Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External Loads as a Restricted Category Special Purpose Flight Operation, 38798-38799 [2015-16558]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 129 / Tuesday, July 7, 2015 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ELTs to be ineffective and unable to
perform their intended function. The
FAA also evaluated the retention tests
specified by TSO–C91a, TSO–C126, and
TSO–C126a and determined these
standards did not adequately address
the use of hook and loop fasteners. Hook
and loop fasteners were not an
acceptable means of compliance to meet
the mounting and retention
requirements of the ELT TSOs. While
the evaluation of installation approval
using hook and loop fasteners may meet
the TSO requirements for retention
forces in laboratory conditions, accident
investigations found these fasteners did
not perform their intended function.
Technical Standard Order TSO–C126b,
406 MHz Emergency Locator
Transmitters, already excludes hook and
loop fasteners as the primary method of
ELT attachment.
Federal Aviation Administration
FAA Concerns
Emergency Locator Transmitters
(ELTs)
The agency identified the following
concerns after completing its evaluation
of the use of hook and loop fasteners:
(1) Hook and loop fasteners fail to
retain the ELT when insufficient tension
is applied to close the fastener. There is
no repeatable method for installation
and no method to evaluate the tension
of the hook and loop fastener. The
allowance for pilots to secure ELTs to
the aircraft when changing ELT batteries
further increases the potential for
inconsistent and unsatisfactory
installations.
(2) Hook and loop fasteners closed
with proper tension may stretch or
loosen over time due to wear, fluids,
vibration, and repeated use, leading to
insufficient tension to retain the ELT.
(3) Hook and loop fasteners closed
with proper tension do not provide
stated retention capability due to debris
which can contaminate the hooks and
loops of the fastener.
(4) Hook and loop fasteners closed
with proper tension degrade due to
environmental factors such as repeated
heating and cooling cycles, temperature
extremes, and contamination resulting
from location in equipment areas.
Access Control System (VACS–D)
database. Please see the Security
Records System of Records Notice
(State–36) at https://www.state.gov/
documents/organization/103419.pdf for
additional information.
For additional information, contact
Melike Yetken, Office of Economic
Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy,
Bureau of Economic and Business
Affairs, at (202) 647–2744, or
YetkenMA@state.gov
Dated: June 29, 2015.
Melike A. Yetken,
Designated Federal Official, U.S. Department
of State.
[FR Doc. 2015–16616 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710–08–P
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final notice recommending
voluntary change to securing existing
ELTs as specified in Technical Standard
Order (TSO)–C126b, 406MHz
Emergency Locator Transmitter.
AGENCY:
This notice summarizes the
inadequacies of hook and loop fasteners
as a means for securing automatic fixed
(AF) and automatic potable (AP) ELTs,
and avoids placing an undue burden on
aircraft owners while acknowledging
the voluntary efforts of ELT
manufacturers to improve designs.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Charisse R. Green, AIR–131, Federal
Aviation Administration, 470 L’Enfant
Plaza, Suite 4102, Washington, DC
20024. Telephone (202) 267–8551, fax
(202) 267–8589, email to:
Charisse.Green@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Background
On March 10, 2015, the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA)
published in the Federal Register, (80
FR 12697 (2015)), a Notice announcing
the recommendation of voluntary
change to a metal strap type restraint
method for securing ELTs. The FAA
recommends voluntary changes to
existing ELTs installed with hook and
loop fasteners because of their tendency
to become dislodged from their
mounting trays on impact. The
separation of those ELTs from their
mounting trays caused their antenna
connection to sever, thus rendering the
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20:31 Jul 06, 2015
Jkt 235001
Comments
The FAA received one comment in
response to the March 10, 2015, Federal
Register Notice. The comment, by
ELTA, stated that there is some
potential confusion as to which ELTs
were applicable under the FAA’s
proposed voluntary change from the use
of hook and loop fasteners to metallic
straps. Some customers could assume
the Federal Register notice is applicable
to all types of ELTs, including the
survival type ELT.
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Fmt 4703
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The FAA acknowledges this
comment. This final Federal Register
notice clarifies the FAA recommends
voluntary changes to the securing
mechanisms for automatic fixed and
automatic portable ELTs. Additionally,
the requirements section of TSO–C126b
specifies the use of hook and loop
fasteners is not an acceptable means of
attachment when showing compliance
with the Crash Safety requirements of
RTCA/DO–204A, section 2.2.5. Section
2.2.5 of this RTCA document applies
only to AF and AP ELTs.
Conclusion
The FAA evaluated the mounting
requirements and retention test and
determined the standards do not
adequately address the use of hook and
loop fasteners. Upon completion of the
evaluation, the FAA identified
numerous concerns with the use of hook
and loop fasteners and continues to
recommend voluntary changes of
securing mechanisms for existing ELTs
which utilize hook and loop fasteners.
