83 FR 62689 - Special Conditions: Textron Aviation Inc. Model 700 Airplane; Operation Without Normal Electrical Power

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 234 (December 6, 2018)

Page Range		62689-62690
FR Document		2018-26455

These special conditions are issued for the Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) Model 700 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. These design features are electrical and electronic systems that perform critical functions, the loss of which could be catastrophic to the airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 234 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 234 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62689-62690]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26455]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 62689]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0477; Special Conditions No. 25-738-SC]


Special Conditions: Textron Aviation Inc. Model 700 Airplane; 
Operation Without Normal Electrical Power

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Textron Aviation 
Inc. (Textron) Model 700 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or 
unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology 
envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category 
airplanes. These design features are electrical and electronic systems 
that perform critical functions, the loss of which could be 
catastrophic to the airplane. The applicable airworthiness regulations 
do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these 
design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety 
standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a 
level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing 
airworthiness standards.

DATES: This action is effective on Textron on December 5, 2018. We must 
receive your comments by January 22, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2018-0477 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending 
your comments electronically.
     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.
     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 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     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 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).
    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: Stephen Slotte, FAA, Airplane and 
Flight Crew Interface Section, AIR-671, Transport Standards Branch, 
Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service, 2200 S 
216th St., Des Moines, Washington 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-
3163; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The substance of these special conditions 
previously has been published in the Federal Register for public 
comment. These special conditions have been derived without substantive 
change from those previously issued. It is unlikely that prior public 
comment would result in a significant change from the substance 
contained herein. Therefore, the FAA has determined that prior public 
notice and comment are unnecessary, and finds that, for the same 
reason, good cause exists for adopting these special conditions upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    The FAA is requesting comments to allow interested persons to 
submit views that may not have been submitted in response to prior 
opportunities for comment described above. 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 by the closing date for 
comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments 
we receive.

Background

    On November 20, 2014, Textron applied for a type certificate for 
their new Model 700 airplane. The Model 700 airplane is a turbofan-
powered executive-jet airplane with seating for 2 crewmembers and 12 
passengers. This airplane will have a maximum takeoff weight of 39,500 
pounds.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) 21.17, Textron must show that the Model 700 airplane meets the 
applicable provisions of part 25, as amended by Amendments 25-1 through 
25-139, 25-141, and 25-143.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the Textron Model 700 airplane because 
of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed 
under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended 
later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or 
unusual design feature, these special conditions would also apply to 
the other model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Textron Model 700 airplane must comply with the fuel-
vent and exhaust-emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34, and the 
noise-

[[Page 62690]]

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.  21.17(a)(2).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Textron Model 700 airplane will incorporate the following novel 
or unusual design feature: A fly-by-wire rudder-control system that 
requires a continuous source of electrical power to maintain an 
operable rudder flight-control system. The loss of this system may 
result in loss of flight control and may be catastrophic to the 
airplane.

Discussion

    The Textron Model 700 airplane has a fly-by-wire rudder-control 
system that requires a continuous source of electrical power to 
maintain an operable flight-control system. Section 25.1351(d), 
operation without normal electrical power, requires safe operation in 
visual flight rule (VFR) conditions for at least 5 minutes after loss 
of normal electrical power, excluding the battery. This rule is 
structured around traditional designs that use mechanical control 
cables and linkages for flight control. These manual controls allow the 
crew to maintain aerodynamic control of the airplane for an indefinite 
time after loss of all electrical power. Under these conditions, a 
mechanical flight-control system provides the crew with the ability to 
fly the airplane while attempting to identify the cause of the 
electrical failure, restart engine(s) if necessary, and attempt to re-
establish some of the electrical-power-generation capability.
    A critical assumption in Sec.  25.1351(d) is that the airplane is 
in VFR conditions at the time of an electrical failure. This is not a 
valid assumption in today's airline operating environment, where 
airplanes fly much of the time in instrument-meteorological conditions 
on air-traffic-control-defined flight paths. Another assumption in the 
existing rule is that the loss of all normal electrical power is the 
result of the loss of all engines. The 5-minute period in the rule is 
to allow at least one engine to be restarted, following an all-engines 
power loss, to continue the flight to a safe landing. However, service 
experience on airplanes with similar electrical-power-system 
architecture as the Textron Model 700 airplane has shown that at least 
the temporary loss of all electrical power for causes other than all-
engine failure is not extremely improbable.
    To maintain the same level of safety envisioned by the existing 
rule with traditional mechanical flight controls, the Textron Model 700 
airplane design must not be time-limited in its operation under all 
reasonably foreseeable conditions, including loss of all normal sources 
of engine or auxiliary power unit (APU)-generated electrical power. 
Textron must demonstrate that the airplane can maintain safe flight and 
landing (including rollout and brake control through full stop) with 
the use of its emergency/alternate electrical-power systems. These 
electrical-power systems, or the minimum restorable electrical-power 
sources, must be able to power loads that are essential for continued 
safe flight and landing, including those required for the maximum 
length of approved flight diversion.
    These special conditions contain the additional safety standards 
that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of 
safety equivalent to that established by existing airworthiness 
standards.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Textron Model 700 airplane. Should Textron apply at a later date for a 
change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating 
the same novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would 
apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

Authority Citation

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Special Conditions

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for Textron Model 700 airplanes.
    In lieu of 14 CFR 25.1351(d), the following special condition 
applies:
    Textron must show, by test or combination of test and analysis that 
the airplane is capable of continued safe flight and landing with all 
normal sources of engine- and APU-generated electrical power 
inoperative (electrical power sources excluding the battery and any 
other standby electrical sources). The airplane operation should be 
considered at the critical phase of flight, and should include the 
ability to restart the engines and maintain flight for the maximum 
diversion-time capability being certified.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 30, 2018.
Paul Siegmund,
Acting Manager, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26455 Filed 12-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

