Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Electronic Flight Control System: Control Surface Position Awareness, 31456-31457 [2011-13436]

Download as PDF 31456 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 105 / Wednesday, June 1, 2011 / Rules and Regulations must be reduced to a value that maintains a speed margin between VMO/ MMO and VD/MD that is consistent with showing compliance with § 25.335(b) without the benefit of the high speed protection system. 5. Master minimum equipment list (MMEL) relief for the high speed protection system may be considered by the FAA Flight Operations Evaluation Board (FOEB) provided that the flight manual instructions indicate reduced maximum operating speeds as described in paragraph 4., and that no additional hazards are introduced with the high speed protection system inoperative. In addition, the cockpit display of the reduced operating speeds, as well as the overspeed warning for exceeding those speeds, must be equivalent to that of the normal airplane with the high speed protection system operative. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 24, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–13434 Filed 5–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. NM446; Special Conditions No. 25–427–SC] Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Electronic Flight Control System: Control Surface Position Awareness Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special conditions. AGENCY: These special conditions are issued 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 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: Effective Date: July 1, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Jacobsen, FAA, Airplane and Flightcrew jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:41 May 31, 2011 Jkt 223001 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: 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 § 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. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Novel or Unusual Design Features The Gulfstream Model GVI airplane 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 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 This special condition requires 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 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 special condition establishes a level of safety equivalent to that provided by a conventional flight control system and that contemplated in existing regulations. Discussion of Comments Notice of proposed special conditions No. 25–11–05–SC for Gulfstream GVI airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 17, 2011 (76 FR 9265). One supportive comment was received and these special conditions are adopted as proposed. Applicability As discussed above, this special condition is applicable to the Gulfstream Model GVI airplane. 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 E:\FR\FM\01JNR1.SGM 01JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 105 / Wednesday, June 1, 2011 / Rules and Regulations special condition would apply to that model as well. ACTION: Discussion Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: SUMMARY: 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 Special Condition Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special condition is issued as part of the type certification basis for the Gulfstream GVI airplanes. In addition to compliance with §§ 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 May 20, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–13436 Filed 5–31–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0231; Directorate Identifier 2011–CE–003–AD; Amendment 39–16706; AD 2011–11–07] RIN 2120–AA64 Cracks have been reportedly found on DA 42 Main Landing Gear (MLG) Damper-toTrailing Arm joints during standard maintenance. Depending on environmental-, operating- and runway conditions, the affected MLG joint, Part Number (P/N) D60– 3217–23–5x (4 different lengths are available), which is made of aluminum, is susceptible to cracking. This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to failure of the joint and subsequent damage or malfunction of the MLG, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane during landing and injury to occupants. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective July 6, 2011. On July 6, 2011, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD. DATES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. For service information identified in this AD, contact Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-Stra+e 5, A–2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria, telephone: +43 2622 26700; fax: +43 2622 26780; e-mail: office@diamondair.at; Internet: https://www.diamondair.at. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– 4148. ADDRESSES: jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Model DA 42 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:41 May 31, 2011 Jkt 223001 Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4144; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 31457 Sfmt 4700 We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2011 (76 FR 14346). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Cracks have been reportedly found on DA 42 Main Landing Gear (MLG) Damper-toTrailing Arm joints during standard maintenance. Depending on environmental-, operating- and runway conditions, the affected MLG joint, Part Number (P/N) D60– 3217–23–5x (4 different lengths are available), which is made of aluminum, is susceptible to cracking. This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to failure of the joint and subsequent damage or malfunction of the MLG, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane during landing and injury to occupants. To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued AD 2010–0155 to require repetitive inspections of the MLG joint and, depending on findings, replacement with a serviceable part. Since that AD was issued, DAI developed an improved design MLG joint, P/N D64–3217–23–0x (also 4 different lengths available), which is made of steel and less susceptible to cracking. For the reasons described above, this new AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2010–0155R1, which is superseded, and adds the terminating action requirement to modify the aeroplane by installing the improved steel part. This new AD also prohibits reinstallation of the aluminum part. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. E:\FR\FM\01JNR1.SGM 01JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 1, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31456-31457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13436]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. NM446; Special Conditions No. 25-427-SC]


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued 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 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: Effective Date: July 1, 2011.

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: 

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 Gulfstream Model GVI airplane 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 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

    This special condition requires 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 special condition establishes a level of safety equivalent to 
that provided by a conventional flight control system and that 
contemplated in existing regulations.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions No. 25-11-05-SC for 
Gulfstream GVI airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
February 17, 2011 (76 FR 9265). One supportive comment was received and 
these special conditions are adopted as proposed.

Applicability

    As discussed above, this special condition is applicable to the 
Gulfstream Model GVI airplane. 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

[[Page 31457]]

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 Special Condition

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special condition is issued as part of the 
type certification basis for the Gulfstream 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 May 20, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-13436 Filed 5-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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