82_FR_18014 82 FR 17943 - Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47; Autothrust System

82 FR 17943 - Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models PC-12, PC-12/45, PC-12/47; Autothrust System

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 71 (April 14, 2017)

Page Range17943-17945
FR Document2017-07382

This action proposes a special condition for the Pilatus Aircraft Limited PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the use of an autothrust system. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. This proposed special condition contains the additional safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 71 (Friday, April 14, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 71 (Friday, April 14, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17943-17945]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07382]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 71 / Friday, April 14, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 17943]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0290; Notice No. 23-17-01-SC]


Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models PC-12, PC-12/
45, PC-12/47; Autothrust System

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes a special condition for the Pilatus 
Aircraft Limited PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. These 
airplanes, as modified by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc., will 
have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the use of an 
autothrust system. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not 
contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design 
feature. This proposed special condition contains the additional safety 
standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of 
safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness 
standards.

DATES: Send your comment on or before May 15, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2017-0290 
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 of Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://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.
    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 the 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: Jeff Pretz, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 
329-3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask 
that you send us two copies of written comments.
    We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing 
date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is 
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change 
these special conditions based on the comments we receive.

Background

    On April 4, 2016, Innovative Solutions & Support applied for a 
supplemental type certificate for installation of an autothrust system 
in the PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. The autothrust system 
is capable of setting forward thrust based on operation in either a 
pilot selectable torque or airspeed mode. Operation is limited to use 
only when above 400 feet AGL after takeoff, and requires disengagement 
at decision height (DH) or minimum decision altitude (MDA) on approach. 
The PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes are nine-passenger two-
crew, single-engine turbo-propeller airplanes with a 30,000-foot 
service ceiling and a maximum takeoff weight of 9,039 to 10,450 
pounds--depending on airplane model. These airplanes are powered by a 
single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67 engine.
    The Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc., modification installs an 
autothrust system in the PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes to 
reduce pilot workload. The autothrust system is useable in all phases 
of flight from 400 feet AGL after takeoff down to the decision height 
on approach. The system includes a torque and airspeed mode along with 
monitors to prevent the system from exceeding critical engine or 
airspeed limits. A stepper motor provides throttle movement by acting 
through a linear actuator, which acts as a link between the stepper 
motor and throttle. The pilot can override the linear actuator by 
moving the throttle, which automatically disengages the autothrust 
system upon disagreement in the expected throttle position versus the 
actual position.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Innovative Solutions & 
Support must show that the PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes, as 
changed, continues to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations 
incorporated by reference in Type Certificate No. A78EU. The 
regulations incorporated by reference in the type certificate are 
commonly referred to as the ``original type certification basis.'' The 
regulations incorporated by reference in A78EU are as follows: 14 CFR 
part 23, amendments 23-1 through 23-42.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See Type Certification Data Sheet A78EU, revision 25, 
``Certification Basis'' section for the PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/
47 full certification basis (http://rgl.faa.gov/).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the Administrator finds the applicable airworthiness regulations

[[Page 17944]]

(i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety 
standards for the PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes because of a 
novel or unusual design feature(s), special conditions are prescribed 
under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    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.  21.101. Special conditions are 
initially applicable to the model for which they are issued. Should the 
applicant apply for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other 
model included on the same type certificate to incorporate the same 
novel or unusual design feature, the FAA would apply these special 
conditions to the other model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes must comply 
with the fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 
and the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes will incorporate the 
following novel or unusual design features: Autothrust system.

Discussion

    As discussed in the summary section, this modification makes use of 
an autothrust system, which is a novel design for this type of 
airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain 
adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. 
Mandating additional requirements--developed in part--by adapting 
relevant portions of 14 CFR 25.1329, Flight guidance systems--
applicable to autothrust systems--along with FAA experience with 
similar autothrust systems, mitigates the concerns associated with 
installation of the proposed autothrust system.
    The FAA has previously issued this proposed special condition to 
part 23 turbojet airplanes, but not for turbo-propeller airplanes. The 
PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes are unique with respect to 
other turbo-propeller designs in that the basic design does not include 
a separate propeller control lever. Future use of these special 
conditions on other turbo-propeller designs will require evaluation of 
the engine and propeller control system to determine their 
appropriateness.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. Should Innovative Solutions & 
Support, Ltd. apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate 
to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No. A78EU to 
incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, the FAA would 
apply these special conditions to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes. It is not a rule of general 
applicability and 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(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704.

