Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Electronic Flight Control System: Control Surface Position Awareness, 9265-9266 [2011-3556]

Download as PDF 9265 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 76, No. 33 Thursday, February 17, 2011 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. Interface Branch, ANM–111, Transport Standards Staff, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2011; facsimile (425) 227–1320. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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 file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning these special conditions. You can inspect the docket before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your comments on this proposal, include with your comments a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which you have written the docket number. We will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it back to you. Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. NM446 Special Conditions No. 25–11–05–SC] Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Electronic Flight Control System: Control Surface Position Awareness Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions. AGENCY: This action proposes special conditions for the Gulfstream GVI airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. These design features include an electronic flight control system. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards. DATES: We must receive your comments by April 4, 2011. ADDRESSES: You must mail two copies of your comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: Rules Docket (ANM– 113), Docket No. NM446, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356. You may deliver two copies to the Transport Airplane Directorate at the above address. You must mark your comments: Docket No. NM446. You can inspect comments in the Rules Docket weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Jacobsen, FAA, Airplane and Flightcrew jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:53 Feb 16, 2011 Jkt 223001 Background On March 29, 2005, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (hereafter referred to as ‘‘Gulfstream’’) applied for an FAA type certificate for its new Gulfstream Model GVI passenger airplane. Gulfstream later applied for, and was granted, an extension of time for the type certificate, which changed the effective application date to September 28, 2006. The Gulfstream Model GVI airplane will be an all-new, two-engine jet transport airplane with an executive cabin interior. The maximum takeoff weight will be 99,600 pounds, with a maximum passenger count of 19 passengers. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Type Certification Basis Under provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, Gulfstream must show that the Gulfstream Model GVI airplane (hereafter referred to as ‘‘the GVI’’) meets the applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25, as amended by Amendments 25–1 through 25–119, 25–122, and 25–124. 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 GVI because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of § 21.16. In addition to complying with the applicable airworthiness regulations and special conditions, the GVI 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 must also issue a finding of regulatory adequacy pursuant to section 611 of Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise Control Act of 1972.’’ The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance with § 11.38, and they become part of the type certification basis under § 21.17(a)(2). 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 features, the special conditions would also apply to the other model under provisions of § 21.101. Novel or Unusual Design Features The GVI has an electronic flight control system and no direct coupling from the cockpit controller to the control surface, so the pilot may not be aware of the actual surface position utilized to fulfill the requested command. Some unusual flight conditions, such as those arising from atmospheric conditions, aircraft malfunctions, or engine failures, may result in full or near-full control surface deflection. Unless the flightcrew is made aware of excessive deflection or impending control surface limiting, piloted or auto-flight system control of the airplane might be inadvertently continued to a point that could cause a loss of aircraft control or other unsafe E:\FR\FM\17FEP1.SGM 17FEP1 9266 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 33 / Thursday, February 17, 2011 / Proposed Rules stability or performance characteristic. Because electronic flight control system technology has outpaced existing regulations, a special condition is proposed to ensure control surface position awareness by the flightcrew. Discussion of Proposed Special Condition This proposed special condition would require that suitable flight control position annunciation be provided to the flightcrew when a flight condition exists in which near-full surface authority (not crewcommanded) is being utilized. The suitability of such an annunciation must take into account that some pilotdemanded maneuvers, such as a rapid roll, are necessarily associated with intended full performance, and which may saturate the control surface. Simple alerting systems which would annunciate either intended or unexpected control-limiting situations must be properly balanced between providing necessary crew awareness and avoiding undesirable nuisance warnings. This proposed special condition would establish a level of safety equivalent to that provided by a conventional flight control system and that contemplated in existing regulations. As discussed above, this proposed special condition is applicable to the GVI. Should Gulfstream apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design features, this proposed special condition would apply to that model as well. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features of the GVI. It is not a rule of general applicability. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS The Proposed Special Condition Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the following special condition as part of the type certification basis for the GVI airplanes. In addition to compliance with §§ 25.143, 25.671, 25.672, and 25.1322, the following special condition applies: 15:53 Feb 16, 2011 Note: The term ‘‘suitable’’ also indicates an appropriate balance between necessary operation and nuisance factors. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2011. KC Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–3556 Filed 2–16–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0023; Airspace Docket No. 11–ANM–2] Proposed Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Idaho Falls, ID Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: Applicability VerDate Mar<15>2010 When a flight condition exists where, without being commanded by the flightcrew, control surfaces are coming so close to their limits that return to the normal flight envelope and/or continuation of safe flight requires a specific flightcrew member action, a suitable flight control position annunciation must be provided to the flightcrew, unless other existing indications are found adequate or sufficient to prompt that action. Jkt 223001 This action proposes to amend the Class D and Class E airspace areas at Idaho Falls, ID, by changing the name of the airport to Idaho Falls Regional Airport, and adjusting the geographic coordinates of the airport. This action also would add additional Class E airspace necessary to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Required Navigation Performance (RNP) standard instrument approach procedures at the airport. This action would enhance the safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 4, 2011. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2011– 0023; Airspace Docket No. 11–ANM–2, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eldon Taylor, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425) 203–4537. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA 2011–0023 and Airspace Docket No. 11– ANM–2) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2011–0023 and Airspace Docket No. 11–ANM–2’’. The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s web page at https:// www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/ air_traffic/publications/ airspace_amendments/. E:\FR\FM\17FEP1.SGM 17FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 33 (Thursday, February 17, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9265-9266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-3556]


========================================================================
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. 76, No. 33 / Thursday, February 17, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 9265]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. NM446 Special Conditions No. 25-11-05-SC]


Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Electronic 
Flight Control System: Control Surface Position Awareness

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Gulfstream GVI 
airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when 
compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness 
standards for transport category airplanes. These design features 
include an electronic flight control system. The applicable 
airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety 
standards for these design features. These proposed special conditions 
contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator 
considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that 
established by the existing airworthiness standards.