The FAA also asks aircraft owners/
operators with ELTs secured with hook
and loop fasteners in their aircraft to
voluntarily switch to a metal strap type
restraint method.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30,
2015.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing, &
Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–16557 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External
Loads as a Restricted Category
Special Purpose Flight Operation
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of availability and
request for public comments.
AGENCY:
This notice announces the
availability of and request comments on
the proposed authorization of Alaska
Fixed Wing External Loads (FWEL) as a
new restricted category special purpose
operation, pursuant to Title 14 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
21.25(b)(7), for operations within the
State of Alaska.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before August 6, 2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Aviation Administration,
Design Manufacturing and
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 129 / Tuesday, July 7, 2015 / Notices
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Airworthiness Division, Design
Certification Section (AIR–111), 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC
20024. ATTN: Mr. Graham Long.
Telephone (202) 267–1624, fax 202–
267–1813, email to: graham.long@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
to the Reauthorization Act of 1966 (110
Sat. 3213) SEC. 1205., Regulations
Affecting Intrastate Aviation in Alaska,
modifying regulations contained in Title
14 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
in a manner affecting intrastate aviation
in Alaska became law. The
Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration considered the extent to
which Alaska is not served by
transportation modes other than
aviation, established such regulatory
distinctions as deemed appropriate.
The Design, Manufacturing and
Airworthiness Division (AIR–100)
proposes Alaskan Fixed Wing External
Loads (FWEL) as a recognized special
purpose operation in the restricted
category, under Title 14 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
§ 21.25(b)(7). Alaskan FWEL is the
carriage of external loads temporarily
attached to small, fixed-wing aircraft
operating within the state of Alaska.
This approval is issued with the
following requirements:
1. Alaskan FWEL must be performed
in conjunction with the procedures
contained in FAA Notice N8900.272 (or
its successor policy).
2. An airplane eligible for the carriage
of external loads must:
a. Be a small propeller-driven airplane
type-certificated in accordance with 14
CFR part 23 (or its predecessor
regulations) in the normal, utility, or
acrobatic category, and have a valid
airworthiness certificate in that
category.
b. Have a maximum certificated
takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less.
3. The airworthiness limitations
issued with the airworthiness certificate
must include a requirement for training
in the carriage of FWEL. The pilot must
have sufficient knowledge of (1)
external load attaching methods; (2) the
airplane operating limitations issued for
the external load operation; and (3) how
the external load may affect the flight
characteristics of the airplane.
Note: Airplane Handling and Flight
Characteristics: When carrying external
loads, aerodynamic forces and the weight of
an external load change an airplane’s
handling and flight characteristics. These
forces can negatively affect airplane
performance (takeoff, climb, cruise, and
landing), airplane stability, flight control
effectiveness, vibration, fuel consumption,
and engine cooling, among other
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:31 Jul 06, 2015
Jkt 235001
38799
characteristics. The operator must take care
when selecting and mounting an external
load and also exercise prudence to avoid
operation outside the airplane’s approved
weight & balance envelope, and to avoid
aerodynamic effects that make operations
unsafe.
2014, replaces AC 20–159 and provides
guidance for applicants seeking
authorization to display an own-ship
symbol limited to the airport surface as
a Type B application for use on any
EFB.
4. The aircraft must be operated in
accordance with the gross weight and
flight envelope limitations when in the
restricted category.
5. No passengers are permitted on
board when in restricted category. All
persons onboard must be flight crew
members, flight crew member trainees,
persons who perform an essential
function in connection with the special
purpose operation, or persons necessary
to accomplish the work activity directly
associated with the special purpose
operation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30,
2015.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing and
Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–16558 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Advisory Circular (AC) 20–159,
Obtaining Design and Production
Approval of Airport Moving Map
Display Applications Intended for
Electronic Flight Bag Systems
Federal Aviation
Administration (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of intent to cancel AC
20–159, Obtaining Design and
Production Approval of Airport Moving
Map Display Applications Intended for
Electronic Flight Bag Systems.
AGENCY:
This notice announces the
Federal Aviation Administration’s
(FAA) intent to cancel AC 20–159. This
cancellation will result in no new
approval of technical standard order
authorizations (TSOA) for an
‘‘incomplete system’’ issued for
Technical Standard Order (TSO) C–165,
Electronic Map Display Equipment for
Graphical Depiction of Aircraft Position.