The Proposed Special Conditions

    Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the 
following special condition as part of the type certification basis for 
Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplane models 
modified by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.

1. Autothrust System

    In addition to the requirements of Sec. Sec.  23.143, 23.1309, and 
23.1329, the following apply:
    (a) Quick disengagement controls for the autothrust function must 
be provided for each pilot. The autothrust quick disengagement controls 
must be located on the thrust control levers. Quick disengagement 
controls must be readily accessible to each pilot while operating the 
thrust control levers.
    (b) The effects of a failure of the system to disengage the 
autothrust function when manually commanded by the pilot must be 
assessed in accordance with the requirements of Sec.  23.1309.
    (c) Engagement or switching of the flight guidance system, a mode, 
or a sensor may not cause the autothrust system to affect a transient 
response that alters the airplane's flight path any greater than a 
minor transient, as defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this special 
condition.
    (d) Under normal conditions, the disengagement of any automatic 
control function of a flight guidance system may not cause a transient 
response of the airplane's flight path any greater than a minor 
transient.
    (e) Under rare normal and non-normal conditions, disengagement of 
any automatic control function of a flight guidance system may not 
result in a transient any greater than a significant transient, as 
defined in paragraph (l)(2) of this special condition.
    (f) The function and direction of motion of each command reference 
control, such as heading select or vertical speed, must be plainly 
indicated on--or adjacent to--each control if necessary to prevent 
inappropriate use or confusion.
    (g) Under any condition of flight appropriate to its use, the 
flight guidance system may not produce hazardous loads on the airplane, 
nor create hazardous deviations in the flight path. This applies to 
both fault-free operation and in the event of a malfunction, and 
assumes that the pilot begins corrective action within a reasonable 
time.
    (h) When the flight guidance system is in use, a means must be 
provided to avoid excursions beyond an acceptable margin from the speed 
range of the normal flight envelope. If the airplane experiences an 
excursion outside this range, a means must be provided to prevent the 
flight guidance system from providing guidance or control to an unsafe 
speed.
    (i) The flight guidance system functions, controls, indications, 
and alerts must be designed to minimize flightcrew errors and confusion 
concerning the behavior and operation of the flight guidance system. A 
means must be provided to indicate the current mode of operation, 
including any armed modes, transitions, and reversions. Selector switch 
position is not an acceptable means of indication. The controls and 
indications must be grouped and presented in a logical and consistent 
manner. The indications must be visible to each pilot under all 
expected lighting conditions.
    (j) Following disengagement of the autothrust function, a caution 
(visual and auditory) must be provided to each pilot.
    (k) During autothrust operation, it must be possible for the 
flightcrew to move the thrust levers without requiring excessive force. 
The autothrust may not create a potential hazard when the flightcrew 
applies an override force to the thrust levers.
    (l) For purposes of this section, a transient is a disturbance in 
the control or flight path of the airplane that is not consistent with 
response to flightcrew inputs or environmental conditions.

[[Page 17945]]

    (1) A minor transient would not significantly reduce safety margins 
and would involve flightcrew actions that are well within their 
capabilities. A minor transient may involve a slight increase in 
flightcrew workload or some physical discomfort to passengers or cabin 
crew.
    (2) A significant transient may lead to a significant reduction in 
safety margins, an increase in flightcrew workload, discomfort to the 
flightcrew, or physical distress to the passengers or cabin crew, 
possibly including non-fatal injuries. Significant transients do not 
require--in order to remain within or recover to the normal flight 
envelope--any of the following:
    (i) Exceptional piloting skill, alertness, or strength.
    (ii) Forces applied by the pilot which are greater than those 
specified in Sec.  23.143(c).
    (iii) Accelerations or attitudes in the airplane that might result 
in further hazard to secured or non-secured occupants.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April 4, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07382 Filed 4-13-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                                17943

