Special Conditions: Airbus Model A321neo XLR Airplanes; Flight Envelope Protection, Icing and Non-Icing Conditions; High Incidence Protection, 42788-42792 [2024-10646]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 96 / Thursday, May 16, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
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§§ 1293.33–1293.40
[Reserved]
Sandra L. Thompson,
Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.
BILLING CODE 8070–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. No. FAA–2021–1032; Special
Conditions No. 25–854–SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus Model
A321neo XLR Airplanes; Flight
Envelope Protection, Icing and NonIcing Conditions; High Incidence
Protection
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions.
AGENCY:
These special conditions are
issued for the Airbus Model A321neo
XLR airplane. This airplane will have a
novel or unusual design feature when
compared to the state of technology
envisioned in the applicable
airworthiness standards for transport
category airplanes. This design feature
is flight-envelope protections, in icing
and non-icing conditions, that use highincidence protection and an alpha-floor
system to automatically advance
throttles when the airplane angle of
attack reaches a predetermined value.
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: Effective June 17, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Troy
Brown, Performance and Environment
Unit, AIR–621A, Technical Policy
Branch, Policy and Standards Division,
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Background
On September 16, 2019, Airbus
applied for an amendment to Type
Certificate No. A28NM to include the
new Model A321neo XLR airplane.
These airplanes are twin-engine,
transport-category airplanes with
seating for 244 passengers, and a
maximum take-off weight of 222,000
pounds.
Type Certification Basis
[FR Doc. 2024–09559 Filed 5–15–24; 8:45 am]
SUMMARY:
Aircraft Certification Service, Federal
Aviation Administration, 1801 S Airport
Rd., Wichita, KS 67209–2190; telephone
and fax 405–666–1050; email
troy.a.brown@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Under the provisions of 14 CFR
21.101, Airbus must show that the
Model A321neo XLR airplane meets the
applicable provisions of the regulations
listed in Type Certificate No. A28NM, or
the applicable regulations in effect on
the date of application for the change,
except for earlier amendments as agreed
upon by the FAA.
If the Administrator finds that the
applicable airworthiness regulations
(e.g., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards
for the Airbus Model A321neo XLR
airplanes 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 novel or unusual
design feature, or should any other
model already included on the same
type certificate be modified to
incorporate the same novel or unusual
design feature, these special conditions
would also apply to the other model
under § 21.101.
In addition to the applicable
airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Airbus Model A321neo
XLR airplane 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 issues special conditions, as
defined in § 11.19, in accordance with
§ 11.38, and they become part of the
type certification basis under 14 CFR
21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Feature
The Airbus Model A321neo XLR
airplane will incorporate the following
novel or unusual design feature:
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Flight-envelope protections, in icing
and non-icing conditions, that use highincidence protection and an alpha-floor
function to automatically advance
throttles when the airplane angle of
attack (AoA) reaches a predetermined
value.
Discussion
The current airworthiness standards
do not contain adequate safety
standards for the high-incidence
protection system and the alpha-floor
system for the Airbus Model A321neo
XLR series airplanes. This is because the
FAA’s current standards were designed
for more traditional electronic flight
control systems (EFCS), which involve
less advanced envelope protections,
such as stick shakers and pushers.
These special conditions address the
more advanced flight envelope
protections, including icing and nonicing conditions, that are part of the
EFCS design of the A321neo XLR
airplane.
The high-incidence protection system
prevents the airplane from stalling and,
therefore, the stall warning system is not
needed during normal flight conditions.
However, during failure conditions
which are not shown to be extremely
improbable, the requirements of
§§ 25.203 and 25.207 apply, although
slightly modified by these conditions. If
there are failures not shown to be
extremely improbable, the flight
characteristics at the angle-of-attack for
CLMAX must be suitable in the
traditional sense, and stall warning
must be provided in a conventional
manner. These special conditions
address the need for modification
during icing conditions and non-icing
conditions.
The alpha-floor function
automatically advances the throttles on
the operating engines under flight
circumstances of low speed if the
airplane reaches a predetermined high
AoA. This function is intended to
provide increased climb capability.
These special conditions address this
novel or unusual design feature on the
Airbus Model A321neo XLR and
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.
Discussion of Comments
The FAA issued Notice of Special
Conditions No. 25–23–03–SC for the
Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplane.
