Interest in Restructure of Rotorcraft Airworthiness Standards, 44320-44321 [2014-16999]

Download as PDF 44320 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 147 / Thursday, July 31, 2014 / Proposed Rules Amendment Number 2 Effective Date: October 14, 2014. SAR Submitted by: Transnuclear, Inc. SAR Title: Final Safety Analysis Report for the NUHOMS® HD Horizontal Modular Storage System for Irradiated Nuclear Fuel. Docket Number: 72–1030. Certificate Expiration Date: January 10, 2027. Model Number: NUHOMS® HD -32PTH. * * * * * Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 23rd day of July, 2014. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Mark A. Satorius, Executive Director for Operations. [FR Doc. 2014–18082 Filed 7–30–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 27 and 29 Interest in Restructure of Rotorcraft Airworthiness Standards Notice of Disposition of Comments. ACTION: This notice disposes of public comments received by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in response to a Federal Register notice published on February 22, 2013, requesting comments on a potential restructuring of the rotorcraft airworthiness standards of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 27 (normal category rotorcraft) and 29 (transport category rotorcraft). Specifically, the agency sought comments on the necessity of updates to parts 27 and 29, including whether to change the existing weightand seat-based applicability standards for normal and transport rotorcraft. Based on the comments received, the FAA is terminating this docket. Commenters indicated a substantial interest in revising or restructuring the certification standards for parts 27 and 29, and the FAA’s Rotorcraft Directorate will begin establishing the appropriate forums to involve interested parties. DATES: The docket is terminated as of July 31, 2014. ADDRESSES: FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group (ASW– 111), 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group (ASW–111), 2601 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:55 Jul 30, 2014 Jkt 232001 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; facsimile (817) 222–5961. The primary contacts are: John VanHoudt (telephone: 817–222–5167, email: john.vanhoudt@ faa.gov) or ASW–111 Manager Jorge R. Castillo (telephone: 817–222–5110, email: jorge.r.castillo@faa.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Discussion Currently, rotorcraft with a maximum weight of 7,000 pounds or less and nine passenger seats or less are certificated as normal category rotorcraft under part 27; rotorcraft with a maximum weight greater than 7,000 pounds or with 10 or more passenger seats are certificated as transport category rotorcraft under part 29. The FAA and rotorcraft industry have discussed potential revisions to the ‘‘applicability’’ rules for rotorcraft certificated under parts 27 and 29 since the early 1990s. In February 1994, the FAA held a public meeting to determine a course of action in the best interest of the public and the aviation community. An Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee working group was established with representatives from the FAA, the Joint Aviation Authorities, and Transport Canada Civil Aviation, as well as from U.S. and European helicopter manufacturers. In February 1995, the committee established the Rotorcraft Gross Weight and Passenger Issues Working Group, and tasked the group with recommending new or revised requirements for increasing the gross weight and passenger limitations for normal category rotorcraft. There was agreement within the group to increase the gross weight limitation of part 27 from 6,000 to 7,000 pounds with added passenger safety requirements. The FAA implemented this regulatory change in a 1999 final rule (64 FR 45092, August 18, 1999). We continue to recognize that the evolution of parts 27 and 29 has not kept pace with technology and the capability of rotorcraft produced currently. The FAA is therefore interested in investigating new approaches that would make the rotorcraft airworthiness regulations more efficient and adaptable to future technology. Additionally, the FAA has found that, without a rulemaking effort to extensively revise the rotorcraft standards, we are left with the option of issuing multiple special conditions for the same technologies. The FAA published a Federal Register notice on February 22, 2013 (78 FR 12254), requesting comments on ‘‘Interest in Restructure of Rotorcraft Airworthiness Standards.’’ Specifically, PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 we requested comment on (1) to what extent commenters believed the certification standards need to be changed in order to remain relevant; (2) whether the current standards need to be completely changed, as opposed to more targeted changes; (3) whether the applicability rules should be changed from weight- and passenger-based standards, and, if so, how; and (4) commenters’ willingness to participate in a rulemaking committee. We received 48 comments to the docket number FAA–2013–0144. Comments Summary Of the 48 comments received, the majority were from operators and their affiliates. There were also comments from another civil aviation authority (Transport Canada Civil Aviation); various rotorcraft-affiliated organizations (including the Aerospace Industries Association, the American Helicopter Society International, the Association of Air Medical Services, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and Helicopter Association International); vendors and manufacturers (including Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter, and Marenco Swisshelicopter); and others. These comments indicated a substantial interest in favor of some form of revision or restructure of the rotorcraft design certification standards in parts 27 and 29 and expressed that the current regulatory scheme is outdated by technology and impedes the development of new rotorcraft models. Only three commenters stated the weight and passenger thresholds of the current regulations should remain unchanged. Most commenters recommended that the FAA approach this effort in a deliberate and methodical manner, including forming a group in coordination with industry to evaluate parts 27 and 29 and provide recommendations to the FAA prior to initiating a formal rulemaking action. Commenters also expressed a need to coordinate this effort with other civil aviation authorities. Additionally, many commenters expressed interest in participating in the process of updating the regulations. Termination of This Docket and Future Agency Action Based on these comments, the FAA has determined that there is sufficient interest in the rotorcraft community to pursue further collaboration towards possible revisions to parts 27 and 29. The FAA is therefore terminating this docket. The Rotorcraft Directorate will begin establishing the appropriate forum(s) and involving interested E:\FR\FM\31JYP1.SGM 31JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 147 / Thursday, July 31, 2014 / Proposed Rules parties. The FAA will also reach out to our bilateral partners (i.e., Transport Canada Civil Aviation and the European Aviation Safety Agency) and invite their participation in this effort. Parties interested in this initiative may look forward to future public announcements on upcoming developments. Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on July 10, 2014. Kimberly K. Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–16999 Filed 7–30–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 33 [Docket No.FAA–2014–0376; Notice No. 33– 14–01–SC] Special Conditions: SNECMA, Silvercrest-2 SC–2D; Rated 10-Minute One Engine Inoperative Takeoff Thrust at High Ambient Temperature Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions. AGENCY: This action proposes special conditions for the SNECMA, Silvercrest2 SC–2D engine model. This engine will have a novel or unusual design feature—an additional takeoff rating that increases the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) limit to maintain takeoff thrust in certain high ambient temperature conditions with one engine inoperative (OEI) for a maximum of 10 minutes. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. The 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 September 2, 2014. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number [FAA–2014–0376] using any of the following methods: • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to https://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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:55 Jul 30, 2014 Jkt 232001 • 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 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202–493–2251. Privacy: Docket Operations will post all comments it receives, without change, to https://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 https://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. Docket: You may read background documents or comments received at https://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: For technical questions concerning this proposed rule, contact Tara Fitzgerald, ANE–111, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts, 01803– 5213; telephone (781) 238–7130; facsimile (781) 238–7199. For legal questions concerning this proposed rule, contact Vincent Bennett, ANE–7, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts, 01803–5299; telephone (781) 238–7044; facsimile (781) 238– 7055; email vincent.bennett@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The agency also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 44321 duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. We will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, 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 April 19, 2011, SNECMA applied for a new type certificate (TC) for the Silvercrest-2 SC–2D engine model. On April 30, 2014, SNECMA requested an extension to their original TC application, which the FAA granted through June 30, 2015. For their Silvercrest-2 SC–2D engine model, SNECMA requests an additional takeoff rating to maintain takeoff thrust in certain high ambient temperature conditions with OEI. Therefore, the Silvercrest-2 SC–2D engine model would have two different takeoff ratings. The first rating corresponds with the rated takeoff thrust of the engine. The second takeoff rating maintains the takeoff thrust in certain high ambient temperature conditions for a maximum of 10 minutes. This additional takeoff rating is named, ‘‘Rated 10-Minute OEI Takeoff Thrust at High Ambient Temperature’’ (Rated 10-minute OEI TOTHAT). These special conditions are necessary because the applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the additional takeoff rating. Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, SNECMA must show that the Silvercrest-2 SC–2D meets the applicable provisions of the applicable regulations in effect on the date of application, except as detailed in paragraphs 21.101(b) and (c). The FAA has determined the following certification basis for the Silvercrest-2 SC–2D engine model: 1. 14 CFR part 33, ‘‘Airworthiness Standards Aircraft Engines,’’ dated February 1, 1965, with Amendments 33–1 through 33–31, dated July 18, 2011. If the FAA finds that the regulations in effect on the date of the application for the change do not provide adequate or appropriate safety standards for the E:\FR\FM\31JYP1.SGM 31JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44320-44321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-16999]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 27 and 29


Interest in Restructure of Rotorcraft Airworthiness Standards

ACTION: Notice of Disposition of Comments.

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

SUMMARY: This notice disposes of public comments received by the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in response to a Federal Register 
notice published on February 22, 2013, requesting comments on a 
potential restructuring of the rotorcraft airworthiness standards of 
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 27 (normal 
category rotorcraft) and 29 (transport category rotorcraft). 
Specifically, the agency sought comments on the necessity of updates to 
parts 27 and 29, including whether to change the existing weight- and 
seat-based applicability standards for normal and transport rotorcraft. 
Based on the comments received, the FAA is terminating this docket. 
Commenters indicated a substantial interest in revising or 
restructuring the certification standards for parts 27 and 29, and the 
FAA's Rotorcraft Directorate will begin establishing the appropriate 
forums to involve interested parties.

DATES: The docket is terminated as of July 31, 2014.

ADDRESSES: FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group 
(ASW-111), 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 
Regulations and Policy Group (ASW-111), 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, 
Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222-5110; facsimile (817) 222-5961. The 
primary contacts are: John VanHoudt (telephone: 817-222-5167, email: 
john.vanhoudt@faa.gov) or ASW-111 Manager Jorge R. Castillo (telephone: 
817-222-5110, email: jorge.r.castillo@faa.gov).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Discussion

    Currently, rotorcraft with a maximum weight of 7,000 pounds or less 
and nine passenger seats or less are certificated as normal category 
rotorcraft under part 27; rotorcraft with a maximum weight greater than 
7,000 pounds or with 10 or more passenger seats are certificated as 
transport category rotorcraft under part 29.
    The FAA and rotorcraft industry have discussed potential revisions 
to the ``applicability'' rules for rotorcraft certificated under parts 
27 and 29 since the early 1990s. In February 1994, the FAA held a 
public meeting to determine a course of action in the best interest of 
the public and the aviation community. An Aviation Rulemaking Advisory 
Committee working group was established with representatives from the 
FAA, the Joint Aviation Authorities, and Transport Canada Civil 
Aviation, as well as from U.S. and European helicopter manufacturers. 
In February 1995, the committee established the Rotorcraft Gross Weight 
and Passenger Issues Working Group, and tasked the group with 
recommending new or revised requirements for increasing the gross 
weight and passenger limitations for normal category rotorcraft. There 
was agreement within the group to increase the gross weight limitation 
of part 27 from 6,000 to 7,000 pounds with added passenger safety 
requirements. The FAA implemented this regulatory change in a 1999 
final rule (64 FR 45092, August 18, 1999).
    We continue to recognize that the evolution of parts 27 and 29 has 
not kept pace with technology and the capability of rotorcraft produced 
currently. The FAA is therefore interested in investigating new 
approaches that would make the rotorcraft airworthiness regulations 
more efficient and adaptable to future technology. Additionally, the 
FAA has found that, without a rulemaking effort to extensively revise 
the rotorcraft standards, we are left with the option of issuing 
multiple special conditions for the same technologies.
    The FAA published a Federal Register notice on February 22, 2013 
(78 FR 12254), requesting comments on ``Interest in Restructure of 
Rotorcraft Airworthiness Standards.'' Specifically, we requested 
comment on (1) to what extent commenters believed the certification 
standards need to be changed in order to remain relevant; (2) whether 
the current standards need to be completely changed, as opposed to more 
targeted changes; (3) whether the applicability rules should be changed 
from weight- and passenger-based standards, and, if so, how; and (4) 
commenters' willingness to participate in a rulemaking committee. We 
received 48 comments to the docket number FAA-2013-0144.

Comments Summary

    Of the 48 comments received, the majority were from operators and 
their affiliates. There were also comments from another civil aviation 
authority (Transport Canada Civil Aviation); various rotorcraft-
affiliated organizations (including the Aerospace Industries 
Association, the American Helicopter Society International, the 
Association of Air Medical Services, the General Aviation Manufacturers 
Association, and Helicopter Association International); vendors and 
manufacturers (including Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter, and Marenco 
Swisshelicopter); and others. These comments indicated a substantial 
interest in favor of some form of revision or restructure of the 
rotorcraft design certification standards in parts 27 and 29 and 
expressed that the current regulatory scheme is outdated by technology 
and impedes the development of new rotorcraft models. Only three 
commenters stated the weight and passenger thresholds of the current 
regulations should remain unchanged. Most commenters recommended that 
the FAA approach this effort in a deliberate and methodical manner, 
including forming a group in coordination with industry to evaluate 
parts 27 and 29 and provide recommendations to the FAA prior to 
initiating a formal rulemaking action. Commenters also expressed a need 
to coordinate this effort with other civil aviation authorities. 
Additionally, many commenters expressed interest in participating in 
the process of updating the regulations.

Termination of This Docket and Future Agency Action

    Based on these comments, the FAA has determined that there is 
sufficient interest in the rotorcraft community to pursue further 
collaboration towards possible revisions to parts 27 and 29. The FAA is 
therefore terminating this docket. The Rotorcraft Directorate will 
begin establishing the appropriate forum(s) and involving interested

[[Page 44321]]

parties. The FAA will also reach out to our bilateral partners (i.e., 
Transport Canada Civil Aviation and the European Aviation Safety 
Agency) and invite their participation in this effort. Parties 
interested in this initiative may look forward to future public 
announcements on upcoming developments.

    Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on July 10, 2014.
Kimberly K. Smith,
Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-16999 Filed 7-30-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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