                                                    Proposed Rules                                                                                                 Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                                   Vol. 82, No. 71

                                                                                                                                                                   Friday, April 14, 2017



                                                    This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through                       the PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47
                                                    contains notices to the public of the proposed          Friday, except Federal holidays.                       airplanes. The autothrust system is
                                                    issuance of rules and regulations. The                    • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                        capable of setting forward thrust based
                                                    purpose of these notices is to give interested          Operations at 202–493–2251.                            on operation in either a pilot selectable
                                                    persons an opportunity to participate in the              Privacy: The FAA will post all                       torque or airspeed mode. Operation is
                                                    rule making prior to the adoption of the final          comments it receives, without change,
                                                    rules.
                                                                                                                                                                   limited to use only when above 400 feet
                                                                                                            to http://regulations.gov, including any               AGL after takeoff, and requires
                                                                                                            personal information the commenter                     disengagement at decision height (DH)
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            provides. Using the search function of                 or minimum decision altitude (MDA) on
                                                                                                            the docket Web site, anyone can find                   approach. The PC–12, PC–12/45, and
                                                    Federal Aviation Administration                         and read the electronic form of all                    PC–12/47 airplanes are nine-passenger
                                                                                                            comments received into any FAA                         two-crew, single-engine turbo-propeller
                                                    14 CFR Part 23                                          docket, including the name of the                      airplanes with a 30,000-foot service
                                                                                                            individual sending the comment (or                     ceiling and a maximum takeoff weight
                                                    [Docket No. FAA–2017–0290; Notice No. 23–
                                                    17–01–SC]
                                                                                                            signing the comment for an association,                of 9,039 to 10,450 pounds—depending
                                                                                                            business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s                    on airplane model. These airplanes are
                                                    Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft                    complete Privacy Act Statement can be                  powered by a single Pratt & Whitney
                                                    Limited Models PC–12, PC–12/45, PC–                     found in the Federal Register published                PT6A–67 engine.
                                                    12/47; Autothrust System                                on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),                    The Innovative Solutions & Support,
                                                                                                            as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.              Inc., modification installs an autothrust
                                                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                  Docket: Background documents or                      system in the PC–12, PC–12/45, and
                                                    Administration (FAA), DOT.                              comments received may be read at                       PC–12/47 airplanes to reduce pilot
                                                    ACTION: Notice of proposed special                      http://www.regulations.gov at any time.                workload. The autothrust system is
                                                    conditions.                                             Follow the online instructions for                     useable in all phases of flight from 400
                                                                                                            accessing the docket or go to the Docket               feet AGL after takeoff down to the
                                                    SUMMARY:   This action proposes a special               Operations in Room W12–140 of the                      decision height on approach. The
                                                    condition for the Pilatus Aircraft                      West Building Ground Floor at 1200                     system includes a torque and airspeed
                                                    Limited PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/                     New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                     mode along with monitors to prevent
                                                    47 airplanes. These airplanes, as                       DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday                 the system from exceeding critical
                                                    modified by Innovative Solutions &                      through Friday, except Federal holidays.               engine or airspeed limits. A stepper
                                                    Support, Inc., will have a novel or                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff                  motor provides throttle movement by
                                                    unusual design feature associated with                  Pretz, Federal Aviation Administration,                acting through a linear actuator, which
                                                    the use of an autothrust system. The                    Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft                   acts as a link between the stepper motor
                                                    applicable airworthiness regulations do                 Certification Service, 901 Locust, Room                and throttle. The pilot can override the
                                                    not contain adequate or appropriate                     301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone                  linear actuator by moving the throttle,
                                                    safety standards for this design feature.               (816) 329–3239; facsimile (816) 329–                   which automatically disengages the
                                                    This proposed special condition                         4090.                                                  autothrust system upon disagreement in
                                                    contains the additional safety standards                                                                       the expected throttle position versus the
                                                    the Administrator considers necessary                   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                                   actual position.
                                                    to establish a level of safety equivalent               Comments Invited
                                                    to that established by the existing                                                                            Type Certification Basis
                                                    airworthiness standards.                                   We invite interested people to take
                                                                                                                                                                     Under the provisions of 14 CFR
                                                                                                            part in this rulemaking by sending
                                                    DATES: Send your comment on or before                                                                          21.101, Innovative Solutions & Support
                                                                                                            written comments, data, or views. The
                                                    May 15, 2017.                                                                                                  must show that the PC–12, PC–12/45,
                                                                                                            most helpful comments reference a
                                                    ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                                                                            and PC–12/47 airplanes, as changed,
                                                                                                            specific portion of the special
                                                    by docket number FAA–2017–0290                                                                                 continues to meet the applicable
                                                                                                            conditions, explain the reason for any
                                                    using any of the following methods:                                                                            provisions of the regulations
                                                                                                            recommended change, and include
                                                      • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                                                                         incorporated by reference in Type
                                                                                                            supporting data. We ask that you send
                                                    http://www.regulations.gov and follow                                                                          Certificate No. A78EU. The regulations
                                                                                                            us two copies of written comments.
                                                    the online instructions for sending your                   We will consider all comments we                    incorporated by reference in the type
                                                    comments electronically.                                receive on or before the closing date for              certificate are commonly referred to as
                                                      • Mail: Send comments to Docket                       comments. We will consider comments                    the ‘‘original type certification basis.’’
                                                    Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                    filed late if it is possible to do so                  The regulations incorporated by
                                                    Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   without incurring expense or delay. We                 reference in A78EU are as follows: 14
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                          may change these special conditions                    CFR part 23, amendments 23–1 through
                                                    Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC                   based on the comments we receive.                      23–42.2
                                                    20590–0001.                                                                                                      If the Administrator finds the
                                                      • Hand Delivery of Courier: Take                      Background                                             applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                    comments to Docket Operations in                          On April 4, 2016, Innovative                           2 See Type Certification Data Sheet A78EU,
                                                    Room W12–140 of the West Building                       Solutions & Support applied for a                      revision 25, ‘‘Certification Basis’’ section for the
                                                    Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                         supplemental type certificate for                      PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47 full certification
                                                    Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                   installation of an autothrust system in                basis (http://rgl.faa.gov/).



