82_FR_32753 82 FR 32618 - Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-24, Autothrust System

82 FR 32618 - Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-24, Autothrust System

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 135 (July 17, 2017)

Page Range32618-32620
FR Document2017-14938

These special conditions are issued for the Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-24 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with installation of an autothrust 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 82 Issue 135 (Monday, July 17, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 135 (Monday, July 17, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32618-32620]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14938]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0703; Special Conditions No. 23-283-SC]


Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-24, Autothrust 
System

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Pilatus Aircraft 
Ltd. PC-24 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design 
feature associated with installation of an autothrust 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 July 17, 2017, and are 
applicable July 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2017-0703 
using any of the following methods:
    [squ] Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov 
and follow the online instructions for sending your comments 
electronically.
    [squ] 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.
    [squ] 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.
    [squ] 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, ACE-111, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, 901 Locust Street, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329-
3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined, in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment hereon are unnecessary because the substance of 
these special conditions has been subject to the public comment process 
in several prior instances with no substantive comments received. The 
FAA therefore finds that good cause exists for making these special 
conditions effective upon issuance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Special condition No.\2\              Company/airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
23-264-SC.............................  Honda Aircraft Company/Model HA-
                                         420.
23-272-SC.............................  Cirrus Design Corporation/Model
                                         SF50.
23-281-SC.............................  Innovative Solutions and Support
                                         Inc./Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., PC-
                                         12 Models.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See http://rgl.faa.gov/ to review the listed special 
conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 July 9, 2012, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. applied for a type 
certificate for their new PC-24 airplane. The PC-24 is an aluminum 
pressurized low-wing business jet with a T-tail configuration and 
retractable undercarriage designed to meet the commuter category 
requirements of part 23. Two Williams International FJ44-4A turbofan 
engines rated at 3,400 pounds (lbs.) of take-off thrust, situated in 
nacelles on each side of the rear fuselage power the PC-24. The PC-24 
will have a Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) of 17,200 pounds (7,802 
kilograms). It has a maximum seating capacity of up to ten passengers 
and one or two pilots. The airplane will be certificated for day and 
night Visual Flight Rules, Instrument Flight Rules and flight into 
known icing.
    The PC-24 is equipped with an autothrust system--also referred to 
as an autothrottle system. The autothrust system is useable in all 
phases of flight from takeoff to decision height on approach. The 
system includes speed and thrust modes along with monitors to prevent 
the system from exceeding engine or airspeed limits. A servo provides 
throttle movement, which is part of each throttle quadrant assembly. 
The servo(s) can be overridden by pilot force or disconnected using the 
autothrottle quick disconnect switch on either thrust control lever, 
the autopilot quick disconnect switch on the yoke, or the autothrottle 
control switch on the flight guidance panel.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. must 
show the PC-24 meets the applicable provisions of part 23, as amended 
by amendments 23-1 through 23-62 thereto.
    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-24 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 PC-24 must comply with the fuel vent and exhaust 
emission

[[Page 32619]]

requirements of 14 CFR part 34, the noise certification requirements of 
14 CFR part 36, and the FAA must issue a finding of regulatory adequacy 
pursuant to section 611 of Public Law 92-574, the ``Noise Control Act 
of 1972.''
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in Sec.  11.19, under 
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 novel or 
unusual design feature, the FAA would apply these special conditions to 
the other models under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The PC-24 will incorporate the following novel or unusual design 
features:

Autothrust System

Discussion

    As discussed in the ``Background'' section, the PC-24 will 
incorporate an autothrust system, which is considered 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 the relevant portions 14 CFR 25.1329 (automatic pilot systems) 
applicable to the autothrust system--along with FAA experience with 
similar autothrust systems. This additional requirement mitigates the 
concerns associated with installation of the autothrust system.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
PC-24. Should Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. apply at a later date for a change 
to the type certificate to include another model on the same type 
certificate incorporating 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 one model of airplanes. It is not a rule of general applicability 
and it affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for approval 
of these features on the airplane.
    The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the 
notice and comments period in several prior instances--identified 
above--and has been derived without substantive change from those 
previously issued. It is unlikely that prior public comment would 
result in a significant change from the substance contained herein. 
Therefore, notice and opportunity for prior public comments hereon are 
unnecessary and the FAA finds good cause, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), making these special conditions effective 
upon issuance. The FAA is requesting comments to allow interested 
persons to submit views that may not have been submitted in response to 
the prior opportunities for comment described above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 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 21.17; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.

The Special Conditions

0
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 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-24 airplanes.
    1. Autothrust System.
    For autothrust systems, 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 auto thrust system to affect a transient 
response that alters the airplane's flight path any greater than a 
minor transient, as defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this 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 period of 
time.
    (h) When the flight guidance system is in use, a means must be 
provided to avoid excursions beyond an acceptable margin from the speed 
range of the normal flight envelope. If the airplane experiences an 
excursion outside this range, a means must be provided to prevent the 
flight guidance system from providing guidance or control to an unsafe 
speed.
    (i) The flight guidance system functions, controls, indications, 
and alerts must be designed to minimize flightcrew errors and confusion 
concerning the behavior and operation of the flight guidance system. 
Means must be provided to indicate the current mode of operation, 
including any armed modes, transitions, and reversions. Selector switch 
position is not an acceptable means of indication. The controls and 
indications must be grouped and presented in a logical and consistent 
manner. The indications must be visible to each pilot under all 
expected lighting conditions.
    (j) Following disengagement of the 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.
    (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

[[Page 32620]]

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 July 6, 2017.
Kelly Broadway,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14938 Filed 7-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                32618               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 135 / Monday, July 17, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                Assessment for Part 23 Airplanes.’’ The term                Privacy: The FAA will post all                     recommended change, and include
                                                ‘‘probable’’ in ‘‘probable combination of                comments it receives, without change,                 supporting data. We ask that you send
                                                failures’’ means ‘‘foreseeable,’’ or—in AC               to http://regulations.gov, including any              us two copies of written comments.
                                                23.1309–1E terms—‘‘not extremely                                                                                  We will consider all comments we
                                                improbable.’’
                                                                                                         personal information the commenter
                                                                                                         provides. Using the search function of                receive on or before the closing date for
                                                  Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on July 6,             the docket Web site, anyone can find                  comments. We will consider comments
                                                2017.                                                    and read the electronic form of all                   filed late if it is possible to do so
                                                Kelly Broadway,                                          comments received into any FAA                        without incurring expense or delay. We
                                                Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,              docket, including the name of the                     may change these special conditions
                                                Aircraft Certification Service.                          individual sending the comment (or                    based on the comments we receive.
                                                [FR Doc. 2017–14936 Filed 7–14–17; 8:45 am]              signing the comment for an association,               Background
                                                BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                   business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s
                                                                                                         complete Privacy Act Statement can be                    On July 9, 2012, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
                                                                                                         found in the Federal Register published               applied for a type certificate for their
                                                                                                         on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),                new PC–24 airplane. The PC–24 is an
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                         as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.             aluminum pressurized low-wing
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                             Docket: Background documents or                    business jet with a T-tail configuration
                                                                                                         comments received may be read at                      and retractable undercarriage designed
                                                14 CFR Part 23                                           http://www.regulations.gov at any time.               to meet the commuter category
                                                                                                         Follow the online instructions for                    requirements of part 23. Two Williams
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2017–0703; Special                                                                             International FJ44–4A turbofan engines
                                                Conditions No. 23–283–SC]                                accessing the docket or go to the Docket
                                                                                                         Operations in Room W12–140 of the                     rated at 3,400 pounds (lbs.) of take-off
                                                Special Conditions: Pilatus Aircraft                     West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    thrust, situated in nacelles on each side
                                                Ltd., PC–24, Autothrust System                           New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    of the rear fuselage power the PC–24.
                                                                                                         DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday                The PC–24 will have a Maximum Take-
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                through Friday, except Federal holidays.              off Weight (MTOW) of 17,200 pounds
                                                Administration (FAA), DOT.                                                                                     (7,802 kilograms). It has a maximum
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff
                                                ACTION: Final special conditions; request                                                                      seating capacity of up to ten passengers
                                                                                                         Pretz, ACE–111, Federal Aviation
                                                for comments.                                                                                                  and one or two pilots. The airplane will
                                                                                                         Administration, Small Airplane
                                                                                                                                                               be certificated for day and night Visual
                                                SUMMARY:   These special conditions are                  Directorate, Aircraft Certification
                                                                                                                                                               Flight Rules, Instrument Flight Rules
                                                issued for the Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–                 Service, 901 Locust Street, Kansas City,
                                                                                                                                                               and flight into known icing.
                                                24 airplane. This airplane will have a                   MO 64106; telephone (816) 329–3239;                      The PC–24 is equipped with an
                                                novel or unusual design feature                          facsimile (816) 329–4090.                             autothrust system—also referred to as an
                                                associated with installation of an                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA                    autothrottle system. The autothrust
                                                autothrust system. The applicable                        has determined, in accordance with 5                  system is useable in all phases of flight
                                                airworthiness regulations do not contain                 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), that               from takeoff to decision height on
                                                adequate or appropriate safety standards                 notice and opportunity for prior public               approach. The system includes speed
                                                for this design feature. These special                   comment hereon are unnecessary                        and thrust modes along with monitors
                                                conditions contain the additional safety                 because the substance of these special                to prevent the system from exceeding
                                                standards that the Administrator                         conditions has been subject to the                    engine or airspeed limits. A servo
                                                considers necessary to establish a level                 public comment process in several prior               provides throttle movement, which is
                                                of safety equivalent to that established                 instances with no substantive comments                part of each throttle quadrant assembly.
                                                by the existing airworthiness standards.                 received. The FAA therefore finds that                The servo(s) can be overridden by pilot
                                                DATES: These special conditions are                      good cause exists for making these                    force or disconnected using the
                                                effective July 17, 2017, and are                         special conditions effective upon                     autothrottle quick disconnect switch on
                                                applicable July 6, 2017.                                 issuance.                                             either thrust control lever, the autopilot
                                                ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                                                                            quick disconnect switch on the yoke, or
                                                by docket number FAA–2017–0703                           Special condition
                                                                                                               No.2              Company/airplane model        the autothrottle control switch on the
                                                using any of the following methods:                                                                            flight guidance panel.
                                                   b Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                  23–264–SC .......      Honda Aircraft Company/
                                                http://www.regulations.gov and follow                                                                          Type Certification Basis
                                                                                                                                  Model HA–420.
                                                the online instructions for sending your                 23–272–SC .......      Cirrus Design Corporation/        Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17,
                                                comments electronically.                                                          Model SF50.                  Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. must show the PC–
                                                   b Mail: Send comments to Docket                       23–281–SC .......      Innovative Solutions and       24 meets the applicable provisions of
                                                Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                                              Support Inc./Pilatus Air-    part 23, as amended by amendments
                                                Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                                             craft Ltd., PC–12 Mod-       23–1 through 23–62 thereto.
                                                Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                                                    els.                            If the Administrator finds the
                                                Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC                                                                          applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                20590–0001.                                              Comments Invited                                      (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain
                                                   b Hand Delivery of Courier: Take                        We invite interested people to take                 adequate or appropriate safety standards
                                                comments to Docket Operations in                         part in this rulemaking by sending                    for the PC–24 because of a novel or
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                Room W12–140 of the West Building                        written comments, data, or views. The                 unusual design feature, special
                                                Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                          most helpful comments reference a                     conditions are prescribed under the
                                                Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                    specific portion of the special                       provisions of § 21.16.
                                                a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through                         conditions, explain the reason for any                   In addition to the applicable
                                                Friday, except Federal holidays.                                                                               airworthiness regulations and special
                                                   b Fax: Fax comments to Docket                           2 See http://rgl.faa.gov/ to review the listed      conditions, the PC–24 must comply
                                                Operations at 202–493–2251.                              special conditions.                                   with the fuel vent and exhaust emission


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 135 / Monday, July 17, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                          32619

                                                requirements of 14 CFR part 34, the                      change from those previously issued. It               guidance system may not result in a
                                                noise certification requirements of 14                   is unlikely that prior public comment                 transient any greater than a significant
                                                CFR part 36, and the FAA must issue a                    would result in a significant change                  transient, as defined in paragraph (l)(2)
                                                finding of regulatory adequacy pursuant                  from the substance contained herein.                  of this special condition.
                                                to section 611 of Public Law 92–574, the                 Therefore, notice and opportunity for                    (f) The function and direction of
                                                ‘‘Noise Control Act of 1972.’’                           prior public comments hereon are                      motion of each command reference
                                                   The FAA issues special conditions, as                 unnecessary and the FAA finds good                    control, such as heading select or
                                                defined in § 11.19, under § 11.38 and                    cause, in accordance with 5 U.S.C.                    vertical speed, must be plainly
                                                they become part of the type                             553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), making these              indicated on—or adjacent to—each
                                                certification basis under § 21.17(a)(2).                 special conditions effective upon                     control if necessary to prevent
                                                   Special conditions are initially                      issuance. The FAA is requesting                       inappropriate use or confusion.
                                                applicable to the model for which they                   comments to allow interested persons to                  (g) Under any condition of flight
                                                are issued. Should the type certificate                  submit views that may not have been                   appropriate to its use, the flight
                                                for that model be amended later to                       submitted in response to the prior                    guidance system may not produce
                                                include any other model that                             opportunities for comment described                   hazardous loads on the airplane, nor
                                                incorporates the same novel or unusual                   above.                                                create hazardous deviations in the flight
                                                design feature, the FAA would apply                                                                            path. This applies to both fault-free
                                                these special conditions to the other                    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                    operation and in the event of a
                                                models under § 21.101.                                     Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                malfunction and assumes that the pilot
                                                                                                         symbols.                                              begins corrective action within a
                                                Novel or Unusual Design Features                                                                               reasonable period of time.
                                                  The PC–24 will incorporate the                         Citation                                                 (h) When the flight guidance system
                                                following novel or unusual design                          The authority citation for these                    is in use, a means must be provided to
                                                features:                                                special conditions is as follows:                     avoid excursions beyond an acceptable
                                                Autothrust System                                          Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113          margin from the speed range of the
                                                                                                         and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.17; and 14             normal flight envelope. If the airplane
                                                Discussion                                                                                                     experiences an excursion outside this
                                                                                                         CFR 11.38 and 11.19.
                                                  As discussed in the ‘‘Background’’                                                                           range, a means must be provided to
                                                section, the PC–24 will incorporate an                   The Special Conditions                                prevent the flight guidance system from
                                                autothrust system, which is considered                   ■  Accordingly, pursuant to the authority             providing guidance or control to an
                                                a novel design for this type of airplane.                delegated to me by the Administrator,                 unsafe speed.
                                                The applicable airworthiness                             the following special conditions are                     (i) The flight guidance system
                                                regulations do not contain adequate or                   issued as part of the type certification              functions, controls, indications, and
                                                appropriate safety standards for this                    basis for Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC–24                 alerts must be designed to minimize
                                                design feature. Mandating additional                     airplanes.                                            flightcrew errors and confusion
                                                requirements—developed in part by                           1. Autothrust System.                              concerning the behavior and operation
                                                adapting the relevant portions 14 CFR                       For autothrust systems, in addition to             of the flight guidance system. Means
                                                25.1329 (automatic pilot systems)                        the requirements of §§ 23.143, 23.1309,               must be provided to indicate the current
                                                applicable to the autothrust system—                     and 23.1329 the following apply:                      mode of operation, including any armed
                                                along with FAA experience with similar                      (a) Quick disengagement controls for               modes, transitions, and reversions.
                                                autothrust systems. This additional                      the autothrust function must be                       Selector switch position is not an
                                                requirement mitigates the concerns                       provided for each pilot. The autothrust               acceptable means of indication. The
                                                associated with installation of the                      quick disengagement controls must be                  controls and indications must be
                                                autothrust system.                                       located on the thrust control levers.                 grouped and presented in a logical and
                                                                                                         Quick disengagement controls must be                  consistent manner. The indications
                                                Applicability                                            readily accessible to each pilot while                must be visible to each pilot under all
                                                   As discussed above, these special                     operating the thrust control levers.                  expected lighting conditions.
                                                conditions are applicable to the PC–24.                     (b) The effects of a failure of the                   (j) Following disengagement of the
                                                Should Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. apply at a                  system to disengage the autothrust                    autothrust function, a caution—visual
                                                later date for a change to the type                      function when manually commanded by                   and auditory—must be provided to each
                                                certificate to include another model on                  the pilot must be assessed in accordance              pilot.
                                                the same type certificate incorporating                  with the requirements of § 23.1309.                      (k) During autothrust operation, it
                                                the same novel or unusual design                            (c) Engagement or switching of the                 must be possible for the flightcrew to
                                                feature, the FAA would apply these                       flight guidance system, a mode or a                   move the thrust levers without requiring
                                                special conditions to that model as well.                sensor may not cause the auto thrust                  excessive force. The autothrust may not
                                                                                                         system to affect a transient response that            create a potential hazard when the
                                                Conclusion                                               alters the airplane’s flight path any                 flightcrew applies an override force to
                                                  This action affects only certain novel                 greater than a minor transient, as                    the thrust levers.
                                                or unusual design features on one model                  defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this                      (l) For purposes of this section, a
                                                of airplanes. It is not a rule of general                special condition.                                    transient is a disturbance in the control
                                                applicability and it affects only the                       (d) Under normal conditions, the                   or flight path of the airplane that is not
                                                applicant who applied to the FAA for                     disengagement of any automatic control                consistent with response to flightcrew
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                approval of these features on the                        function of a flight guidance system may              inputs or environmental conditions.
                                                airplane.                                                not cause a transient response of the                    (1) A minor transient would not
                                                  The substance of these special                         airplane’s flight path any greater than a             significantly reduce safety margins and
                                                conditions has been subjected to the                     minor transient.                                      would involve flightcrew actions that
                                                notice and comments period in several                       (e) Under rare normal and non-normal               are well within their capabilities. A
                                                prior instances—identified above—and                     conditions, disengagement of any                      minor transient may involve a slight
                                                has been derived without substantive                     automatic control function of a flight                increase in flightcrew workload or some


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                                                32620               Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 135 / Monday, July 17, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                                physical discomfort to passengers or                       The Director of the Federal Register                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                cabin crew.                                              approved the incorporation by reference
                                                                                                                                                               Discussion
                                                   (2) A significant transient may lead to               of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                                a significant reduction in safety                        as of August 1, 2017.                                    Transport Canada Civil Aviation
                                                margins, an increase in flightcrew                         We must receive comments on this                    (TCCA), which is the aviation authority
                                                workload, discomfort to the flightcrew,                  AD by August 31, 2017.                                for Canada, has issued Canadian AD
                                                or physical distress to the passengers or                ADDRESSES: You may send comments,                     CF–2017–12, dated March 10, 2017
                                                cabin crew, possibly including non-fatal                 using the procedures found in 14 CFR                  (referred to after this as the Mandatory
                                                injuries. Significant transients do not                  11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following              Continuing Airworthiness Information,
                                                require—in order to remain within or                     methods:                                              or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
                                                recover to the normal flight envelope—                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                 condition for certain Bombardier, Inc.
                                                any of the following:                                    http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                Model BD–100–1A10 airplanes. The
                                                   (i) Exceptional piloting skill,                       instructions for submitting comments.                 MCAI states:
                                                alertness, or strength.                                    • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                   During production, it was observed that
                                                   (ii) Forces applied by the pilot which                  • Mail: U.S. Department of                          some fasteners joining the machined rear
                                                are greater than those specified in                      Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 spar center fitting were installed with a gap
                                                § 23.143(c).                                                                                                   between the fastener head and the structure,
                                                                                                         30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                   (iii) Accelerations or attitudes in the                                                                     and others were installed tilted. Improperly
                                                                                                         W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  installed fasteners could cause a premature
                                                airplane that might result in further                    Washington, DC 20590.                                 failure of the fitting fasteners and cracking
                                                hazard to secured or non-secured                           • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                 within the fitting or frame, resulting in the
                                                occupants.                                               Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                 loss of structural integrity of the wing to
                                                  Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 6,            30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  fuselage attachment.
                                                2017.                                                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                     This [Canadian] AD mandates the removal
                                                                                                         Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5                  of all fasteners at the rear spar frame lower
                                                Kelly Broadway,
                                                                                                                                                               flange splice, inspection and rework [and
                                                Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate               p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   repair] of the holes, and fastener replacement
                                                Aircraft Certification Service.                          Federal holidays.                                     with self-aligning fasteners and self-aligning
                                                [FR Doc. 2017–14938 Filed 7–14–17; 8:45 am]                For service information identified in               collars.
                                                BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                         this final rule, contact Bombardier, Inc.,
                                                                                                                                                                 The inspections include a general
                                                                                                         400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
                                                                                                                                                               visual inspection of the fasteners for
                                                                                                         Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone:
                                                                                                                                                               damage (i.e., missing, broken, or
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                             514–855–5000; fax: 514–855–7401;
                                                                                                                                                               deformed), and an eddy current
                                                                                                         email: thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com;
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                                                                                inspection of the fastener holes for
                                                                                                         Internet: http://www.bombardier.com.
                                                                                                                                                               damage. Rework includes deburring and
