82_FR_57919 82 FR 57685 - Special Conditions: Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 Helicopters; Installation of Garmin International, Inc., Autopilot System

82 FR 57685 - Special Conditions: Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 Helicopters; Installation of Garmin International, Inc., Autopilot System

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 234 (December 7, 2017)

Page Range57685-57687
FR Document2017-26420

We propose special conditions for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters. These helicopters as modified by Garmin International, Inc., (Garmin) will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the Garmin Flight Control (GFC) 600H autopilot with stability and control augmentation system (AP/SCAS). The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 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 234 (Thursday, December 7, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 234 (Thursday, December 7, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57685-57687]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26420]


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

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

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


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 234 / Thursday, December 7, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 57685]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 27

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1130; Notice No. 27-043-SC]


Special Conditions: Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 
Helicopters; Installation of Garmin International, Inc., Autopilot 
System

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: We propose special conditions for Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters. These helicopters as modified by 
Garmin International, Inc., (Garmin) will have a novel or unusual 
design feature associated with the Garmin Flight Control (GFC) 600H 
autopilot with stability and control augmentation system (AP/SCAS). The 
applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 
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: Send your comments on or before January 22, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number [FAA-2017-1130] 
using any of the following methods:
    [ssquf] Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    [ssquf] 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.
    [ssquf] Hand Delivery or 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 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    [ssquf] Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://www.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: George Harrum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovations Division, 
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4087; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
    We 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 October 10, 2016, Garmin applied for a supplemental type 
certificate (STC) to install a GFC 600H AP/SCAS in Airbus Helicopters 
Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters. The Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 
helicopters are 14 CFR part 27 normal category, single turbine engine, 
conventional helicopters designed for civil operation. These helicopter 
models are capable of carrying up to five passengers with one pilot and 
have a maximum gross weight of up to 5,220 pounds, depending on the 
model configuration. The major design features include a 3-blade, fully 
articulated main rotor, an anti-torque tail rotor system, a skid 
landing gear, and a visual flight rule basic avionics configuration.
    Garmin proposes to modify these model helicopters by installing a 
SCAS with autopilot functions in 2 or 3 axes, depending on the number 
of servos installed. The possible failure conditions for this system, 
and their effect on the continued safe flight and landing of the 
helicopter, are more severe than those envisioned by the present rules. 
The present 14 CFR 27.1309(b) and (c) regulations do not adequately 
address the safety requirements for systems whose failures could result 
in ``catastrophic'' or ``hazardous/severe-major'' failure conditions, 
or for complex systems whose failures could result in ``major'' failure 
conditions. When these rules were promulgated, it was not envisioned 
that a normal category rotorcraft would use systems that are complex or 
whose failure could result in ``catastrophic'' or ``hazardous/severe-
major'' effects on the rotorcraft. This is particularly true with the 
application of new technology, new application of standard technology, 
or other applications not envisioned by the rule that affect safety. 
The Garmin AP/SCAS controls rotorcraft flight control surfaces. 
Possible failure modes exhibited by this system could result in a 
catastrophic event.

Type Certification Basis

    Under 14 CFR 21.101 and 21.115, Garmin must show that the Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters, as changed, continue 
to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by 
reference in Type Certificate No. H9EU or the applicable regulations in 
effect on the date of application for the change. The

[[Page 57686]]