                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:41 Apr 13, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\14APP1.SGM   14APP1


                                                    17944                     Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 71 / Friday, April 14, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                    (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain                   Applicability                                          not cause a transient response of the
                                                    adequate or appropriate safety standards                  As discussed above, these special                    airplane’s flight path any greater than a
                                                    for the PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47                   conditions are applicable to the PC–12,                minor transient.
                                                    airplanes because of a novel or unusual                 PC–12/45, and PC–12/47 airplanes.                         (e) Under rare normal and non-normal
                                                    design feature(s), special conditions are               Should Innovative Solutions & Support,                 conditions, disengagement of any
                                                    prescribed under the provisions of                      Ltd. apply at a later date for a                       automatic control function of a flight
                                                    § 21.16.                                                supplemental type certificate to modify                guidance system may not result in a
                                                                                                                                                                   transient any greater than a significant
                                                       The FAA issues special conditions, as                any other model included on Type
                                                                                                                                                                   transient, as defined in paragraph (l)(2)
                                                    defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance                  Certificate No. A78EU to incorporate the
                                                                                                                                                                   of this special condition.
                                                    with § 11.38 and they become part of the                same novel or unusual design feature,                     (f) The function and direction of
                                                    type certification basis under § 21.101.                the FAA would apply these special                      motion of each command reference
                                                    Special conditions are initially                        conditions to that model as well.                      control, such as heading select or
                                                    applicable to the model for which they                  Conclusion                                             vertical speed, must be plainly
                                                    are issued. Should the applicant apply                                                                         indicated on—or adjacent to—each
                                                    for a supplemental type certificate to                     This action affects only certain novel
                                                                                                            or unusual design features on PC–12,                   control if necessary to prevent
                                                    modify any other model included on the                                                                         inappropriate use or confusion.
                                                    same type certificate to incorporate the                PC–12/45, and PC–12/47 airplanes. It is
                                                                                                                                                                      (g) Under any condition of flight
                                                    same novel or unusual design feature,                   not a rule of general applicability and
                                                                                                                                                                   appropriate to its use, the flight
                                                                                                            affects only the applicant who applied
                                                    the FAA would apply these special                                                                              guidance system may not produce
                                                                                                            to the FAA for approval of these features
                                                    conditions to the other model under                                                                            hazardous loads on the airplane, nor
                                                                                                            on the airplane.
                                                    § 21.101.                                                                                                      create hazardous deviations in the flight
                                                       In addition to the applicable                        List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                     path. This applies to both fault-free
                                                    airworthiness regulations and special                     Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                 operation and in the event of a
                                                    conditions, the PC–12, PC–12/45, and                    symbols.                                               malfunction, and assumes that the pilot
                                                    PC–12/47 airplanes must comply with                                                                            begins corrective action within a
                                                                                                            Citation                                               reasonable time.
                                                    the fuel vent and exhaust emission
                                                    requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the                    The authority citation for these                        (h) When the flight guidance system
                                                    noise certification requirements of 14                  special conditions is as follows:                      is in use, a means must be provided to
                                                                                                                                                                   avoid excursions beyond an acceptable
                                                    CFR part 36.                                              Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,
