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft              conditions would also apply to the other
                                             systems architecture requiring isolation                 Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue               model under § 21.101.
                                             or protection from unauthorized                          SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356;                      In addition to the applicable
                                             internal access. The applicable                          telephone 425–227–1298; facsimile                     airworthiness regulations and special
                                             airworthiness regulations do not contain                 425–227–1320.                                         conditions, Model GVII–G500 airplanes
                                             adequate or appropriate safety standards                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA                    must comply with the fuel-vent and
                                             for this design feature. These special                   has determined that notice of, and                    exhaust-emission requirements of 14
                                             conditions contain the additional safety                 opportunity for prior public comment                  CFR part 34, and the noise-certification
                                             standards that the Administrator                         on, these special conditions is                       requirements of 14 CFR part 36. The
                                             considers necessary to establish a level                 unnecessary because the substance of                  FAA must issue a finding of regulatory
                                             of safety equivalent to that established                 these special conditions has been                     adequacy under § 611 of Public Law 92–
                                             by the existing airworthiness standards.                 subject to the public comment process                 574, the ‘‘Noise Control Act of 1972.’’
                                                                                                      in several prior instances with no                       The FAA issues special conditions, as
                                             DATES: This action is effective on
                                                                                                      substantive comments received. The                    defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
                                             Gulfstream on July 15, 2016. We must
                                                                                                      FAA therefore finds that good cause                   with § 11.38, and they become part of
                                             receive your comments by August 29,
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                                                                                                      exists for making these special                       the type certification basis under
                                             2016.
                                                                                                      conditions effective upon publication in              § 21.17(a)(2).
                                             ADDRESSES:  Send comments identified                     the Federal Register.
                                             by docket number FAA–2016–4237                                                                                 Novel or Unusual Design Features
                                             using any of the following methods:                      Comments Invited                                        The Model GVII–G500 airplane will
                                               • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                     We invite interested people to take                 incorporate the following novel or
                                             http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow                   part in this rulemaking by sending                    unusual design feature: A digital


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Document Created: 2016-07-15 02:53:04
Document Modified: 2016-07-15 02:53:04
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.
DatesThese special conditions are effective August 15, 2016 and are applicable on July 6, 2016.
ContactMr. Bob Stegeman, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-111, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329-4140; facsimile (816) 329-4090.
FR Citation81 FR 45965 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols

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