83_FR_54265 83 FR 54057 - Special Conditions: Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.; Textron Aviation, Inc. Model B200-Series Airplanes; Autothrust Functions

83 FR 54057 - Special Conditions: Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.; Textron Aviation, Inc. Model B200-Series Airplanes; Autothrust Functions

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 208 (October 26, 2018)

Page Range54057-54059
FR Document2018-22661

This action proposes special conditions for Textron Aviation, Inc. B200-series airplanes. These airplanes as modified by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with an autothrust system. 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 the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 208 (Friday, October 26, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 208 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54057-54059]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22661]


========================================================================
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. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 54057]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0918; Notice No. 23-18-03-SC]


Special Conditions: Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.; Textron 
Aviation, Inc. Model B200-Series Airplanes; Autothrust Functions

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for Textron Aviation, 
Inc. B200-series airplanes. These airplanes as modified by Innovative 
Solutions & Support, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature 
associated with an autothrust system. 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 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 December 10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2018-0918 
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 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.
    [ssquf] 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 
website, 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, AIR-691, Regulations & 
Policy Section, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Policy & Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone 
(816) 329-3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090; 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 ask 
that you send us two copies of written comments.
    We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing 
date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is 
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change 
these special conditions based on the comments we receive.

Background

    On December 14, 2017, Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc. 
(Innovative Solutions), applied for a supplemental type certificate for 
installation of an autothrust system (ATS)--also known as an 
autothrottle system--in Textron Aviation, Inc., (Textron) B200-series 
airplanes. The B200-series airplanes are powered by two Pratt & Whitney 
PT6A turbo-propeller engines--depending on airplane model--that can 
carry thirteen passengers, including two-flightcrew members. These 
airplanes have a service ceiling up to 35,000-feet and a maximum 
takeoff weight of up to 12,500 pounds in the normal category. These 
airplanes are approved for single-pilot operation.
    The installation of an ATS in Textron B200-series airplanes is 
intended to reduce pilot workload. The ATS is useable in all phases of 
flight except below decision height on approach. The system includes a 
torque and airspeed mode along with monitors to prevent the system from 
exceeding critical engine or airspeed limits. Throttle movement is 
provided by a stepper motor acting through a linear actuator, which 
acts as a link between the stepper motor and throttle. The liner 
actuator can be overridden by pilot movement of the throttle and 
automatically disengages upon disagreement in the expected throttle 
position versus its actual position.
    Section 23.1329, amendment 23-49, only contained requirements for 
automatic pilot systems that act on the airplane flight controls. 
Autothrust systems are automatic systems that act on the thrust 
controls. These systems provide enhanced automation and safety, but may 
also introduce pilot confusion, countering the safety benefit. 14 CFR 
25.1329, amendment 25-119, addresses these concerns. Therefore, these 
proposed special conditions are based on Sec.  25.1329 and provide 
additional requirements to standardize the pilot interface and system 
behavior and enhance pilot awareness of system active and armed modes.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101, Innovative Solutions must 
show that B200-series airplanes, as changed, continue to meet the 
applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by reference in 
Type Certificate (TC) No. A24CE \1\ or the

[[Page 54058]]

applicable regulations in effect on the date of application for the 
change. The regulations incorporated by reference in the type 
certificate are commonly referred to as the ``original type 
certification basis.'' The regulations incorporated by reference in TC 
No. A24CE are as follows: 14 CFR part 23, amendments 23-1 through 23-9, 
plus various later part 23 amendments--depending on the model and 
serial number of the airplane--as noted on Type Certification Data 
Sheet A24CE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See http://rgl.faa.gov/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the Administrator finds the applicable airworthiness regulations 
(i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety 
standards for B200-series airplanes 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(s) for 
which they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a supplemental 
type certificate to modify any other model included on the same type 
certificate to incorporate the same or similar novel or unusual design 
feature, the FAA would apply these special conditions to the other 
model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, B200-series airplanes must comply with the fuel vent and 
exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise 
certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type-
certification basis under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    Textron B200-series airplanes will incorporate the following novel 
or unusual design features:
    Autothrust system, which provides commands to two linear actuators, 
one attached to each throttle lever, that automatically control thrust 
on each engine. The autothrust system can be operated in either Torque 
Control Mode or Airspeed Mode.

Discussion

    The current part 23 airworthiness regulations do not contain 
appropriate safety standards for an ATS installation; hence, the need 
for special conditions. However, part 25 regulations contain 
appropriate airworthiness standards; therefore, these proposed special 
conditions are derived from 14 CFR 25.1329, amendment 25-119. Sections 
23.143, amendment 23-50, and 23.1309, amendment 23-62, would be used 
instead of the corresponding part 25 regulations referenced in Sec.  
25.1329.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to 
Textron B200-series airplanes. Should Innovative Solutions apply at a 
later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other 
model included on TC No. A24CE to incorporate the same novel or unusual 
design feature, the FAA would apply these special conditions to that 
model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model series 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704, 
Pub. L. 113-53, 127 Stat. 584 (49 U.S.C. 44704) note.

The Proposed Special Conditions

0
Accordingly, the FAA proposes the following special conditions as part 
of the type certification basis for Textron Aviation, Inc., B200-series 
airplanes as modified by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.

1. Autothrottle System

    In addition to the requirements of Sec. Sec.  23.143, 23.1309, and 
23.1329, the following apply:
    (a) Quick disengagement controls for the autothrust functions 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 functions when manually commanded by the pilot must be 
assessed in accordance with the requirements of Sec.  23.1309.
    (c) Engagement or switching of the flight guidance system, a mode, 
or a sensor may not cause the autothrust system to affect a transient 
response that alters the airplane's flight path any greater than a 
minor transient, as defined in paragraph (1)(l)(1) of this section.
    (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 (1)(l)(2) of this section.
    (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 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 flight crew 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

[[Page 54059]]

consistent with response to flight crew 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 flight 
crew workload or some physical discomfort to passengers or cabin crew.
    (2) A significant transient may lead to a significant reduction in 
safety margins, an increase in flight crew 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 that 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 October 10, 2018.
Jacqueline Jambor,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-22661 Filed 10-25-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                               54057

                                                Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                              Vol. 83, No. 208