regulations incorporated by reference in the type certificate are 
commonly referred to as the ``original type certification basis.'' The 
regulations incorporated by reference in Type Certificate No. H9EU are 
as follows:
    14 CFR 21.29 and part 27 effective February 1, 1965, plus 
Amendments 27-1 through 27-10.
    For aircraft incorporating mod. OP3369 (2370 kg/5225 lb mass 
extension), the following 14 CFR part 27 Amendments 27-1 through 27-40 
are replacing the same requirement from the certification basis above: 
27 Sec.  1; Sec.  21; Sec.  25; Sec.  27; Sec.  33; Sec.  45; Sec.  51; 
Sec.  65; Sec.  71; Sec.  73; Sec.  75; Sec.  79; Sec.  141; Sec.  143; 
Sec.  173; Sec.  175; Sec.  177; Sec.  241; Sec.  301; Sec.  303; Sec.  
305; Sec.  307; Sec.  309; Sec.  321; Sec.  337; Sec.  339; Sec.  341; 
Sec.  351; Sec.  471; Sec.  473; Sec.  501; Sec.  505; Sec.  521; Sec.  
547; Sec.  549; Sec.  563(b); Sec.  571; Sec.  602; Sec.  661; Sec.  
663; Sec.  695; Sec.  723; Sec.  725; Sec.  727; Sec.  737; Sec.  751; 
Sec.  753; Sec.  801(b)(d); Sec.  927(c); Sec.  1041; Sec.  1043; Sec.  
1045; Sec.  1301; Sec.  1501; Sec.  1519; Sec.  1529; Sec.  1581; Sec.  
1583; Sec.  1585; Sec.  1587; Sec.  1589.
    For AS350B3 aircraft incorporating mod. OP-4605 (installation of a 
fuel system improving crashworthiness), 14 CFR 27.561(c) at Amendment 
27-32 replaces the same requirement from the certification basis above 
for the following elements of the fuel tank lower structure affected by 
this modification: Cradles, longitudinal beams, X-stops and rods.
    Additionally, Garmin must comply with the equivalent level of 
safety findings, exemptions, and special conditions prescribed by the 
Administrator as part of the certification basis.
    The Administrator has determined the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (that is, 14 CFR part 27), as they pertain to this STC, do 
not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the Airbus 
Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters because of a novel or 
unusual design feature. Therefore, we propose to prescribe these 
special conditions under Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for an STC to change any 
other model included on the same type certificate to incorporate the 
same or similar novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions 
would also apply to the other model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, Garmin must show that the Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 
and AS350B3 helicopters, as changed, comply with 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.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopter will 
incorporate the following novel or unusual design features: A GFC 600H 
AP/SCAS. This GFC 600H AP/SCAS performs non-critical control functions. 
The GFC 600H AP/SCAS is a two or three axis system with the following 
novel functions: Limit cueing, level mode, and hover assist.

Discussion

    The proposed special condition clarifies the requirement to perform 
a proper failure analysis and also recognizes that the severity of 
failures can vary. Current industry standards and practices recognize 
five failure condition categories: Catastrophic, Hazardous, Major, 
Minor, and No-Safety Effect. The proposed special condition addresses 
the safety requirements for systems whose failures could result in 
catastrophic or hazardous/severe-major failure conditions and for 
complex systems whose failures could result in major failure 
conditions.
    To comply with the provisions of the special conditions, we propose 
to require that Garmin provide the FAA with a systems safety assessment 
(SSA) for the final GFC 600H AP/SCAS installation configuration that 
will adequately address the safety objectives established by a 
functional hazard assessment (FHA) and a preliminary system safety 
assessment (PSSA), including the fault tree analysis (FTA). This will 
ensure that all failure conditions and their resulting effects are 
adequately addressed for the installed GFC 600H AP/SCAS. The SSA 
process, FHA, PSSA, and FTA are all parts of the overall safety 
assessment process discussed in FAA Advisory Circular 27-1B, 
Certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft, and Society of Automotive 
Engineers document Aerospace Recommended Practice 4761, Guidelines and 
Methods for Conducting the Safety Assessment Process on Civil Airborne 
Systems and Equipment.
    These proposed special conditions would require that the GFC 600H 
AP/SCAS installed on Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and Model AS350B3 
helicopters meet the requirements to adequately address the failure 
effects identified by the FHA, and subsequently verified by the SSA, 
within the defined design integrity requirements.

Applicability

    These special conditions are applicable to Airbus Helicopters Model 
AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters. Should Garmin apply at a later date 
for an STC to modify any other model included on Type Certificate 
Number H9EU to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, 
the special conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

