82_FR_41109 82 FR 40943 - Special Conditions: Game Composites Ltd., GB1 Airplane; Acrobatic Category Aerodynamic Stability

82 FR 40943 - Special Conditions: Game Composites Ltd., GB1 Airplane; Acrobatic Category Aerodynamic Stability

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 166 (August 29, 2017)

Page Range40943-40944
FR Document2017-18324

These special conditions are issued for the Game Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with static stability. This airplane can perform at the highest level of aerobatic competition. To be competitive, the airplane is designed with its lateral and directional axes being decoupled from each other; providing more precise maneuvering. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain 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 166 (Tuesday, August 29, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 29, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40943-40944]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18324]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 29, 2017 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 40943]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0651; Special Conditions No. 23-285-SC]


Special Conditions: Game Composites Ltd., GB1 Airplane; Acrobatic 
Category Aerodynamic Stability

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Game Composites 
Ltd. GB1 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design 
feature(s) associated with static stability. This airplane can perform 
at the highest level of aerobatic competition. To be competitive, the 
airplane is designed with its lateral and directional axes being 
decoupled from each other; providing more precise maneuvering. The 
applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special 
conditions contain the additional safety standards the Administrator 
considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that 
established by the existing airworthiness standards.

DATES: These special conditions are effective August 29, 2017 and are 
applicable on August 22, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ross Schaller, AIR-714, Federal 
Aviation Administration, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, Flight 
Test Branch, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329-4162; facsimile (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On March 10, 2014, Game Composite Ltd. applied for a type 
certificate for their new GB1 airplane. The GB1 is a single-engine 
airplane with a two-place tandem canopy cockpit. It features 
conventional landing gear, conventional low-wing planform, and is 
mostly constructed of carbon composite materials. The engine is a 
Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A, fitted with a model MTV-14-B-C/C190-130 4-blade 
MT-propeller. The airplane will be approved for Day-VFR operations 
(non-icing). The maximum takeoff weight is 2,200 pounds in acrobatic 
category with a maximum operating altitude of 15,000 feet. The never 
exceed speed (VNE) is 230 knots, the design cruise speed 
(VC) is 200 knots, and the design maneuvering speed 
(VA) is 175 knots.
    Acrobatic airplanes previously type certified by the FAA did comply 
with the stability provisions of part 23, subpart B. However, airplanes 
like the GB1 are considered as ``unlimited'' acrobatic airplanes 
because these airplanes can perform all the maneuvers listed in the 
Aresti Catalog. Generally, the evolution of the ``unlimited'' types of 
acrobatic airplanes, with very low mass, exceptional roll rates, and 
very high G capabilities--in addition to power to mass ratios--are 
unique to this type of airplane and have led to airplanes that cannot 
comply with the stability provisions of the regulations. These 
airplanes can be type certified in the acrobatic category only with an 
appropriate set of special conditions and associated limitations.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Game Composites Ltd. must 
show the GB1 meets the applicable provisions of part 23, as amended by 
amendments 23-1 through 23-62 thereto.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the GB1 because of a novel or unusual 
design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions 
of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended 
later to include any other model that incorporates the same or similar 
novel or unusual design feature, the FAA would apply these special 
conditions to the other model under Sec.  21.17(a)(2).
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the GB1 must comply with the fuel vent and exhaust emission 
requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise certification requirements 
of 14 CFR part 36 and the FAA must issue a finding of regulatory 
adequacy under Sec.  611 of Public Law 92-574, the ``Noise Control Act 
of 1972.''.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type-
certification basis under Sec.  21.17(a)(2).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The GB1 airplane will incorporate the following novel or unusual 
design features:
    For acrobatic category airplanes with unlimited acrobatic 
capability:
    Relaxed longitudinal and decoupled lateral static stability 
characteristics.

Discussion

    Sections 23.173 and 23.177 provide static stability criteria for 
longitudinal, lateral, and directional axes requirements for an 
airplane. However, these requirements are not adequate to address the 
specific issues raised in the flight characteristics of an unlimited 
aerobatic airplane. Therefore, the FAA has determined special 
conditions are needed--after a flight-test evaluation--to address the 
static stability characteristics of the GB1. Accordingly, these special 
conditions are for the Game Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane's static 
stability characteristics.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions No. 23-17-02-SC for the Game 
Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane was published in the Federal Register on 
July 3, 2017 (82 FR 30798). The FAA received one comment. The commenter 
suggested the FAA makes this special condition a standard for all 
unlimited aerobatic airplanes. The FAA agrees and published amendment 
23-64 in the Federal Register (81 FR 96572, December 30, 2016) with an 
effective date of August 30, 2017; moving from a prescriptive-based to 
a performance-based regulation. A goal of amendment 23-64 is to reduce 
the need for special conditions through the use of industry standards 
that can be applied--as the commenter suggests--to airplanes that meet 
the criteria for that standard. Until an industry standard is developed 
by an industry standards organization such as