Therefore, the guidance contained in AC
20–159 allowing applicants to obtain a
design and production approval using
the software and database for an airport
moving map display (AMMD) intended
for use on a Class 2 electronic flight bag
(EFB) for ground operations, will no
longer be available. FAA AC 120–76C,
Guidelines for the Certification,
Airworthiness, and Operational Use of
Electronic Flight Bags, dated May 9,
SUMMARY:
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To
obtain additional details, please contact:
Mr. Brad Miller, AIR–130, Federal
Aviation Administration, Aircraft
Certification Service, Systems and
Equipment Standards Branch, 470
L’Enfant Plaza Suite 4102, Washington,
DC 20024, Telephone (202) 267–8533,
FAX: (202) 267–267–8589, Email:
brad.miller@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
In mid-March 2007, the FAA
Administrator directed FAA to publish
guidance by the end of April 2007 to
facilitate the use of an AMMD
application on EFBs and to streamline
the certification means to deploy this
safety enhancement to address airport
runway incursions. AC 20–159 provided
EFB AMMD applicant guidance to
obtain TSO–C165 software-only TSO
authorization requiring the need to
obtain a design or production approval.
However, AC 120–76C later introduced
guidance to necessitate only an
operator-based evaluation submitted to
an FAA inspector for EFB hardware and
software application authorization. The
FAA envisions all new authorizations
for use of AMMD functionality on EFBs
be obtained under AC 120–76C as a
Type B application.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30,
2015.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing, &
Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–16556 Filed 7–6–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket No. FRA–2015–0007–N–18]
Agency Request for Emergency
Processing of Collection of
Information by the Office of
Management and Budget
Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA), United States
Department of Transportation (USDOT).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
FRA hereby gives notice that
it is submitting the following
Information Collection request (ICR) to
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 129 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38798-38799]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16558]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Alaska: Fixed Wing Aircraft External Loads as a Restricted
Category Special Purpose Flight Operation
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and request comments
on the proposed authorization of Alaska Fixed Wing External Loads
(FWEL) as a new restricted category special purpose operation, pursuant
to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.25(b)(7),
for operations within the State of Alaska.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 6, 2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Federal Aviation Administration,
Design Manufacturing and
[[Page 38799]]
Airworthiness Division, Design Certification Section (AIR-111), 950
L'Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. ATTN: Mr. Graham Long.
Telephone (202) 267-1624, fax 202-267-1813, email to:
graham.long@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Reauthorization Act of 1966
(110 Sat. 3213) SEC. 1205., Regulations Affecting Intrastate Aviation
in Alaska, modifying regulations contained in Title 14 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, in a manner affecting intrastate aviation in
Alaska became law. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration considered the extent to which Alaska is not served by
transportation modes other than aviation, established such regulatory
distinctions as deemed appropriate.
The Design, Manufacturing and Airworthiness Division (AIR-100)
proposes Alaskan Fixed Wing External Loads (FWEL) as a recognized
special purpose operation in the restricted category, under Title 14 of
the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Sec. 21.25(b)(7). Alaskan
FWEL is the carriage of external loads temporarily attached to small,
fixed-wing aircraft operating within the state of Alaska. This approval
is issued with the following requirements:
1. Alaskan FWEL must be performed in conjunction with the
procedures contained in FAA Notice N8900.272 (or its successor policy).
2. An airplane eligible for the carriage of external loads must:
a. Be a small propeller-driven airplane type-certificated in
accordance with 14 CFR part 23 (or its predecessor regulations) in the
normal, utility, or acrobatic category, and have a valid airworthiness
certificate in that category.
b. Have a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or
less.
3. The airworthiness limitations issued with the airworthiness
certificate must include a requirement for training in the carriage of
FWEL. The pilot must have sufficient knowledge of (1) external load
attaching methods; (2) the airplane operating limitations issued for
the external load operation; and (3) how the external load may affect
the flight characteristics of the airplane.
Note: Airplane Handling and Flight Characteristics: When
carrying external loads, aerodynamic forces and the weight of an
external load change an airplane's handling and flight
characteristics. These forces can negatively affect airplane
performance (takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing), airplane
stability, flight control effectiveness, vibration, fuel
consumption, and engine cooling, among other characteristics. The
operator must take care when selecting and mounting an external load
and also exercise prudence to avoid operation outside the airplane's
approved weight & balance envelope, and to avoid aerodynamic effects
that make operations unsafe.
4. The aircraft must be operated in accordance with the gross
weight and flight envelope limitations when in the restricted category.
5. No passengers are permitted on board when in restricted
category. All persons onboard must be flight crew members, flight crew
member trainees, persons who perform an essential function in
connection with the special purpose operation, or persons necessary to
accomplish the work activity directly associated with the special
purpose operation.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2015.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing and Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16558 Filed 7-6-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P