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

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 27

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Proposed Special Conditions

    Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the 
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis 
for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters modified 
by Garmin International, Inc. (Garmin).
    Instead of the requirements of 14 CFR 27.1309(b) and (c), the 
following must be met for certification of the Garmin Flight Control 
600H autopilot with stability and control augmentation system:
    (a) The equipment and systems must be designed and installed so 
that any equipment and system does not adversely affect the safety of 
the rotorcraft or its occupants.
    (b) The rotorcraft systems and associated components considered 
separately and in relation to other systems, must be designed and 
installed so that:
(1) The occurrence of any catastrophic failure condition is extremely 
improbable;
(2) The occurrence of any hazardous failure condition is extremely 
remote; and
(3) The occurrence of any major failure condition is remote.
(c) Information concerning an unsafe system operating condition must be 
provided in a timely manner to the crew to enable them to take 
appropriate corrective action. An appropriate alert must be provided if 
immediate pilot awareness and immediate or subsequent corrective

[[Page 57687]]

action is required. Systems and controls, including indications and 
annunciations, must be designed to minimize crew errors which could 
create additional hazards.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on November 29, 2017.
Larry M. Kelly,
Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-26420 Filed 12-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                 57685

                                                 Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                               Vol. 82, No. 234

                                                                                                                                                               Thursday, December 7, 2017



                                                 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    Room W12–140 of the West Building                     to install a GFC 600H AP/SCAS in
                                                 contains notices to the public of the proposed          Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                       Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and
                                                 issuance of rules and regulations. The                  Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 8                 AS350B3 helicopters. The Model
                                                 purpose of these notices is to give interested          a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through                      AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters are
                                                 persons an opportunity to participate in the            Friday, except Federal holidays.                      14 CFR part 27 normal category, single
                                                 rule making prior to the adoption of the final
                                                 rules.
                                                                                                            D Fax: Fax comments to Docket                      turbine engine, conventional helicopters
                                                                                                         Operations at 202–493–2251.                           designed for civil operation. These
                                                                                                            Privacy: The FAA will post all                     helicopter models are capable of
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            comments it receives, without change,                 carrying up to five passengers with one
                                                                                                         to http://www.regulations.gov, including              pilot and have a maximum gross weight
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         any personal information the                          of up to 5,220 pounds, depending on the
                                                                                                         commenter provides. Using the search                  model configuration. The major design
                                                 14 CFR Part 27                                          function of the docket Web site, anyone               features include a 3-blade, fully
                                                                                                         can find and read the electronic form of              articulated main rotor, an anti-torque
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1130; Notice No. 27–
                                                 043–SC]
                                                                                                         all comments received into any FAA                    tail rotor system, a skid landing gear,
                                                                                                         docket, including the name of the                     and a visual flight rule basic avionics
                                                 Special Conditions: Airbus Helicopters                  individual sending the comment (or                    configuration.
                                                 Model AS350B2 and AS350B3                               signing the comment for an association,                  Garmin proposes to modify these
                                                 Helicopters; Installation of Garmin                     business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s                   model helicopters by installing a SCAS
                                                 International, Inc., Autopilot System                   complete Privacy Act Statement can be                 with autopilot functions in 2 or 3 axes,
                                                                                                         found in the Federal Register published               depending on the number of servos
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),                installed. The possible failure
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.             conditions for this system, and their
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed special                         Docket: Background documents or                    effect on the continued safe flight and
                                                 conditions.                                             comments received may be read at                      landing of the helicopter, are more
                                                                                                         http://www.regulations.gov at any time.               severe than those envisioned by the
                                                 SUMMARY:   We propose special                           Follow the online instructions for                    present rules. The present 14 CFR
                                                 conditions for Airbus Helicopters Model                 accessing the docket or go to the Docket              27.1309(b) and (c) regulations do not
                                                 AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters.                        Operations in Room W12–140 of the                     adequately address the safety
                                                 These helicopters as modified by                        West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    requirements for systems whose failures
                                                 Garmin International, Inc., (Garmin)                    New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    could result in ‘‘catastrophic’’ or
                                                 will have a novel or unusual design                     DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday                ‘‘hazardous/severe-major’’ failure
                                                 feature associated with the Garmin                      through Friday, except Federal holidays.              conditions, or for complex systems
                                                 Flight Control (GFC) 600H autopilot                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      whose failures could result in ‘‘major’’
                                                 with stability and control augmentation                 George Harrum, Aerospace Engineer,                    failure conditions. When these rules
                                                 system (AP/SCAS). The applicable                        FAA, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,                     were promulgated, it was not
                                                 airworthiness regulations do not contain                Policy and Innovations Division, 10101                envisioned that a normal category
                                                 adequate or appropriate safety standards                Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 rotorcraft would use systems that are
                                                 for this design feature. These proposed                 telephone (817) 222–4087; email                       complex or whose failure could result in
                                                 special conditions contain the                          George.Harrum@faa.gov.                                ‘‘catastrophic’’ or ‘‘hazardous/severe-
                                                 additional safety standards that the                                                                          major’’ effects on the rotorcraft. This is
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 Administrator considers necessary to                                                                          particularly true with the application of
                                                 establish a level of safety equivalent to               Comments Invited                                      new technology, new application of
                                                 that established by the existing                                                                              standard technology, or other
                                                                                                            We invite interested people to take
                                                 airworthiness standards.                                                                                      applications not envisioned by the rule
                                                                                                         part in this rulemaking by sending
                                                 DATES: Send your comments on or                         written comments, data, or views. The                 that affect safety. The Garmin AP/SCAS
                                                 before January 22, 2018.                                most helpful comments reference a                     controls rotorcraft flight control
                                                 ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                     specific portion of the special                       surfaces. Possible failure modes
                                                 by docket number [FAA–2017–1130]                        conditions, explain the reason for any                exhibited by this system could result in
                                                 using any of the following methods:                     recommended change, and include                       a catastrophic event.
                                                   D Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                  supporting data.                                      Type Certification Basis
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov and follow                      We will consider all comments we
                                                 the online instructions for sending your                receive on or before the closing date for               Under 14 CFR 21.101 and 21.115,
                                                 comments electronically.                                comments. We will consider comments                   Garmin must show that the Airbus
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                                                   D Mail: Send comments to Docket                       filed late if it is possible to do so                 Helicopters Model AS350B2 and
                                                 Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                    without incurring expense or delay. We                AS350B3 helicopters, as changed,
                                                 Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   may change these special conditions                   continue to meet the applicable
                                                 Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                          based on the comments we receive.                     provisions of the regulations
                                                 Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC                                                                         incorporated by reference in Type
                                                 20590–0001.                                             Background                                            Certificate No. H9EU or the applicable
                                                   D Hand Delivery or Courier: Take                        On October 10, 2016, Garmin applied                 regulations in effect on the date of
                                                 comments to Docket Operations in                        for a supplemental type certificate (STC)             application for the change. The


                                            VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:04 Dec 06, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM   07DEP1


                                                 57686                Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 234 / Thursday, December 7, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 regulations incorporated by reference in                  The FAA issues special conditions, as               Applicability
                                                 the type certificate are commonly                       defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance                  These special conditions are
                                                 referred to as the ‘‘original type                      with § 11.38 and they become part of the              applicable to Airbus Helicopters Model
                                                 certification basis.’’ The regulations                  type certification basis under § 21.101.              AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopters.
                                                 incorporated by reference in Type                                                                             Should Garmin apply at a later date for
                                                 Certificate No. H9EU are as follows:                    Novel or Unusual Design Features
                                                                                                                                                               an STC to modify any other model
                                                    14 CFR 21.29 and part 27 effective                     The Airbus Helicopters Model                        included on Type Certificate Number
                                                 February 1, 1965, plus Amendments 27–                   AS350B2 and AS350B3 helicopter will                   H9EU to incorporate the same novel or
                                                 1 through 27–10.                                        incorporate the following novel or                    unusual design feature, the special
                                                    For aircraft incorporating mod.                      unusual design features: A GFC 600H                   conditions would apply to that model as
                                                 OP3369 (2370 kg/5225 lb mass                            AP/SCAS. This GFC 600H AP/SCAS                        well.
                                                 extension), the following 14 CFR part 27                performs non-critical control functions.
                                                 Amendments 27–1 through 27–40 are                       The GFC 600H AP/SCAS is a two or                      Conclusion
                                                 replacing the same requirement from the                 three axis system with the following                    This action affects only certain novel
                                                 certification basis above: 27 § 1; § 21;                novel functions: Limit cueing, level                  or unusual design features on two
                                                 § 25; § 27; § 33; § 45; § 51; § 65; § 71;               mode, and hover assist.                               model helicopters. It is not a rule of
                                                 § 73; § 75; § 79; § 141; § 143; § 173; § 175;                                                                 general applicability and affects only
                                                 § 177; § 241; § 301; § 303; § 305; § 307;               Discussion                                            the applicant who applied to the FAA
                                                 § 309; § 321; § 337; § 339; § 341; § 351;                                                                     for approval of these features.
                                                                                                            The proposed special condition
                                                 § 471; § 473; § 501; § 505; § 521; § 547;
                                                                                                         clarifies the requirement to perform a                List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 27
                                                 § 549; § 563(b); § 571; § 602; § 661; § 663;
                                                                                                         proper failure analysis and also
                                                 § 695; § 723; § 725; § 727; § 737; § 751;                                                                       Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
                                                                                                         recognizes that the severity of failures
                                                 § 753; § 801(b)(d); § 927(c); § 1041;                                                                         and recordkeeping requirements.
                                                                                                         can vary. Current industry standards
                                                 § 1043; § 1045; § 1301; § 1501; § 1519;                                                                         The authority citation for these
                                                                                                         and practices recognize five failure
                                                 § 1529; § 1581; § 1583; § 1585; § 1587;                                                                       special conditions is as follows:
                                                                                                         condition categories: Catastrophic,
                                                 § 1589.
                                                                                                         Hazardous, Major, Minor, and No-Safety                  Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
                                                    For AS350B3 aircraft incorporating
                                                                                                         Effect. The proposed special condition                44702, 44704.
                                                 mod. OP–4605 (installation of a fuel
                                                                                                         addresses the safety requirements for                 The Proposed Special Conditions
                                                 system improving crashworthiness), 14
                                                                                                         systems whose failures could result in
                                                 CFR 27.561(c) at Amendment 27–32                                                                                 Accordingly, the Federal Aviation
                                                                                                         catastrophic or hazardous/severe-major
                                                 replaces the same requirement from the                                                                        Administration (FAA) proposes the
                                                                                                         failure conditions and for complex
                                                 certification basis above for the                                                                             following special conditions as part of
                                                                                                         systems whose failures could result in