                                                                                                                                                              Friday, October 26, 2018



                                                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                       Solutions), applied for a supplemental
                                                contains notices to the public of the proposed          Friday, except Federal holidays.                      type certificate for installation of an
                                                issuance of rules and regulations. The                    D Fax: Fax comments to Docket                       autothrust system (ATS)—also known as
                                                purpose of these notices is to give interested          Operations at 202–493–2251.                           an autothrottle system—in Textron
                                                persons an opportunity to participate in the              Privacy: The FAA will post all                      Aviation, Inc., (Textron) B200-series
                                                rule making prior to the adoption of the final
                                                                                                        comments it receives, without change,                 airplanes. The B200-series airplanes are
                                                rules.
                                                                                                        to http://regulations.gov, including any              powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A
                                                                                                        personal information the commenter                    turbo-propeller engines—depending on
                                                DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            provides. Using the search function of                airplane model—that can carry thirteen
                                                                                                        the docket website, anyone can find and               passengers, including two-flightcrew
                                                Federal Aviation Administration                         read the electronic form of all comments              members. These airplanes have a service
                                                                                                        received into any FAA docket,                         ceiling up to 35,000-feet and a
                                                14 CFR Part 23                                          including the name of the individual                  maximum takeoff weight of up to 12,500
                                                                                                        sending the comment (or signing the                   pounds in the normal category. These
                                                [Docket No. FAA–2018–0918; Notice No. 23–
                                                18–03–SC]
                                                                                                        comment for an association, business,                 airplanes are approved for single-pilot
                                                                                                        labor union, etc.). DOT’s complete                    operation.
                                                Special Conditions: Innovative                          Privacy Act Statement can be found in                   The installation of an ATS in Textron
                                                Solutions & Support, Inc.; Textron                      the Federal Register published on April               B200-series airplanes is intended to
                                                Aviation, Inc. Model B200-Series                        11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), as well                 reduce pilot workload. The ATS is
                                                Airplanes; Autothrust Functions                         as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.                     useable in all phases of flight except
                                                                                                          Docket: Background documents or                     below decision height on approach. The
                                                AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                comments received may be read at                      system includes a torque and airspeed
                                                Administration (FAA), DOT.                              http://www.regulations.gov at any time.               mode along with monitors to prevent
                                                ACTION: Notice of proposed special                      Follow the online instructions for                    the system from exceeding critical
                                                conditions.                                             accessing the docket or go to the Docket              engine or airspeed limits. Throttle
                                                                                                        Operations in Room W12–140 of the                     movement is provided by a stepper
                                                SUMMARY:   This action proposes special                 West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    motor acting through a linear actuator,
                                                conditions for Textron Aviation, Inc.                   New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington,                     which acts as a link between the stepper
                                                B200-series airplanes. These airplanes                  DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday                motor and throttle. The liner actuator
                                                as modified by Innovative Solutions &                   through Friday, except Federal holidays.              can be overridden by pilot movement of
                                                Support, Inc., will have a novel or                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff                 the throttle and automatically
                                                unusual design feature associated with                  Pretz, AIR–691, Regulations & Policy                  disengages upon disagreement in the
                                                an autothrust system. The applicable                    Section, Small Airplane Standards                     expected throttle position versus its
                                                airworthiness regulations do not contain                Branch, Policy & Innovation Division,                 actual position.
                                                adequate or appropriate safety standards                Aircraft Certification Service, Federal                 Section 23.1329, amendment 23–49,
                                                for this design feature. These proposed                 Aviation Administration, 901 Locust;                  only contained requirements for
                                                special conditions contain the                          Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone                automatic pilot systems that act on the
                                                additional safety standards the                         (816) 329–3239; facsimile (816) 329–                  airplane flight controls. Autothrust
                                                Administrator considers necessary to                    4090; email Jeff.Pretz@faa.gov.                       systems are automatic systems that act
                                                establish a level of safety equivalent to                                                                     on the thrust controls. These systems
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                that established by the existing                                                                              provide enhanced automation and
                                                airworthiness standards.                                Comments Invited                                      safety, but may also introduce pilot
                                                DATES: Send your comments on or                            We invite interested people to take                confusion, countering the safety benefit.
                                                before December 10, 2018.                               part in this rulemaking by sending                    14 CFR 25.1329, amendment 25–119,
                                                ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                     written comments, data, or views. The                 addresses these concerns. Therefore,
                                                by docket number FAA–2018–0918                          most helpful comments reference a                     these proposed special conditions are
                                                using any of the following methods:                     specific portion of the special                       based on § 25.1329 and provide
                                                  D Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                  conditions, explain the reason for any                additional requirements to standardize
                                                http://www.regulations.gov and follow                   recommended change, and include                       the pilot interface and system behavior
                                                the online instructions for sending your                supporting data. We ask that you send                 and enhance pilot awareness of system
                                                comments electronically.                                us two copies of written comments.                    active and armed modes.
                                                  D Mail: Send comments to Docket                          We will consider all comments we                   Type Certification Basis
                                                Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                    receive on or before the closing date for
                                                Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   comments. We will consider comments                     Under the provisions of § 21.101,
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL




                                                Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West                           filed late if it is possible to do so                 Innovative Solutions must show that
                                                Building Ground Floor, Washington,                      without incurring expense or delay. We                B200-series airplanes, as changed,
                                                DC, 20590–0001.                                         may change these special conditions                   continue to meet the applicable
                                                  D Hand Delivery of Courier: Take                      based on the comments we receive.                     provisions of the regulations
                                                comments to Docket Operations in                                                                              incorporated by reference in Type
                                                Room W12–140 of the West Building                       Background                                            Certificate (TC) No. A24CE 1 or the
                                                Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                           On December 14, 2017, Innovative
                                                Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9                    Solutions & Support, Inc. (Innovative                   1 See   http://rgl.faa.gov/.