                                                                                                         You may view this referenced service
                                                14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                 chamfering the holes.
                                                                                                         information at the FAA, Transport
                                                                                                                                                                 You may examine the MCAI on the
                                                                                                         Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2017–0696; Directorate                                                                         Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
                                                Identifier 2017–NM–070–AD; Amendment                     SW., Renton, WA. For information on
                                                                                                                                                               by searching for and locating Docket No.
                                                39–18960; AD 2017–14–16]                                 the availability of this material at the
                                                                                                                                                               FAA–2017–0696.
                                                                                                         FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
                                                RIN 2120–AA64                                            available on the Internet at http://                  Related Service Information Under 1
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  CFR Part 51
                                                Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
                                                Inc., Airplanes                                          and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                       Bombardier, Inc., has issued Service
                                                                                                         0696.                                                 Bulletin 100–53–32, dated February 16,
                                                AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                                                                      2017. The service information describes
                                                                                                         Examining the AD Docket
                                                Administration (FAA), DOT.                                                                                     procedures for removing and replacing
                                                ACTION: Final rule; request for                            You may examine the AD docket on                    the fasteners attaching the machined
                                                comments.                                                the Internet at http://                               center fitting to the rear spar frame
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov by searching for                  lower flange splice. The service
                                                SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new                        and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                     information also describes procedures
                                                airworthiness directive (AD) for certain                 0696; or in person at the Docket                      for inspecting the fasteners and fastener
                                                Bombardier, Inc., Model BD–100–1A10                      Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5                holes and reworking the fastener holes.
                                                airplanes. This AD requires removing                     p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   This service information is reasonably
                                                the fasteners attaching the machined                     Federal holidays. The AD docket                       available because the interested parties
                                                center fitting to the rear spar frame                    contains this AD, the regulatory                      have access to it through their normal
                                                lower flange splice, inspecting the                      evaluation, any comments received, and                course of business or by the means
                                                fasteners and fastener holes for damage,                 other information. The street address for             identified in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                reworking and repairing the fastener                     the Docket Operations office (telephone
                                                holes, as applicable, and replacing the                  800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES                     FAA’s Determination and Requirements
                                                fasteners. This AD was prompted by a                     section. Comments will be available in                of This AD
                                                report indicating that certain fasteners                 the AD docket shortly after receipt.                    This product has been approved by
                                                attaching the machined rear spar center                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz                 the aviation authority of another
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                fitting to the frame were installed with                 Ahmed, Airframe Engineer, Airframe                    country, and is approved for operation
                                                a gap between the fastener head and the                  and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–                   in the United States. Pursuant to our
                                                structure, or were installed tilted. We                  171, FAA, New York Aircraft                           bilateral agreement with the State of
                                                are issuing this AD to address the unsafe                Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart              Design Authority, we have been notified
                                                condition on these products.                             Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY                       of the unsafe condition described in the
                                                DATES: This AD becomes effective                         11590; telephone: 516–228–7329; fax:                  MCAI and service information
                                                August 1, 2017.                                          516–794–5531.                                         referenced above. We are issuing this


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Document Created: 2017-07-15 03:46:01
Document Modified: 2017-07-15 03:46:01
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal special conditions; request for comments.
DatesThese special conditions are effective July 17, 2017, and are applicable July 6, 2017.
ContactJeff Pretz, ACE-111, Federal Aviation Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust Street, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329- 3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090.
FR Citation82 FR 32618 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols

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