                                                 following elements of the fuel tank                                                                           the type certification basis for Airbus
                                                                                                         major failure conditions.
                                                 lower structure affected by this                                                                              Helicopters Model AS350B2 and
                                                 modification: Cradles, longitudinal                        To comply with the provisions of the
                                                                                                                                                               AS350B3 helicopters modified by
                                                 beams, X-stops and rods.                                special conditions, we propose to
                                                                                                                                                               Garmin International, Inc. (Garmin).
                                                    Additionally, Garmin must comply                     require that Garmin provide the FAA
                                                                                                                                                                  Instead of the requirements of 14 CFR
                                                 with the equivalent level of safety                     with a systems safety assessment (SSA)
                                                                                                                                                               27.1309(b) and (c), the following must
                                                 findings, exemptions, and special                       for the final GFC 600H AP/SCAS
                                                                                                                                                               be met for certification of the Garmin
                                                 conditions prescribed by the                            installation configuration that will
                                                                                                                                                               Flight Control 600H autopilot with
                                                 Administrator as part of the certification              adequately address the safety objectives
                                                                                                                                                               stability and control augmentation
                                                 basis.                                                  established by a functional hazard
                                                                                                                                                               system:
                                                    The Administrator has determined the                 assessment (FHA) and a preliminary                       (a) The equipment and systems must
                                                 applicable airworthiness regulations                    system safety assessment (PSSA),                      be designed and installed so that any
                                                 (that is, 14 CFR part 27), as they pertain              including the fault tree analysis (FTA).              equipment and system does not
                                                 to this STC, do not contain adequate or                 This will ensure that all failure                     adversely affect the safety of the
                                                 appropriate safety standards for the                    conditions and their resulting effects are            rotorcraft or its occupants.
                                                 Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and                    adequately addressed for the installed                   (b) The rotorcraft systems and
                                                 AS350B3 helicopters because of a novel                  GFC 600H AP/SCAS. The SSA process,                    associated components considered
                                                 or unusual design feature. Therefore, we                FHA, PSSA, and FTA are all parts of the               separately and in relation to other
                                                 propose to prescribe these special                      overall safety assessment process                     systems, must be designed and installed
                                                 conditions under § 21.16.                               discussed in FAA Advisory Circular 27–                so that:
                                                    Special conditions are initially                     1B, Certification of Normal Category                  (1) The occurrence of any catastrophic
                                                 applicable to the model for which they                  Rotorcraft, and Society of Automotive                       failure condition is extremely
                                                 are issued. Should the applicant apply                  Engineers document Aerospace                                improbable;
                                                 for an STC to change any other model                    Recommended Practice 4761,                            (2) The occurrence of any hazardous
                                                 included on the same type certificate to                Guidelines and Methods for Conducting                       failure condition is extremely
                                                 incorporate the same or similar novel or                the Safety Assessment Process on Civil                      remote; and
                                                 unusual design feature, the special                     Airborne Systems and Equipment.                       (3) The occurrence of any major failure
                                                 conditions would also apply to the other                   These proposed special conditions                        condition is remote.
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                                                 model under § 21.101.                                   would require that the GFC 600H AP/                   (c) Information concerning an unsafe
                                                    In addition to the applicable                        SCAS installed on Airbus Helicopters                     system operating condition must be
                                                 airworthiness regulations and special                   Model AS350B2 and Model AS350B3                          provided in a timely manner to the
                                                 conditions, Garmin must show that the                   helicopters meet the requirements to                     crew to enable them to take
                                                 Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B2 and                    adequately address the failure effects                   appropriate corrective action. An
                                                 AS350B3 helicopters, as changed,                        identified by the FHA, and subsequently                  appropriate alert must be provided if
                                                 comply with the noise certification                     verified by the SSA, within the defined                  immediate pilot awareness and
                                                 requirements of 14 CFR part 36.                         design integrity requirements.                           immediate or subsequent corrective