DATES: We must receive your comments by April 4, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You must mail two copies of your comments to: Federal 
Aviation Administration, Transport Airplane Directorate, Attn: Rules 
Docket (ANM-113), Docket No. NM446, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington, 98057-3356. You may deliver two copies to the Transport 
Airplane Directorate at the above address. You must mark your comments: 
Docket No. NM446. You can inspect comments in the Rules Docket 
weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Jacobsen, FAA, Airplane and 
Flightcrew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Standards Staff, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
2011; facsimile (425) 227-1320.

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 file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning these special conditions. You can inspect the docket before 
and after the comment closing date. If you wish to review the docket in 
person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble 
between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    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.
    If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your comments on this 
proposal, include with your comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard 
on which you have written the docket number. We will stamp the date on 
the postcard and mail it back to you.

Background

    On March 29, 2005, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (hereafter 
referred to as ``Gulfstream'') applied for an FAA type certificate for 
its new Gulfstream Model GVI passenger airplane. Gulfstream later 
applied for, and was granted, an extension of time for the type 
certificate, which changed the effective application date to September 
28, 2006. The Gulfstream Model GVI airplane will be an all-new, two-
engine jet transport airplane with an executive cabin interior. The 
maximum takeoff weight will be 99,600 pounds, with a maximum passenger 
count of 19 passengers.

Type Certification Basis

    Under provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
21.17, Gulfstream must show that the Gulfstream Model GVI airplane 
(hereafter referred to as ``the GVI'') meets the applicable provisions 
of 14 CFR part 25, as amended by Amendments 25-1 through 25-119, 25-
122, and 25-124. 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 GVI because of a novel 
or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the 
provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    In addition to complying with the applicable airworthiness 
regulations and special conditions, the GVI 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 must also issue a 
finding of regulatory adequacy pursuant to section 611 of Public Law 
92-574, the ``Noise Control Act of 1972.''
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type 
certification basis under Sec.  21.17(a)(2).
    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 features, the special conditions would also apply to the 
other model under provisions of Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The GVI has an electronic flight control system and no direct 
coupling from the cockpit controller to the control surface, so the 
pilot may not be aware of the actual surface position utilized to 
fulfill the requested command. Some unusual flight conditions, such as 
those arising from atmospheric conditions, aircraft malfunctions, or 
engine failures, may result in full or near-full control surface 
deflection. Unless the flightcrew is made aware of excessive deflection 
or impending control surface limiting, piloted or auto-flight system 
control of the airplane might be inadvertently continued to a point 
that could cause a loss of aircraft control or other unsafe

[[Page 9266]]

stability or performance characteristic. Because electronic flight 
control system technology has outpaced existing regulations, a special 
condition is proposed to ensure control surface position awareness by 
the flightcrew.

Discussion of Proposed Special Condition

    This proposed special condition would require that suitable flight 
control position annunciation be provided to the flightcrew when a 
flight condition exists in which near-full surface authority (not crew-
commanded) is being utilized. The suitability of such an annunciation 
must take into account that some pilot-demanded maneuvers, such as a 
rapid roll, are necessarily associated with intended full performance, 
and which may saturate the control surface. Simple alerting systems 
which would annunciate either intended or unexpected control-limiting 
situations must be properly balanced between providing necessary crew 
awareness and avoiding undesirable nuisance warnings.
    This proposed special condition would establish a level of safety 
equivalent to that provided by a conventional flight control system and 
that contemplated in existing regulations.

Applicability

    As discussed above, this proposed special condition is applicable 
to the GVI. Should Gulfstream apply at a later date for a change to the 
type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel 
or unusual design features, this proposed special condition would apply 
to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
of the GVI. It is not a rule of general applicability.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

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

The Proposed Special Condition

    Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the 
following special condition as part of the type certification basis for 
the GVI airplanes.
    In addition to compliance with Sec. Sec.  25.143, 25.671, 25.672, 
and 25.1322, the following special condition applies:
    When a flight condition exists where, without being commanded by 
the flightcrew, control surfaces are coming so close to their limits 
that return to the normal flight envelope and/or continuation of safe 
flight requires a specific flightcrew member action, a suitable flight 
control position annunciation must be provided to the flightcrew, 
unless other existing indications are found adequate or sufficient to 
prompt that action.

    Note:  The term ``suitable'' also indicates an appropriate 
balance between necessary operation and nuisance factors.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2011.
KC Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-3556 Filed 2-16-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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