                                                                                                            44701–44702, 44704.                                    margin from the speed range of the
                                                    Novel or Unusual Design Features                                                                               normal flight envelope. If the airplane
                                                                                                            The Proposed Special Conditions                        experiences an excursion outside this
                                                      The PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47                       Accordingly, the Federal Aviation                    range, a means must be provided to
                                                    airplanes will incorporate the following                Administration (FAA) proposes the                      prevent the flight guidance system from
                                                    novel or unusual design features:                       following special condition as part of                 providing guidance or control to an
                                                    Autothrust system.                                      the type certification basis for Pilatus               unsafe speed.
                                                                                                            Aircraft Ltd., PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–                   (i) The flight guidance system
                                                    Discussion
                                                                                                            12/47 airplane models modified by                      functions, controls, indications, and
                                                      As discussed in the summary section,                  Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.                   alerts must be designed to minimize
                                                    this modification makes use of an                                                                              flightcrew errors and confusion
                                                    autothrust system, which is a novel                     1. Autothrust System                                   concerning the behavior and operation
                                                    design for this type of airplane. The                      In addition to the requirements of                  of the flight guidance system. A means
                                                    applicable airworthiness regulations do                 §§ 23.143, 23.1309, and 23.1329, the                   must be provided to indicate the current
                                                    not contain adequate or appropriate                     following apply:                                       mode of operation, including any armed
                                                    safety standards for this design feature.                  (a) Quick disengagement controls for                modes, transitions, and reversions.
                                                    Mandating additional requirements—                      the autothrust function must be                        Selector switch position is not an
                                                    developed in part—by adapting relevant                  provided for each pilot. The autothrust                acceptable means of indication. The
                                                    portions of 14 CFR 25.1329, Flight                      quick disengagement controls must be                   controls and indications must be
                                                    guidance systems—applicable to                          located on the thrust control levers.                  grouped and presented in a logical and
                                                    autothrust systems—along with FAA                       Quick disengagement controls must be                   consistent manner. The indications
                                                    experience with similar autothrust                      readily accessible to each pilot while                 must be visible to each pilot under all
                                                    systems, mitigates the concerns                         operating the thrust control levers.                   expected lighting conditions.
                                                    associated with installation of the                        (b) The effects of a failure of the                    (j) Following disengagement of the
                                                    proposed autothrust system.                             system to disengage the autothrust                     autothrust function, a caution (visual
                                                                                                            function when manually commanded by                    and auditory) must be provided to each
                                                      The FAA has previously issued this                    the pilot must be assessed in accordance               pilot.
                                                    proposed special condition to part 23                   with the requirements of § 23.1309.                       (k) During autothrust operation, it
                                                    turbojet airplanes, but not for turbo-                     (c) Engagement or switching of the                  must be possible for the flightcrew to
                                                    propeller airplanes. The PC–12, PC–12/                  flight guidance system, a mode, or a                   move the thrust levers without requiring
                                                    45, and PC–12/47 airplanes are unique                   sensor may not cause the autothrust                    excessive force. The autothrust may not
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    with respect to other turbo-propeller                   system to affect a transient response that             create a potential hazard when the
                                                    designs in that the basic design does not               alters the airplane’s flight path any                  flightcrew applies an override force to
                                                    include a separate propeller control                    greater than a minor transient, as                     the thrust levers.
                                                    lever. Future use of these special                      defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this                       (l) For purposes of this section, a
                                                    conditions on other turbo-propeller                     special condition.                                     transient is a disturbance in the control
                                                    designs will require evaluation of the                     (d) Under normal conditions, the                    or flight path of the airplane that is not
                                                    engine and propeller control system to                  disengagement of any automatic control                 consistent with response to flightcrew
                                                    determine their appropriateness.                        function of a flight guidance system may               inputs or environmental conditions.


