82 FR 25509 - 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 105 (June 2, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 105 (June 2, 2017)
| Page Range | 25509-25511 | |
| FR Document | 2017-11347 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 105 (Friday, June 2, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 25509-25511] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-11347] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 23 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0290; Special Conditions No. 23-281-SC] Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Limited Models PC-12, PC-12/ 45, PC-12/47; Autothrust System AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special condition. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This special condition is 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 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: This special condition is effective June 2, 2017 and is applicable beginning May 24, 2017. 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: 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 above ground level (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-crewmember, 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.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 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 (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. 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. 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 [[Page 25510]] 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. Novel or Unusual Design Features The PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes will incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature: 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. Discussion of Comments Notice of proposed special conditions No. 23-17-01-SC for the Pilatus Aircraft Limited PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2017 (82 FR 17943).\2\ No comments were received, and the special condition is adopted as proposed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Refer to the U.S. Government Printing Office at https://www.thefederalregister.org/. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applicability As discussed above, this special condition is 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. 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 STC for the Pilatus Aircraft, Ltd., PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes is imminent, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d), the FAA finds that good cause exists to make this special condition effective upon issuance. 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 and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19. The Special Condition Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special condition is issued as part of the type certification basis for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47 airplanes 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 [[Page 25511]] consistent with response to flightcrew inputs or environmental conditions. (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 May 24, 2017. Wes Ryan, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-11347 Filed 6-1-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 105 / Friday, June 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 25509
longer has jurisdiction over the matter DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The Innovative Solutions & Support,
unless a new Size Standard Petition is Inc., modification installs an autothrust
filed as a result of a new final rule Federal Aviation Administration system in the PC–12, PC–12/45, and
published in the Federal Register. PC–12/47 airplanes to reduce pilot
14 CFR Part 23 workload. The autothrust system is
§ 134.916 Effects of OHA’s decision. useable in all phases of flight from 400
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0290; Special
(a) If OHA grants a Size Standard Conditions No. 23–281–SC] feet AGL after takeoff down to the
Petition of a modified or revised size decision height on approach. The
standard, SBA will take appropriate Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft system includes a torque and airspeed
action to rescind that size standard and Limited Models PC–12, PC–12/45, PC– mode along with monitors to prevent
12/47; Autothrust System the system from exceeding critical
to restore the one that was in effect
engine or airspeed limits. A stepper
before the one challenged in the Size AGENCY: Federal Aviation motor provides throttle movement by
Standard Petition. The restored size Administration (FAA), DOT. acting through a linear actuator, which
standard will remain in effect until SBA ACTION: Final special condition. acts as a link between the stepper motor
issues a new size standard. The OHA and throttle. The pilot can override the
decision does not affect the validity of SUMMARY: This special condition is for
linear actuator by moving the throttle,
a concern’s size representation made the Pilatus Aircraft Limited PC–12, PC–
which automatically disengages the
under the challenged size standard prior 12/45, and PC–12/47 airplanes. These
autothrust system upon disagreement in
to the effective date of the SBA action airplanes, as modified by Innovative
the expected throttle position versus the
rescinding that challenged size Solutions & Support, Inc., will have a
actual position.
standard. Such a concern remains novel or unusual design feature
eligible for award as a small business, associated with the use of an autothrust Type Certification Basis
and the procuring agency may count the system. The applicable airworthiness Under the provisions of 14 CFR
regulations do not contain adequate or 21.101, Innovative Solutions & Support
award towards its small business goals.
appropriate safety standards for this must show that the PC–12, PC–12/45,
If the procuring agency amends the
design feature. This special condition and PC–12/47 airplanes, as changed,
solicitation and requires new self-
contains the additional safety standards continues to meet the applicable
certifications, those self-certifications the Administrator considers necessary
will be based on the size standard in provisions of the regulations
to establish a level of safety equivalent incorporated by reference in Type
effect on the day those self-certifications to that established by the existing
are made. If the size standard in Certificate No. A78EU. The regulations
airworthiness standards. incorporated by reference in the type
question was newly established, the DATES: This special condition is
challenged size standard remains in certificate are commonly referred to as
effective June 2, 2017 and is applicable the ‘‘original type certification basis.’’
effect while SBA conducts its further beginning May 24, 2017. The regulations incorporated by
analysis on remand.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff reference in A78EU are as follows: 14
(b) If OHA denies a Size Standard Pretz, Federal Aviation Administration, CFR part 23, amendments 23–1 through
Petition, the size standard remains as Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 23–42.1
published in the Code of Federal Certification Service, 901 Locust, Room If the Administrator finds the
Regulations. 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone applicable airworthiness regulations
(816) 329–3239; facsimile (816) 329– (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain
§ 134.917 Equal Access to Justice Act. 4090. adequate or appropriate safety standards
A prevailing Petitioner is not entitled SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
for the PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47
to recover attorney’s fees. Size Standard airplanes because of a novel or unusual
Petitions are not proceedings that are Background design feature(s), special conditions are
required to be conducted by an On April 4, 2016, Innovative prescribed under the provisions of
Administrative Law Judge under Solutions & Support applied for a § 21.16.
§ 134.603. supplemental type certificate for In addition to the applicable
installation of an autothrust system in airworthiness regulations and special
§ 134.918 Judicial review. the PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47 conditions, the PC–12, PC–12/45, and
airplanes. The autothrust system is PC–12/47 airplanes must comply with
The publication of a final rule in the
capable of setting forward thrust based the fuel vent and exhaust emission
Federal Register is considered the final requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the
agency action for purposes of seeking on operation in either a pilot selectable
torque or airspeed mode. Operation is noise certification requirements of 14
judicial review. CFR part 36.
limited to use only when above 400 feet
Dated: May 11, 2017. above ground level (AGL) after takeoff, The FAA issues special conditions, as
Linda E. McMahon, and requires disengagement at decision defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
Administrator. height (DH) or minimum decision with § 11.38 and they become part of the
altitude (MDA) on approach. The PC– type certification basis under § 21.101.
[FR Doc. 2017–10471 Filed 6–1–17; 8:45 am]
12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47 airplanes Special conditions are initially
BILLING CODE 8025–01–P
are nine-passenger, two-crewmember, applicable to the model for which they
single-engine turbo-propeller airplanes are issued. Should the applicant apply
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with RULES
with a 30,000-foot service ceiling and a for a supplemental type certificate to
maximum takeoff weight of 9,039 to modify any other model included on the
10,450 pounds—depending on airplane 1 See Type Certification Data Sheet A78EU,
model. These airplanes are powered by revision 25, ‘‘Certification Basis’’ section for the
a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A–67 PC–12, PC–12/45, and PC–12/47 full certification
engine. basis. (http://rgl.faa.gov/.)
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 105 / Friday, June 2, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 25511
consistent with response to flightcrew longer take place in Sector Ohio Valley’s others. The current list under 33 CFR
inputs or environmental conditions. AOR. When these special local 100.801 requires amending to provide
(1) A minor transient would not regulations are enforced, certain new information on existing special
significantly reduce safety margins and restrictions are placed on marine traffic local regulations, include new special
would involve flightcrew actions that in specified areas. local regulations expected to recur
are well within their capabilities. A DATES: This rule is effective June 2, annually or biannually, and to remove
minor transient may involve a slight 2017. special local regulations that are no
increase in flightcrew workload or some longer required. Issuing individual
physical discomfort to passengers or ADDRESSES: To view documents regulations for each new special local
cabin crew. mentioned in this preamble as being regulation, amendment, or removal of
(2) A significant transient may lead to available in the docket, go to http:// an existing special local regulation
a significant reduction in safety www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2017– creates unnecessary administrative costs
margins, an increase in flightcrew 0010 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click and burdens. This rulemaking reduces
workload, discomfort to the flightcrew, ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket administrative overhead and provides
or physical distress to the passengers or Folder on the line associated with this the public with notice through
cabin crew, possibly including non-fatal rule. publication in the Federal Register of
injuries. Significant transients do not FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If the upcoming recurring special local
require—in order to remain within or you have questions on this rule, call or regulations.
recover to the normal flight envelope— email Petty Officer James Robinson,
Sector Ohio Valley, U.S. Coast Guard; IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes,
any of the following:
telephone (502) 779–5347, email and the Rule
(i) Exceptional piloting skill,
alertness, or strength. James.C.Robinson@uscg.mil. No comments were received. No
(ii) Forces applied by the pilot which SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: changes to the proposed rule have been
are greater than those specified in made.