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 234 / Thursday, December 7, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                          57687

                                                    action is required. Systems and                      Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 8                 authority digital FBW FCS that provides
                                                    controls, including indications and                  a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through                      for aircraft control through pilot input
                                                    annunciations, must be designed to                   Friday, except Federal holidays.                      and coupled flight director modes.
                                                    minimize crew errors which could                        b Fax: Fax comments to Docket                      Current regulations are inadequate in
                                                    create additional hazards.                           Operations at 202–493–2251.                           the area of pilot awareness of the flight
                                                   Issued in Fort Worth, Texas on November                  Privacy: The FAA will post all                     control modes while operating the
                                                 29, 2017.                                               comments it receives, without change,                 helicopter. The proposed special
                                                 Larry M. Kelly,                                         to http://www.regulations.gov, including              condition will require that suitable
                                                                                                         any personal information the                          mode annunciation be provided to the
                                                 Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy
                                                 and Innovation Division, Aircraft                       commenter provides. Using the search                  flight crew for events that significantly
                                                 Certification Service.                                  function of the docket Web site, anyone               change the operating mode of the
                                                 [FR Doc. 2017–26420 Filed 12–6–17; 8:45 am]             can find and read the electronic form of              system but do not merit the traditional
                                                                                                         all comments received into any FAA                    warnings, cautions, and advisories.
                                                 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                         docket, including the name of the                     Type Certification Basis
                                                                                                         individual sending the comment (or
                                                                                                         signing the comment for an association,                  Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17,
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                         business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s                   BHTI must show that the Model 525
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         complete Privacy Act Statement can be                 helicopter meets the applicable
                                                                                                         found in the Federal Register published               provisions of part 29, as amended by
                                                 14 CFR Part 29                                          on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),                Amendment 29–1 through 29–55
                                                                                                         as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.             thereto. The BHTI Model 525
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1129; Notice No. 29–                                                                     certification basis date is December 31,
                                                                                                            Docket: Background documents or
                                                 042–SC]                                                                                                       2013, the effective date of application to
                                                                                                         comments received may be read at
                                                                                                         http://www.regulations.gov at any time.               the FAA.
                                                 Special Conditions: Bell Helicopter                                                                              If the Administrator finds that the
                                                 Textron, Inc. (BHTI), Model 525                         Follow the online instructions for
                                                                                                         accessing the docket or go to the Docket              applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                 Helicopter; Mode Annunciation                                                                                 (i.e., 14 CFR part 29) do not contain
                                                                                                         Operations in Room W12–140 of the
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    adequate or appropriate safety standards
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    for the BHTI Model 525 because of a
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed special                      DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday                novel or unusual design feature, special
                                                 conditions.                                             through Friday, except Federal holidays.              conditions are prescribed under the
                                                                                                                                                               provisions of § 21.16.
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         Special conditions are initially
                                                 SUMMARY:    We propose special                          George Harrum, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                 conditions for the BHTI Model 525                                                                             applicable to the model for which they
                                                                                                         Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and               are issued. Should the type certificate
                                                 helicopter. This helicopter will have a                 Innovation Division, FAA, 10101
                                                 novel or unusual design feature                                                                               for that model be amended later to
                                                                                                         Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;                 include any other model that
                                                 associated with fly-by-wire flight                      telephone (817) 222–4087; email
                                                 control system (FBW FCS) functions                                                                            incorporates the same or similar novel
                                                                                                         George.Harrum@faa.gov.                                or unusual design feature, the special
                                                 that affect the pilot awareness of the
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            conditions would also apply to the other
                                                 flight control modes while operating the
                                                 helicopter. The applicable airworthiness                Comments Invited                                      model under § 21.101.
                                                 regulations do not contain adequate or                                                                           In addition to the applicable
                                                                                                            We invite interested people to take                airworthiness regulations and special
                                                 appropriate safety standards for this
                                                                                                         part in this rulemaking by sending                    conditions, the BHTI Model 525
                                                 design feature. These proposed special
                                                                                                         written comments, data, or views. The                 helicopter must comply with the noise
                                                 conditions contain the additional safety
                                                                                                         most helpful comments reference a                     certification requirements of 14 CFR
                                                 standards that the Administrator
                                                                                                         specific portion of the special                       part 36, and the FAA must issue a
                                                 considers necessary to establish a level
                                                                                                         conditions, explain the reason for any                finding of regulatory adequacy under
                                                 of safety equivalent to that established
                                                                                                         recommended change, and include                       § 611 of Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise
                                                 by the existing airworthiness standards.
                                                                                                         supporting data.                                      Control Act of 1972.’’
                                                 DATES: Send your comments on or                            We will consider all comments we                      The FAA issues special conditions, as
                                                 before January 22, 2018.                                receive on or before the closing date for             defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
                                                 ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                     comments. We will consider comments                   with § 11.38, and they become part of
                                                 by docket number [FAA–2017–XXXX]                        filed late if it is possible to do so                 the type-certification basis under
                                                 using any of the following methods:                     without incurring expense or delay. We                § 21.17(a)(2).
                                                    b Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                 may change these special conditions
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov and follow                   based on the comments we receive.                     Novel or Unusual Design Features
                                                 the online instructions for sending your                                                                        The BHTI Model 525 helicopter will
                                                 comments electronically.                                Background                                            incorporate the following novel or
                                                    b Mail: Send comments to Docket                        On December 15, 2011, BHTI applied                  unusual design features: A four-axis full
                                                 Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                    for a type certificate for a new transport            authority digital FBW FCS. Pilot control
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   category helicopter designated as the                 inputs, through the mechanically linked
                                                 Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                          Model 525. The aircraft is a medium                   cockpit controls (cyclic, collective,
                                                 Building Ground Floor, Washington,                      twin-engine rotorcraft. The design                    directional pedals), are transmitted
                                                 DC, 20590–0001.                                         maximum takeoff weight is 20,500                      electrically to each of the three Flight
                                                    b Hand Delivery of Courier: Take                     pounds, with a maximum capacity of 19                 Control Computers (FCCs). The pilot
                                                 comments to Docket Operations in                        passengers and a crew of 2.                           control input signals are then processed
                                                 Room W12–140 of the West Building                         The BHTI Model 525 helicopter will                  and transmitted to the hydraulic flight
                                                 Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                         be equipped with a four-axis full                     control actuators which affect control of


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Document Created: 2017-12-07 00:34:35
Document Modified: 2017-12-07 00:34:35
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed special conditions.
DatesSend your comments on or before January 22, 2018.
ContactGeorge Harrum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovations Division, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4087; email [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 57685 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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