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                                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 71 / Friday, April 14, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                            17945

                                                       (1) A minor transient would not                      11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                 We will post all comments we
                                                    significantly reduce safety margins and                 methods:                                               receive, without change, to http://
                                                    would involve flightcrew actions that                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                    are well within their capabilities. A                   http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                 personal information you provide. We
                                                    minor transient may involve a slight                    instructions for submitting comments.                  will also post a report summarizing each
                                                    increase in flightcrew workload or some                   • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                    physical discomfort to passengers or                      • Mail: U.S. Department of                           about this NPRM.
                                                    cabin crew.                                             Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                                                                            30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                   Discussion
                                                       (2) A significant transient may lead to
                                                    a significant reduction in safety                       W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                     We learned that GE has determined,
                                                    margins, an increase in flightcrew                      Washington, DC 20590.                                  based on analysis, that the stresses in
                                                    workload, discomfort to the flightcrew,                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail                     the pinholes in the affected fan blade
                                                    or physical distress to the passengers or               address above between 9 a.m. and 5                     could result in crack initiation at
                                                    cabin crew, possibly including non-fatal                p.m., Monday through Friday, except                    pinhole surfaces beyond 19,000, 19,500,
                                                    injuries. Significant transients do not                 Federal holidays.                                      or 25,000 cyles-since-new (CSN),
                                                                                                              For service information identified in                depending on the engine model on
                                                    require—in order to remain within or
                                                                                                            this NPRM, contact General Electric                    which the blade is installed. GE,
                                                    recover to the normal flight envelope—
                                                                                                            Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1                      therefore, has initiated a program of
                                                    any of the following:
                                                       (i) Exceptional piloting skill,                      Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215,                     initial and repetitive eddy current
                                                    alertness, or strength.                                 phone: 513–552–3272; fax: 513–552–                     inspections (ECIs) and removal of this
                                                       (ii) Forces applied by the pilot which               3329; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. You may                  fan blade before it reaches 41,000 CSN.
                                                    are greater than those specified in                     view this service information at the                   GE also provided an option to repair the
                                                    § 23.143(c).                                            FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate,                   blade which allows for an additional
                                                       (iii) Accelerations or attitudes in the              1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA.                  28,000 cycles before it must be removed.
                                                    airplane that might result in further                   For information on the availability of                 This condition, if not corrected, could
                                                    hazard to secured or non-secured                        this material at the FAA, call 781–238–                result in failure of the fan blade,
                                                    occupants.                                              7125.                                                  uncontained blade release, damage to
                                                      Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April 4,           Examining the AD Docket                                the engine, and damage to the airplane.
                                                    2017.                                                      You may examine the AD docket on                    Related Service Information Under 1
                                                    Pat Mullen,                                             the Internet at http://                                CFR Part 51
                                                    Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,             www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                                                                                                                                                     We reviewed GE Alert Service
                                                    Aircraft Certification Service.                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                                                                                                                                   Bulletins (ASBs) CF34–8C SB 72–A0137
                                                    [FR Doc. 2017–07382 Filed 4–13–17; 8:45 am]             0164; or in person at the Docket
                                                                                                                                                                   R05, dated June 15, 2016; and CF34–8E
                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                                                                                                                                                   SB 72–A0060 R05, dated June 15, 2016.
                                                                                                            and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                                                                                                                                   These ASBs provide the procedures
                                                                                                            except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                                                                                                                                                   necessary for calculating the adjusted
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            contains this proposed AD, the
                                                                                                                                                                   CSN for the initial inspection. This
                                                                                                            regulatory evaluation, any comments
                                                    Federal Aviation Administration                                                                                service information is reasonably
                                                                                                            received, and other information. The
                                                                                                                                                                   available because the interested parties
                                                                                                            street address for the Docket Office
                                                    14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                 have access to it through their normal
                                                                                                            (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
                                                                                                                                                                   course of business or by the means
                                                    [Docket No. FAA–2017–0164; Directorate                  ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
                                                                                                                                                                   identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                    Identifier 2017–NE–06–AD]                               available in the AD docket shortly after
                                                                                                            receipt.                                               Other Related Service Information
                                                    RIN 2120–AA64
                                                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         We reviewed GE ASB CF34–8E SB
                                                    Airworthiness Directives; General                       Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer,                      72–A0115 R03, issued on December 9,
                                                    Electric Company Turbofan Engines                       Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine               2016, and GE ASB CF34–8C SB 72–
                                                                                                            & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District                 A0225 R03, issued on December 9,
                                                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:                   2016. The ASB’s describe procedures for
                                                    Administration (FAA), DOT.                              781–238–7157; fax: 781–238–7199;                       repairing fan blade, part number (P/N)
                                                    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   email: martin.adler@faa.gov.                           4114T15P02, to P/N 4114T31G01 with
                                                    (NPRM).                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             the installation of a bushing in the
                                                    SUMMARY:   We propose to adopt a new                    Comments Invited                                       pinholes.
                                                    airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                   We invite you to send any written                   FAA’s Determination
                                                    General Electric Company (GE) CF34–8                    relevant data, views, or arguments about                 We are proposing this AD because we
                                                    model turbofan engines. This proposed                   this NPRM. Send your comments to an                    evaluated all the relevant information
                                                    AD was prompted by analysis that                        address listed under the ADDRESSES                     and determined the unsafe condition
                                                    resulted in the reduction of the life of                section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–                     described previously is likely to exist or
                                                    the affected fan blades. This proposed                  2017–0164; Directorate Identifier 2017–                develop in other products of the same
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    AD would require inspections of the                     NE–06–AD’’ at the beginning of your                    type design.
                                                    affected fan blades until their removal.                comments. We specifically invite
                                                    We are proposing this AD to correct the                 comments on the overall regulatory,                    Proposed AD Requirements
                                                    unsafe condition on these products.                     economic, environmental, and energy                      This proposed AD would require
                                                    DATES: We must receive comments on                      aspects of this NPRM. We will consider                 initial and repetitive ECIs of the affected
                                                    this proposed AD by May 30, 2017.                       all comments received by the closing                   fan blade. This proposed AD would also
                                                    ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                       date and may amend this NPRM                           require removal or repair of the affected
                                                    using the procedures found in 14 CFR                    because of those comments.                             fan blade at a reduced life. A fan blade


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Document Created: 2017-04-14 00:56:23
Document Modified: 2017-04-14 00:56:23
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed special conditions.
DatesSend your comment on or before May 15, 2017.
ContactJeff Pretz, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329-3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090.
FR Citation82 FR 17943 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols

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