62690 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 234 / Thursday, December 6, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

certification requirements of 14 CFR To maintain the same level of safety sources of engine- and APU-generated
part 36. envisioned by the existing rule with electrical power inoperative (electrical
The FAA issues special conditions, as traditional mechanical flight controls, power sources excluding the battery and
defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance the Textron Model 700 airplane design any other standby electrical sources).
with § 11.38, and they become part of must not be time-limited in its operation The airplane operation should be
the type certification basis under under all reasonably foreseeable considered at the critical phase of flight,
§ 21.17(a)(2). conditions, including loss of all normal and should include the ability to restart
sources of engine or auxiliary power the engines and maintain flight for the
Novel or Unusual Design Features unit (APU)-generated electrical power. maximum diversion-time capability
The Textron Model 700 airplane will Textron must demonstrate that the being certified.
incorporate the following novel or airplane can maintain safe flight and Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
unusual design feature: A fly-by-wire landing (including rollout and brake November 30, 2018.
rudder-control system that requires a control through full stop) with the use Paul Siegmund,
continuous source of electrical power to of its emergency/alternate electrical- Acting Manager, Transport Standards
maintain an operable rudder flight- power systems. These electrical-power Branch, Policy and Innovation Division,
control system. The loss of this system systems, or the minimum restorable Aircraft Certification Service.
may result in loss of flight control and electrical-power sources, must be able to [FR Doc. 2018–26455 Filed 12–4–18; 8:45 am]
may be catastrophic to the airplane. power loads that are essential for BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
continued safe flight and landing,
Discussion including those required for the
The Textron Model 700 airplane has maximum length of approved flight DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
a fly-by-wire rudder-control system that diversion.
requires a continuous source of These special conditions contain the Federal Aviation Administration
electrical power to maintain an operable additional safety standards that the
flight-control system. Section Administrator considers necessary to 14 CFR Part 39
25.1351(d), operation without normal establish a level of safety equivalent to
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0512; Product
electrical power, requires safe operation that established by existing Identifier 2017–NM–170–AD; Amendment
in visual flight rule (VFR) conditions for airworthiness standards. 39–19513; AD 2018–25–02]
at least 5 minutes after loss of normal Applicability
electrical power, excluding the battery. RIN 2120–AA64
This rule is structured around As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the Textron Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
traditional designs that use mechanical Airplanes
control cables and linkages for flight Model 700 airplane. Should Textron
control. These manual controls allow apply at a later date for a change to the AGENCY: Federal Aviation
the crew to maintain aerodynamic type certificate to include another Administration (FAA), Department of
control of the airplane for an indefinite model incorporating the same novel or Transportation (DOT).
time after loss of all electrical power. unusual design feature, the special ACTION: Final rule.
Under these conditions, a mechanical conditions would apply to that model as
flight-control system provides the crew well. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
with the ability to fly the airplane while Conclusion airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
attempting to identify the cause of the Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320,
This action affects only certain novel and A321 series airplanes. This AD was
electrical failure, restart engine(s) if
or unusual design features on one model prompted by an evaluation by the
necessary, and attempt to re-establish
of airplane. It is not a rule of general design approval holder (DAH)
some of the electrical-power-generation
applicability. indicating that the principal structural
capability.
A critical assumption in § 25.1351(d) List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 elements and certain life-limited parts
is that the airplane is in VFR conditions are subject to widespread fatigue
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting damage (WFD). This AD requires
at the time of an electrical failure. This and recordkeeping requirements.
is not a valid assumption in today’s revising the existing maintenance or
airline operating environment, where Authority Citation inspection program to incorporate new
airplanes fly much of the time in or more restrictive airworthiness
The authority citation for these
instrument-meteorological conditions limitations. We are issuing this AD to
special conditions is as follows:
on air-traffic-control-defined flight address the unsafe condition on these
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, products.
paths. Another assumption in the 44702, 44704.
existing rule is that the loss of all DATES: This AD is effective January 10,
normal electrical power is the result of The Special Conditions 2019.
the loss of all engines. The 5-minute Accordingly, pursuant to the The Director of the Federal Register
period in the rule is to allow at least one authority delegated to me by the approved the incorporation by reference
engine to be restarted, following an all- Administrator, the following special of certain publications listed in this AD
engines power loss, to continue the conditions are issued as part of the type as of January 10, 2019.
flight to a safe landing. However, service certification basis for Textron Model ADDRESSES: For service information
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES

experience on airplanes with similar 700 airplanes. identified in this final rule, contact
electrical-power-system architecture as In lieu of 14 CFR 25.1351(d), the Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
the Textron Model 700 airplane has following special condition applies: EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:
shown that at least the temporary loss Textron must show, by test or 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France;
of all electrical power for causes other combination of test and analysis that the telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
than all-engine failure is not extremely airplane is capable of continued safe 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-
improbable. flight and landing with all normal eas@airbus.com; internet http://

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Document Created: 2018-12-05 02:35:52
Document Modified: 2018-12-05 02:35:52

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final special conditions; request for comments.
Dates		This action is effective on Textron on December 5, 2018. We must receive your comments by January 22, 2019.
Contact		Stephen Slotte, FAA, Airplane and Flight Crew Interface Section, AIR-671, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service, 2200 S 216th St., Des Moines, Washington 98198; telephone and fax 206-231- 3163; email [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 62689
CFR Associated		Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

83 FR 62689 - Special Conditions: Textron Aviation Inc. Model 700 Airplane; Operation Without Normal Electrical Power

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 234 (December 6, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration