Special Conditions: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI), Model 525 Helicopter; Mode Annunciation, 17077-17078 [2018-08139]

Download as PDF 17077 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 75 Wednesday, April 18, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 29 [Docket No. FAA–2017–1129; Notice No. 29– 042–SC] Special Conditions: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI), Model 525 Helicopter; Mode Annunciation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special conditions. AGENCY: These special conditions are issued for the BHTI Model 525 helicopter. This helicopter will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with fly-by-wire flight control system (FBW FCS) functions that affect the pilot awareness of the flight control modes while operating the helicopter. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. 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: April 18, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Harrum, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–4087; email George.Harrum@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES Background On December 15, 2011, BHTI applied for a type certificate for a new transport category helicopter designated as the Model 525. The aircraft is a medium twin-engine rotorcraft. The design maximum takeoff weight is 20,500 pounds, with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers and a crew of 2. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Apr 17, 2018 Jkt 244001 The BHTI Model 525 helicopter will be equipped with a four-axis full authority digital FBW FCS that provides for aircraft control through pilot input and coupled flight director modes. Current regulations are inadequate in the area of pilot awareness of the flight control modes while operating the helicopter. The proposed special condition will require that suitable mode annunciation be provided to the flight crew for events that significantly change the operating mode of the system but do not merit the traditional warnings, cautions, and advisories. Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, BHTI must show that the Model 525 helicopter meets the applicable provisions of part 29, as amended by Amendment 29–1 through 29–55 thereto. The BHTI Model 525 certification basis date is December 31, 2013, the effective date of application to the FAA. If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 29) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the BHTI Model 525 because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of § 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 or similar novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would also apply to the other model under § 21.101. In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special conditions, the BHTI Model 525 helicopter must comply with the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36, and the FAA must issue a finding of regulatory adequacy under 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). Novel or Unusual Design Features The BHTI Model 525 helicopter will incorporate the following novel or unusual design features: A four-axis full authority digital FBW FCS. Pilot control PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 inputs, through the mechanically linked cockpit controls (cyclic, collective, directional pedals), are transmitted electrically to each of the three Flight Control Computers (FCCs). The pilot control input signals are then processed and transmitted to the hydraulic flight control actuators which affect control of the main and tail rotors. The FCCs process the pilot control input signals depending on the flight control mode in affect. Discussion The current 14 CFR 29 standards do not provide adequate standards for pilot awareness of the flight control modes while operating the helicopter. These special conditions require that suitable mode annunciation be provided to the flight crew for events that significantly change the operating mode of the system but do not merit the traditional warnings, cautions, and advisories. Discussion of Comments Notice of proposed special conditions No. 29–042–SC for the BHTI Model 525 helicopter was published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2017 (82 FR 57687). One commenter, Sikorsky Aircraft (Sikorsky), responded to the Notice. Sikorsky requested that the annunciation required by the proposed special conditions be placed within the immediate field of view of the pilot. Sikorsky also requested that because the word ‘‘significantly’’ in the proposed special conditions may be subjective, the following language be added to provide clarification: ‘‘in such a way as to alter the pilots primary control strategy.’’ The FAA agrees. We have revised the special conditions accordingly. Applicability As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the BHTI Model 525 helicopter. Should BHTI apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that model as well. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on one model of rotorcraft. It is not a rule of general applicability. E:\FR\FM\18APR1.SGM 18APR1 17078 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 18, 2018 / Rules and Regulations List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 29 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. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY The Coast Guard will enforce the special local regulation established in 33 CFR 100.1103, Table 1, Item number 3 on April 22, 2018. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 22, 2018 the special local regulation applies to the navigable waters from Bluff Point on the southeastern side of Tiburon Peninsula to Point Campbell on the northern edge of Angel Island, and from Peninsula Point on the southern edge of Tiburon Peninsula to Point Stuart on the western edge of Angel Island. Under the provisions of 33 CFR 100.1103, unauthorized persons or vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring in the regulated area during all applicable effective dates and times, unless authorized to do so by the PATCOM. Additionally, each person who receives notice of a lawful order or direction issued by an official patrol vessel shall obey the order or direction. The PATCOM is empowered to forbid entry into and control the regulated area. The PATCOM shall be designated by the Commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. The PATCOM may, upon request, allow the transit of commercial vessels through regulated areas when it is safe to do so. This notice is issued under authority of 33 CFR 165.1103 and 5 U.S.C. 552(a). In addition to this notification in the Federal Register, the Coast Guard plans to provide the maritime community with extensive advance notification of the regulated area and its enforcement period via the Local Notice to Mariners. If the Captain of the Port determines that the regulated area need not be enforced for the full duration stated in this notification, a Broadcast Notice to Mariners may be used to grant general permission to enter the regulated area. RIN 1625–AA00 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 the Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Model 525 helicopter: Mode Annunciation: A means must be provided, within the pilots’ primary field of view, to indicate to the crew any mode that significantly changes or degrades the handling or operational characteristics of the rotorcraft in such a way as to alter the pilots’ primary control strategy. ■ Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 30, 2018. Jorge Castillo, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–08139 Filed 4–17–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 100 [Docket No. USCG–2018–0323] Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Blessing of the Fleet, Tiburon, CA Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of enforcement of regulation. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard will enforce the special local regulations in the navigable waters of the San Francisco Bay for the annual Blessing of the Fleet to be held on April 22, 2018. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of event participants and spectators. During the enforcement period, unauthorized persons or vessels are prohibited from entering into, transiting through, or anchoring in the regulated area, unless authorized by the Patrol Commander (PATCOM). SUMMARY: amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with RULES If you have questions on this notice of enforcement, call or email Lieutenant Junior Grade Emily Rowan, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco; telephone (415) 399–7443 or email at D11-PFMarineEvents@uscg.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: April 12, 2018. Anthony J. Ceraolo, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port of San Francisco. [FR Doc. 2018–08109 Filed 4–17–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P The regulations in 33 CFR 100.1103, Table 1, Item number 3 will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 22, 2018. DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:24 Apr 17, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket Number USCG–2018–0322] Safety Zone, Delaware River; Diving and Survey Operations; Marcus Hook, PA Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone encompassing all navigable waters within a 250-yard radius of the Commerce Construction vessels and associated equipment conducting survey and diving operations in the Delaware River, and in the vicinity of Anchorage 7, near Marcus Hook, PA. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, associated equipment, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by survey and diving operations. Entry of persons or vessels into this safety zone will be prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Delaware Bay. We invite your comments on this rule. DATES: This rule is effective from April 30, 2018 through June 30, 2018. Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 18, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2018–0322 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. SUMMARY: If you have questions about this rulemaking, call or email Petty Officer Edmund Ofalt, Waterways Management Branch, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay; telephone (215) 271– 4814, email Edmund.J.Ofalt@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Table of Abbreviations APA Administrative Procedure Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations COTP Captain of the Port DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking § Section U.S.C. United States Code E:\FR\FM\18APR1.SGM 18APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17077-17078]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08139]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 18, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 17077]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 29

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1129; Notice No. 29-042-SC]


Special Conditions: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI), Model 
525 Helicopter; Mode Annunciation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the BHTI Model 525 
helicopter. This helicopter will have a novel or unusual design feature 
associated with fly-by-wire flight control system (FBW FCS) functions 
that affect the pilot awareness of the flight control modes while 
operating the helicopter. The applicable airworthiness regulations do 
not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design 
feature. 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: April 18, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Harrum, Aerospace Engineer, 
Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-4087; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On December 15, 2011, BHTI applied for a type certificate for a new 
transport category helicopter designated as the Model 525. The aircraft 
is a medium twin-engine rotorcraft. The design maximum takeoff weight 
is 20,500 pounds, with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers and a crew 
of 2.
    The BHTI Model 525 helicopter will be equipped with a four-axis 
full authority digital FBW FCS that provides for aircraft control 
through pilot input and coupled flight director modes. Current 
regulations are inadequate in the area of pilot awareness of the flight 
control modes while operating the helicopter. The proposed special 
condition will require that suitable mode annunciation be provided to 
the flight crew for events that significantly change the operating mode 
of the system but do not merit the traditional warnings, cautions, and 
advisories.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, BHTI must show that the Model 
525 helicopter meets the applicable provisions of part 29, as amended 
by Amendment 29-1 through 29-55 thereto. The BHTI Model 525 
certification basis date is December 31, 2013, the effective date of 
application to the FAA.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 29) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the BHTI Model 525 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 or similar 
novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would also 
apply to the other model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the BHTI Model 525 helicopter must comply with the noise 
certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36, and the FAA must issue a 
finding of regulatory adequacy under 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).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The BHTI Model 525 helicopter will incorporate the following novel 
or unusual design features: A four-axis full authority digital FBW FCS. 
Pilot control inputs, through the mechanically linked cockpit controls 
(cyclic, collective, directional pedals), are transmitted electrically 
to each of the three Flight Control Computers (FCCs). The pilot control 
input signals are then processed and transmitted to the hydraulic 
flight control actuators which affect control of the main and tail 
rotors. The FCCs process the pilot control input signals depending on 
the flight control mode in affect.

Discussion

    The current 14 CFR 29 standards do not provide adequate standards 
for pilot awareness of the flight control modes while operating the 
helicopter. These special conditions require that suitable mode 
annunciation be provided to the flight crew for events that 
significantly change the operating mode of the system but do not merit 
the traditional warnings, cautions, and advisories.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of proposed special conditions No. 29-042-SC for the BHTI 
Model 525 helicopter was published in the Federal Register on December 
7, 2017 (82 FR 57687). One commenter, Sikorsky Aircraft (Sikorsky), 
responded to the Notice.
    Sikorsky requested that the annunciation required by the proposed 
special conditions be placed within the immediate field of view of the 
pilot. Sikorsky also requested that because the word ``significantly'' 
in the proposed special conditions may be subjective, the following 
language be added to provide clarification: ``in such a way as to alter 
the pilots primary control strategy.''
    The FAA agrees. We have revised the special conditions accordingly.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
BHTI Model 525 helicopter. Should BHTI apply at a later date for a 
change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating 
the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions 
would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

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

[[Page 17078]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 29

    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 Conditions

0
 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 the Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., 
Model 525 helicopter:
    Mode Annunciation: A means must be provided, within the pilots' 
primary field of view, to indicate to the crew any mode that 
significantly changes or degrades the handling or operational 
characteristics of the rotorcraft in such a way as to alter the pilots' 
primary control strategy.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 30, 2018.
Jorge Castillo,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-08139 Filed 4-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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