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                                                54058                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                applicable regulations in effect on the                 instead of the corresponding part 25                  function of a flight guidance system may
                                                date of application for the change. The                 regulations referenced in § 25.1329.                  not cause a transient response of the
                                                regulations incorporated by reference in                                                                      airplane’s flight path any greater than a
                                                                                                        Applicability
                                                the type certificate are commonly                                                                             minor transient.
                                                referred to as the ‘‘original type                        As discussed above, these special                      (e) Under rare normal and non-normal
                                                certification basis.’’ The regulations                  conditions are applicable to Textron                  conditions, disengagement of any
                                                incorporated by reference in TC No.                     B200-series airplanes. Should                         automatic control function of a flight
                                                A24CE are as follows: 14 CFR part 23,                   Innovative Solutions apply at a later                 guidance system may not result in a
                                                amendments 23–1 through 23–9, plus                      date for a supplemental type certificate              transient any greater than a significant
                                                various later part 23 amendments—                       to modify any other model included on                 transient, as defined in paragraph
                                                depending on the model and serial                       TC No. A24CE to incorporate the same                  (1)(l)(2) of this section.
                                                number of the airplane—as noted on                      novel or unusual design feature, the                     (f) The function and direction of
                                                Type Certification Data Sheet A24CE.                    FAA would apply these special                         motion of each command reference
                                                   If the Administrator finds the                       conditions to that model as well.                     control, such as heading select or
                                                applicable airworthiness regulations                    Conclusion                                            vertical speed, must be plainly
                                                (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain                                                                         indicated on, or adjacent to, each
                                                                                                          This action affects only certain novel
                                                adequate or appropriate safety standards                                                                      control if necessary to prevent
                                                                                                        or unusual design features on one model
                                                for B200-series airplanes because of a                                                                        inappropriate use or confusion.
                                                                                                        series of airplanes. It is not a rule of
                                                novel or unusual design feature, special                                                                         (g) Under any condition of flight
                                                                                                        general applicability and it affects only
                                                conditions are prescribed under the                                                                           appropriate to its use, the flight
                                                                                                        the applicant who applied to the FAA
                                                provisions of § 21.16.                                                                                        guidance system may not produce
                                                                                                        for approval of these features on the
                                                   Special conditions are initially                                                                           hazardous loads on the airplane, nor
                                                                                                        airplane.
                                                applicable to the model(s) for which                                                                          create hazardous deviations in the flight
                                                they are issued. Should the applicant                   List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                    path. This applies to both fault-free
                                                apply for a supplemental type certificate                 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                operation and in the event of a
                                                to modify any other model included on                   symbols.                                              malfunction, and assumes the pilot
                                                the same type certificate to incorporate                                                                      begins corrective action within a
                                                                                                          The authority citation for these
                                                the same or similar novel or unusual                                                                          reasonable period of time.
                                                                                                        special conditions is as follows:
                                                design feature, the FAA would apply                                                                              (h) When the flight guidance system
                                                these special conditions to the other                     Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,         is in use, a means must be provided to
                                                model under § 21.101.                                   44701–44702, 44704, Pub. L. 113–53, 127               avoid excursions beyond an acceptable
                                                                                                        Stat. 584 (49 U.S.C. 44704) note.
                                                   In addition to the applicable                                                                              margin from the speed range of the
                                                airworthiness regulations and special                   The Proposed Special Conditions                       normal flight envelope. If the airplane
                                                conditions, B200-series airplanes must                                                                        experiences an excursion outside this
                                                                                                        ■ Accordingly, the FAA proposes the                   range, a means must be provided to
                                                comply with the fuel vent and exhaust
                                                                                                        following special conditions as part of               prevent the flight guidance system from
                                                emission requirements of 14 CFR part
                                                                                                        the type certification basis for Textron              providing guidance or control to an
                                                34 and the noise certification
                                                                                                        Aviation, Inc., B200-series airplanes as              unsafe speed.
                                                requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
                                                                                                        modified by Innovative Solutions &                       (i) The flight guidance system
                                                   The FAA issues special conditions, as
                                                                                                        Support, Inc.                                         functions, controls, indications, and
                                                defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
                                                with § 11.38, and they become part of                   1. Autothrottle System                                alerts must be designed to minimize
                                                the type-certification basis under                         In addition to the requirements of                 flight crew errors and confusion
                                                § 21.101.                                               §§ 23.143, 23.1309, and 23.1329, the                  concerning the behavior and operation
                                                                                                        following apply:                                      of the flight guidance system. Means
                                                Novel or Unusual Design Features                                                                              must be provided to indicate the current
                                                                                                           (a) Quick disengagement controls for
                                                   Textron B200-series airplanes will                   the autothrust functions must be                      mode of operation, including any armed
                                                incorporate the following novel or                      provided for each pilot. The autothrust               modes, transitions, and reversions.
                                                unusual design features:                                quick disengagement controls must be                  Selector switch position is not an
                                                   Autothrust system, which provides                    located on the thrust control levers.                 acceptable means of indication. The
                                                commands to two linear actuators, one                   Quick disengagement controls must be                  controls and indications must be
                                                attached to each throttle lever, that                   readily accessible to each pilot while                grouped and presented in a logical and
                                                automatically control thrust on each                    operating the thrust control levers.                  consistent manner. The indications
                                                engine. The autothrust system can be                       (b) The effects of a failure of the                must be visible to each pilot under all
                                                operated in either Torque Control Mode                  system to disengage the autothrust                    expected lighting conditions.
                                                or Airspeed Mode.                                       functions when manually commanded                        (j) Following disengagement of the
                                                                                                        by the pilot must be assessed in                      autothrust function, a caution (visual
                                                Discussion                                                                                                    and auditory) must be provided to each
                                                                                                        accordance with the requirements of
                                                  The current part 23 airworthiness                     § 23.1309.                                            pilot.
                                                regulations do not contain appropriate                     (c) Engagement or switching of the                    (k) During autothrust operation, it
                                                safety standards for an ATS installation;               flight guidance system, a mode, or a                  must be possible for the flightcrew to
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL




                                                hence, the need for special conditions.                 sensor may not cause the autothrust                   move the thrust levers without requiring
                                                However, part 25 regulations contain                    system to affect a transient response that            excessive force. The autothrust may not
                                                appropriate airworthiness standards;                    alters the airplane’s flight path any                 create a potential hazard when the
                                                therefore, these proposed special                       greater than a minor transient, as                    flightcrew applies an override force to
                                                conditions are derived from 14 CFR                      defined in paragraph (1)(l)(1) of this                the thrust levers.
                                                25.1329, amendment 25–119. Sections                     section.                                                 (l) For purposes of this section, a
                                                23.143, amendment 23–50, and 23.1309,                      (d) Under normal conditions, the                   transient is a disturbance in the control
                                                amendment 23–62, would be used                          disengagement of any automatic control                or flight path of the airplane that is not


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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                          54059

                                                consistent with response to flight crew                   • Fax: (202) 622–3895, ATTN Ryan                    appeals), § 1.9 (Preservation of records),
                                                inputs or environmental conditions.                     Law.                                                  § 1.10 (Fees), and § 1.11 (Other rights
                                                   (1) A minor transient would not                        • Mail: Ryan Law, Deputy Assistant                  and services).
                                                significantly reduce safety margins and                 Secretary for Privacy, Transparency and                  Sections 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.10 all
                                                would involve flightcrew actions that                   Records, U.S. Department of the                       address the role of the FOIA Public
                                                are well within their capabilities. A                   Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue                    Liaison in assisting requesters with
                                                minor transient may involve a slight                    NW, Washington, DC 20220.                             resolving disputes related to their FOIA
                                                increase in flight crew workload or                       Comments received by mail will be                   requests, as required by the OPEN
                                                some physical discomfort to passengers                  considered timely if they are                         Government Act of 2007.
                                                or cabin crew.                                          postmarked on or before the comment                      The 2007 Act also required agencies
                                                   (2) A significant transient may lead to              date. The www.regulations.gov site will               to assign tracking numbers to requests
                                                a significant reduction in safety                       accept comments until 11:59 p.m.                      that will take longer than 10 days to
                                                margins, an increase in flight crew                     eastern time on the comment due date.                 process. This requirement is
                                                workload, discomfort to the flightcrew,                 The Department will consolidate all                   implemented through § 1.6.
                                                or physical distress to the passengers or               received comments and make them                          The FOIA Improvement Act of 2016
                                                cabin crew, possibly including non-fatal                available, without change, including                  provides that agencies must allow a
                                                injuries. Significant transients do not                 any business or personal information                  minimum of 90 days for requesters to
                                                require, in order to remain within or                   that you provide such as name and                     file an administrative appeal. The Act
                                                recover to the normal flight envelope,                  address information, email addresses, or              also requires that agencies notify
                                                any of the following:                                   phone numbers. Received comments,                     requesters of the availability of dispute
                                                   (i) Exceptional piloting skill,                      including attachments and other                       resolution services at various times
                                                alertness, or strength.                                 supporting materials, are part of the                 throughout the FOIA process. This
                                                   (ii) Forces applied by the pilot that are            public record and subject to public                   proposed rule updates the Department’s
                                                greater than those specified in                         disclosure. Do not enclose any                        regulations to reflect those statutory
                                                § 23.143(c).                                            information in your comments or                       changes (§§ 1.5, 1.6, 1.8).
                                                   (iii) Accelerations or attitudes in the                                                                       A number of changes have been made
                                                                                                        supporting materials that you consider
                                                airplane that might result in further                                                                         to the section on fees (§ 1.10). The
                                                                                                        confidential or inappropriate for public
                                                hazard to secured or non-secured                                                                              definition of representative of the news
                                                                                                        disclosure. Properly submitted
                                                occupants.                                                                                                    media has been updated to reflect
                                                                                                        comments will be available for
                                                  Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on                                                                         amendments to the FOIA under the
                                                                                                        inspection and downloading at http://
                                                October 10, 2018.                                                                                             OPEN Government Act of 2007. Further,
                                                                                                        www.regulations.gov.
                                                Jacqueline Jambor,                                                                                            § 1.10 has been updated to reflect
                                                                                                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      amendments to the FOIA in 2007 and
                                                Acting Manager, Small Airplane Standards
                                                Branch, Aircraft Certification Service.                 Ryan Law, Deputy Assistant Secretary                  2016 that limit the agency’s ability to
                                                [FR Doc. 2018–22661 Filed 10–25–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        for Privacy, Transparency and Records,                assess fees when certain timelines or
                                                                                                        202–622–0930, extension 2 (this is not                conditions are not met. The current
                                                BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                        a toll-free number).                                  regulation also revises § 1.10 to conform
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            to a recent decision of the U.S. Court of
                                                                                                                                                              Appeals for the District of Columbia
                                                DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              Discussion                                            Circuit addressing the ‘‘educational
                                                31 CFR Part 1                                              This rule proposes revisions to the                institution’’ fee category. See Sack v.
                                                                                                        Department’s regulations under the                    Dept. of Defense, 823 F.3d 687 (D.C. Cir.
                                                RIN 1505–AC35                                           FOIA to update and streamline the                     2016). Specifically, the definition of
                                                                                                        language of several procedural                        ‘‘educational institution’’ is revised to
                                                Freedom of Information Act                              provisions and to incorporate certain of              reflect the holding in Sack that students
                                                Regulations                                             the changes brought about by the                      who make FOIA requests in furtherance
                                                AGENCY:    Department of the Treasury.                  amendments to the FOIA under the                      of their coursework or other school-
                                                ACTION:   Proposed rule.                                OPEN Government Act of 2007, Public                   sponsored activities may qualify under
                                                                                                        Law 110–175, 121 Stat. 2524 and the                   this requester category. Therefore, the
                                                SUMMARY:   This rule proposes revisions                 FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, Public                  requirement that such a requester show
                                                to the Department’s regulations under                   Law 114–185, 130 Stat. 538.                           that the request is made under the
                                                the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).                  Additionally, the regulations are being               auspices of the educational institution is
                                                The regulations are being revised to                    updated to reflect developments in case               replaced with a requirement that the
                                                update and streamline procedures and                    law and to include current cost figures               requester show that the request is made
                                                incorporate certain changes brought                     to be used in calculating and charging                in connection with the requester’s role
                                                about by the amendments to the FOIA                     fees.                                                 at the educational institution.
                                                under the OPEN Government Act of                           The revisions of the FOIA regulations              Section1.10 also proposes revisions to
                                                2007 and the FOIA Improvement Act of                    in 31 CFR subpart A of part 1                         the Department’s fee schedule. The
                                                2016. Additionally, the regulations are                 incorporate changes to the language and               duplication charge for photocopying
                                                being updated to reflect developments                   structure of the regulations. Revised                 will decrease to $.15 per page, while
                                                in the case law and to include current                  provisions include § 1.1 (General                     document search and review charges
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSAL




                                                cost figures to be used in calculating                  Provisions), § 1.2 (Proactive disclosure              have been established at $21.00, $16.50,
                                                and charging fees.                                      of Department records), § 1.3                         and $13.00 per quarter hour for
                                                DATES: Comment due date: December                       (Requirements for making requests),                   executive, professional, and
                                                26, 2018.                                               § 1.4 (Responsibility for responding to               administrative time, respectively.
                                                ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                      requests), § 1.5 (Timing of responses to              Treasury components will be given
                                                by any of the following methods:                        requests), § 1.6 (Responses to requests),             flexibility to publish their own fee
                                                  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://                 § 1.7 (Confidential commercial                        schedules that deviate from the
                                                www.regulations.gov.                                    information), § 1.8 (Administrative                   Department’s fee schedule as


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Document Created: 2018-10-26 02:28:57
Document Modified: 2018-10-26 02:28:57
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 December 10, 2018.
ContactJeff Pretz, AIR-691, Regulations & Policy Section, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 329-3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090; email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 54057 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols

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