[[Page 40944]]

ASTM International, SAE International, etc. these special conditions 
are required and adopted as proposed.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
GB1. Should Game Composites Ltd. apply at a later date for a change to 
the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same 
novel or unusual design feature the 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 Game 
Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane is imminent, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) 
the FAA finds that good cause exists to make these special conditions 
effective upon issuance.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability and 
it affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for approval of 
these features on the airplane.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

Citation

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Special Conditions

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special condition are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for Game Composites GB1 airplanes.
    1. Acrobatic Only Category Static Stability Requirements.
    a. In place of 14 CFR 23.173, ``Static longitudinal stability,'' 
comply with the following:

SC23.173 Static Longitudinal Stability

    Under the conditions in 14 CFR 23.175 and with the airplane trimmed 
as indicated, the characteristics of the elevator control forces and 
the friction within the control system must be as follows:
    (a) A pull must be required to obtain and maintain speeds below the 
specified trim speed and a push required to obtain and maintain speeds 
above the specified trim speed. This must be shown at any speed that 
can be obtained, except that speeds requiring a control force in excess 
of 40 pounds or speeds above the maximum allowable speed or below the 
minimum speed for steady unstalled flight need not be considered.
    (b) The stick force or position must vary with speed so any 
substantial speed change results in a stick force or position clearly 
perceptible to the pilot.
    b. In place of 14 CFR 23.177, ``Static directional and lateral 
stability,'' comply with the following:

SC23.177 Static Directional and Lateral Stability

    (a) The static directional stability, as shown by the tendency to 
recover from a wings level sideslip with the rudder free, must be 
positive for any landing gear and flap position appropriate to the 
takeoff, climb, cruise, approach, and landing configurations. This must 
be shown with symmetrical power up to maximum continuous power and at 
speeds from 1.2 VS1 to VO (maximum operating 
maneuvering speed); the rudder pedal force must not reverse.
    (b) In straight, steady slips at 1.2 VS1 for any landing 
gear and flap positions and for any symmetrical power conditions up to 
50 percent of maximum continuous power, the rudder control movements 
and forces must increase steadily--but not necessarily in constant 
proportion--as the angle of sideslip is increased up to the maximum 
appropriate for the type of airplane. The aileron control movements and 
forces may increase steadily, but not necessarily in constant 
proportion, as the angle of sideslip is increased up to the maximum 
appropriate for the type of airplane. At larger slip angles, up to the 
angle at which full rudder or aileron control is used or a control 
force limit contained in 14 CFR 23.143 is reached, the aileron and 
rudder control movements and forces must not reverse as the angle of 
sideslip is increased.
    Rapid entry into--and recovery from--a maximum sideslip considered 
appropriate for the airplane must not result in uncontrollable flight 
characteristics.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 22, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18324 Filed 8-28-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

40943 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 166 Tuesday, August 29, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER single-engine airplane with a two-place conditions, the GB1 must comply with contains regulatory documents having general tandem canopy cockpit. It features the fuel vent and exhaust emission applicability and legal effect, most of which conventional landing gear, conventional requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the are keyed to and codified in the Code of low-wing planform, and is mostly noise certification requirements of 14 Federal Regulations, which is published under constructed of carbon composite CFR part 36 and the FAA must issue a 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. materials. The engine is a Lycoming finding of regulatory adequacy under The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by AEIO–580–B1A, fitted with a model § 611 of Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise the Superintendent of Documents. MTV–14–B–C/C190–130 4-blade MT- Control Act of 1972.’’. propeller. The airplane will be approved The FAA issues special conditions, as for Day-VFR operations (non-icing). The defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION maximum takeoff weight is 2,200 with § 11.38, and they become part of pounds in acrobatic category with a the type-certification basis under Federal Aviation Administration maximum operating altitude of 15,000 § 21.17(a)(2). feet. The never exceed speed (VNE) is Novel or Unusual Design Features 14 CFR Part 23 230 knots, the design cruise speed (VC) [Docket No. FAA–2017–0651; Special is 200 knots, and the design The GB1 airplane will incorporate the Conditions No. 23–285–SC] maneuvering speed (VA) is 175 knots. following novel or unusual design Acrobatic airplanes previously type features: Special Conditions: Game Composites certified by the FAA did comply with For acrobatic category airplanes with Ltd., GB1 Airplane; Acrobatic Category the stability provisions of part 23, unlimited acrobatic capability: Aerodynamic Stability subpart B. However, airplanes like the Relaxed longitudinal and decoupled GB1 are considered as ‘‘unlimited’’ lateral static stability characteristics. AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. acrobatic airplanes because these Discussion airplanes can perform all the maneuvers ACTION: Final special conditions. Sections 23.173 and 23.177 provide listed in the Aresti Catalog. Generally, static stability criteria for longitudinal, SUMMARY: These special conditions are the evolution of the ‘‘unlimited’’ types lateral, and directional axes issued for the Game Composites Ltd. of acrobatic airplanes, with very low requirements for an airplane. However, GB1 airplane. This airplane will have a mass, exceptional roll rates, and very these requirements are not adequate to novel or unusual design feature(s) high G capabilities—in addition to power to mass ratios—are unique to this address the specific issues raised in the associated with static stability. This flight characteristics of an unlimited airplane can perform at the highest level type of airplane and have led to airplanes that cannot comply with the aerobatic airplane. Therefore, the FAA of aerobatic competition. To be has determined special conditions are competitive, the airplane is designed stability provisions of the regulations. These airplanes can be type certified in needed—after a flight-test evaluation— with its lateral and directional axes to address the static stability being decoupled from each other; the acrobatic category only with an appropriate set of special conditions characteristics of the GB1. Accordingly, providing more precise maneuvering. these special conditions are for the The applicable airworthiness and associated limitations. Game Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane’s regulations do not contain adequate or Type Certification Basis static stability characteristics. appropriate safety standards for this Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Discussion of Comments design feature. These special conditions Game Composites Ltd. must show the contain the additional safety standards Notice of proposed special conditions GB1 meets the applicable provisions of the Administrator considers necessary No. 23–17–02–SC for the Game part 23, as amended by amendments to establish a level of safety equivalent Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane was 23–1 through 23–62 thereto. to that established by the existing If the Administrator finds that the published in the Federal Register on airworthiness standards. applicable airworthiness regulations July 3, 2017 (82 FR 30798). The FAA DATES: These special conditions are (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain received one comment. The commenter effective August 29, 2017 and are adequate or appropriate safety standards suggested the FAA makes this special applicable on August 22, 2017. for the GB1 because of a novel or condition a standard for all unlimited FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. unusual design feature, special aerobatic airplanes. The FAA agrees and Ross Schaller, AIR–714, Federal conditions are prescribed under the published amendment 23–64 in the Aviation Administration, Compliance provisions of § 21.16. Federal Register (81 FR 96572, and Airworthiness Division, Flight Test Special conditions are initially December 30, 2016) with an effective Branch, Aircraft Certification Service, applicable to the model for which they date of August 30, 2017; moving from a 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri are issued. Should the type certificate prescriptive-based to a performance- 64106; telephone (816) 329–4162; for that model be amended later to based regulation. A goal of amendment jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES facsimile (816) 329–4090. include any other model that 23–64 is to reduce the need for special SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: incorporates the same or similar novel conditions through the use of industry or unusual design feature, the FAA standards that can be applied—as the Background would apply these special conditions to commenter suggests—to airplanes that On March 10, 2014, Game Composite the other model under § 21.17(a)(2). meet the criteria for that standard. Until Ltd. applied for a type certificate for In addition to the applicable an industry standard is developed by an their new GB1 airplane. The GB1 is a airworthiness regulations and special industry standards organization such as VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:04 Aug 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\29AUR1.SGM 29AUR1