§ 23.143(c). I. Table of Abbreviations
V. Regulatory Analyses
(iii) Accelerations or attitudes in the CFR Code of Federal Regulations
airplane that might result in further DHS Department of Homeland Security We developed this rule after
hazard to secured or non-secured FR Federal Register considering numerous statutes and
occupants. NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking Executive orders related to rulemaking.
§ Section Below we summarize our analyses
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May U.S.C. United States Code based on a number of these statutes and
24, 2017.
II. Background Information and Executive orders, and we discuss First
Wes Ryan,
Regulatory History Amendment rights of protestors.
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service. The Captain of the Port (COTP) Ohio A. Regulatory Planning and Review
[FR Doc. 2017–11347 Filed 6–1–17; 8:45 am] Valley is establishing, amending, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P updating its current list of recurring direct agencies to assess the costs and
special local regulations codified under benefits of available regulatory
33 CFR 100.801 in Table no. 1, for the alternatives and, if regulation is
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND COTP Ohio Valley zone. necessary, to select regulatory
SECURITY On March 27, 2017, the Coast Guard approaches that maximize net benefits.
published a notice of proposed Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the
Coast Guard rulemaking (NPRM) titled Sector Ohio importance of quantifying both costs
Valley Annual and Recurring Special and benefits, of reducing costs, of
33 CFR Part 100 Local Regulations Update (82 FR harmonizing rules, and of promoting
[Docket Number USCG–2017–0010] 15174). During the comment period that flexibility. This rule has not been
ended April 26, 2017, no comments designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
RIN 1625–AA08 were received. action,’’ under Executive Order 12866.
We are issuing this rule, and under 5 Accordingly, it has not been reviewed
Special Local Regulations; Sector Ohio
U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds by the Office of Management and
Valley Annual and Recurring Special
that good cause exists for making it Budget.
Local Regulations Update The Coast Guard expects the
effective less than 30 days after
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. publication in the Federal Register. It economic impact of this rule to be
ACTION: Final rule. would be impracticable to provide a full minimal, and therefore a full regulatory
30-days notice because this rule must be evaluation is unnecessary. This rule
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending effective June 16, 2017. establishes special local regulations
and updating its special local limiting access to certain areas under 33
regulations relating to recurring marine III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule CFR part 100 within Sector Ohio
parades, regattas, and other events that The Coast Guard’s authority for Valley’s AOR. The effect of this
take place in the Coast Guard Sector establishing a special local regulation is rulemaking will not be significant
Ohio Valley area of responsibility contained at 33 U.S.C. 1233. The Coast because these special local regulations
(AOR). This rule informs the public of Guard is amending and updating the are limited in scope and duration.
regularly scheduled events that require special local regulations under 33 CFR Additionally, the public is given
nlaroche on DSK30NT082PROD with RULES
additional safety measures through the part 100 to include the most up to date advance notification through local forms
establishing of a special local regulation. list of recurring special local regulations of notice, the Federal Register, and/or
Through this rulemaking the current list for events held on or around navigable Notices of Enforcement and thus will be
of recurring special local regulations is waters within the Sector Ohio Valley able to plan around the special local
updated with revisions, additional AOR. These events include marine regulations in advance. Deviation from
events, and removal of events that no parades, boat races, swim events, and the special local regulations established
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Document Created: 2017-06-02 00:37:44
Document Modified: 2017-06-02 00:37:44
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final special condition. | |
| Dates | This special condition is effective June 2, 2017 and is applicable beginning May 24, 2017. | |
| 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. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 25509 | |
| CFR Associated | Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols |
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