40944 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 166 / Tuesday, August 29, 2017 / Rules and Regulations ASTM International, SAE International, must be shown at any speed that can be DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION etc. these special conditions are obtained, except that speeds requiring a required and adopted as proposed. control force in excess of 40 pounds or Federal Aviation Administration Applicability speeds above the maximum allowable speed or below the minimum speed for 14 CFR Part 91 As discussed above, these special steady unstalled flight need not be [Docket No. FAA–2017–0768; Amendment conditions are applicable to the GB1. considered. No. 91-?] Should Game Composites Ltd. apply at a later date for a change to the type (b) The stick force or position must RIN 2120–AL07 certificate to include another model vary with speed so any substantial incorporating the same novel or unusual speed change results in a stick force or Prohibition Against Certain Flights in design feature the FAA would apply position clearly perceptible to the pilot. the Damascus (OSTT) Flight these special conditions to that model as Information Region (FIR) b. In place of 14 CFR 23.177, ‘‘Static well. directional and lateral stability,’’ AGENCY: Federal Aviation Under standard practice, the effective comply with the following: Administration (FAA), Department of date of final special conditions would Transportation (DOT). be 30 days after the date of publication SC23.177 Static Directional and ACTION: Final rule. in the Federal Register; however, as the Lateral Stability certification date for the Game SUMMARY: This action reissues a Composites Ltd. GB1 airplane is (a) The static directional stability, as prohibition of certain flight operations imminent, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) shown by the tendency to recover from in the Damascus (OSTT) Flight the FAA finds that good cause exists to a wings level sideslip with the rudder Information Region (FIR) by all U.S. air make these special conditions effective free, must be positive for any landing carriers; U.S. commercial operators; upon issuance. gear and flap position appropriate to the persons exercising the privileges of an takeoff, climb, cruise, approach, and airman certificate issued by the FAA, Conclusion landing configurations. This must be except such persons operating a U.S.- This action affects only certain novel shown with symmetrical power up to registered aircraft for a foreign air or unusual design features on one model maximum continuous power and at carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered of airplane. It is not a rule of general speeds from 1.2 VS1 to VO (maximum civil aircraft, except where the operator applicability and it affects only the operating maneuvering speed); the is a foreign air carrier. The FAA finds applicant who applied to the FAA for rudder pedal force must not reverse. that this action is necessary to safeguard approval of these features on the against continuing hazards to persons (b) In straight, steady slips at 1.2 VS1 airplane. and aircraft engaged in such flight for any landing gear and flap positions List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23 operations. and for any symmetrical power conditions up to 50 percent of DATES: This final rule is effective on Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols. maximum continuous power, the rudder August 28, 2017. control movements and forces must FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Citation increase steadily—but not necessarily in Michael Filippell or Will Gonzalez, Air The authority citation for these constant proportion—as the angle of Transportation Division, AFS–220, special conditions is as follows: sideslip is increased up to the maximum Flight Standards Service, Federal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, appropriate for the type of airplane. The Aviation Administration, 800 44701–44702, 44704. aileron control movements and forces Independence Avenue SW., may increase steadily, but not Washington, DC 20591; telephone: 202– The Special Conditions 267–8166; email: michael.e.filippell@ necessarily in constant proportion, as Accordingly, pursuant to the the angle of sideslip is increased up to faa.gov or will.gonzalez@faa.gov. authority delegated to me by the the maximum appropriate for the type SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Administrator, the following special of airplane. At larger slip angles, up to I. Executive Summary condition are issued as part of the type the angle at which full rudder or aileron certification basis for Game Composites This action prohibits certain flight control is used or a control force limit operations in the Damascus (OSTT) GB1 airplanes. contained in 14 CFR 23.143 is reached, 1. Acrobatic Only Category Static Flight Information Region by all U.S. air the aileron and rudder control carriers; U.S. commercial operators; Stability Requirements. a. In place of 14 CFR 23.173, ‘‘Static movements and forces must not reverse persons exercising the privileges of an longitudinal stability,’’ comply with the as the angle of sideslip is increased. airman certificate issued by the FAA, following: Rapid entry into—and recovery except such persons operating a U.S.- from—a maximum sideslip considered registered aircraft for a foreign air SC23.173 Static Longitudinal Stability carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered appropriate for the airplane must not Under the conditions in 14 CFR result in uncontrollable flight civil aircraft, except where the operator 23.175 and with the airplane trimmed as characteristics. is a foreign air carrier. The FAA finds indicated, the characteristics of the this action necessary to safeguard elevator control forces and the friction Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August against continuing hazards to persons jstallworth on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with RULES within the control system must be as 22, 2017. and aircraft engaged in such flight follows: Pat Mullen, operations. (a) A pull must be required to obtain Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Special Federal Aviation Regulation and maintain speeds below the Aircraft Certification Service. No. 114, 14 CFR 91.1609, (SFAR 114) specified trim speed and a push [FR Doc. 2017–18324 Filed 8–28–17; 8:45 am] was first published on December 30, required to obtain and maintain speeds BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 2014 (79 FR 78299). Although an above the specified trim speed. This extension of SFAR No. 114, 14 CFR VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:04 Aug 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\29AUR1.SGM 29AUR1


Document Created: 2017-08-29 01:57:49
Document Modified: 2017-08-29 01:57:49
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal special conditions.
DatesThese special conditions are effective August 29, 2017 and are applicable on August 22, 2017.
ContactMr. Ross Schaller, AIR-714, Federal Aviation Administration, Compliance and Airworthiness Division, Flight Test Branch, Aircraft Certification Service, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329-4162; facsimile (816) 329-4090.
FR Citation82 FR 40943 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols
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