They were published in the Federal
Register on November 3, 2023 (88 FR
75513). The FAA received comments
from Airbus Commercial Aircraft
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(Airbus) and The Boeing Company
(Boeing).
Boeing requested that the FAA add
statements to sections (e)(1)(ii)(B) and
(C) of the proposed special conditions
regarding the demonstration of
satisfactory lateral control at the aft stop
and the consideration of rapid
application of go-around power or
thrust. Boeing requested these changes
for consistency with the proposed
regulatory material for § 25.202(d)(2)
and (4) in the Flight Test Harmonization
Working Group Phase 2 Rev A Final
Report 1 (FTHWG Report). The FAA
does not agree to this change. The FAA
has previously published special
conditions on this subject. The terms of
those special conditions were consistent
with the terms of these special
conditions, and the FAA finds that they
provide an adequate level of safety, i.e.,
a level equivalent to the standards that,
absent these special conditions, would
otherwise be applicable.
Boeing recommended the FAA add
‘‘and emergency’’ to the proposed
special conditions regarding the alphafloor setting not interfering with normal
maneuvering because this change would
be consistent with proposed regulatory
material for § 25.144(a) in the FTHWG
Report. The FAA declines to make this
change. This special condition only
addresses the alpha-floor setting in
normal maneuvering. The general
limiting special conditions 2 for the
A321neo XLR already include
requirements for normal and emergency
operations of all flight envelope
protection functions, which include the
alpha-floor function.
Boeing requested the FAA revise the
deceleration rate in icing conditions in
section (e)(1)(ii)(C)(2) of the proposed
special conditions to 3 knots per second
because this change would be consistent
with the Airbus Model A350–900
Special Conditions No. 25–517–SC part
I section 5.1(b)(3)(ii) and the proposed
regulatory material for § 25.202(d)(4) in
the FTHWG Report. The FAA does not
concur with Boeing’s request because
this change would not be appropriate
for the design of the A321neo XLR. The
XLR EFCS architecture is based on a
previously certified architecture for the
Airbus Model A321neo ACF. The
A321neo ACF used a deceleration rate
in icing conditions of 2 knots per
second; therefore, using the same
requirement for the A321neo XLR is
1 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/
rulemaking/committees/documents/media/09%20%20FTHWG_Final_Report_Phase_2_RevA__Apr_
2017.pdf.
2 88 FR 12133 (Feb. 27, 2023).
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appropriate and provides an adequate
(equivalent) level of safety.
Boeing requested the FAA revise
section (e)(2)(i)(D) of the proposed
special conditions related to buffeting to
have the same requirement for icing and
non-icing conditions, which Boeing said
would also be consistent with 25–517–
SC part II section 3(a)(2)(i) and the
proposed regulatory material for
25.105(a)(2)(iii) in the FTHWG Report.
Boeing stated that the requirement for
icing conditions appears to indicate that
buffet of a deterrent magnitude and
severity would be acceptable for
demonstration. The FAA does not
concur with Boeing’s request. The FAA
does not intend the buffeting
requirement for icing conditions to
allow deterrent buffet. The wording of
these special conditions is appropriate
because the magnitude of the buffet can
be a driver in setting the protections
while still requiring the airplane be free
from excessive vibration and buffet.
Therefore, these special conditions
provide an adequate level of safety.
Boeing requested that the FAA
remove all notes under section (j) of the
proposed special conditions; the notes
mention a tolerance for take-off and
climb-out speeds in icing. Boeing stated
that the tolerance in the notes appears
to expand the allowable degradation in
performance prior to calculating the
icing effect and that the removal of the
notes would align with previously
released special conditions on this
topic, such as 25–517–SC, and the
recommendations in the FTHWG
Report. The FAA does not concur with
Boeing’s request. The A321neo XLR is a
derivative of an airplane (A321neo ACF)
initially certified with tolerances to
account for ice effect on performance
along the take-off path as well as at
landing. In particular, it was not needed
to account for icing if the ice effect on
Vmin1g was less than 5%/5kt. To reflect
the intent of § 25.21(g) on airplanes for
which § 25.21(g) is not applicable,
Airbus has proposed a standard for the
A321neo XLR consisting of the removal
of the tolerance at landing and a
reduced tolerance to 2.5%/2.5kt for
take-off path. Airbus considers that the
requirements of these special conditions
provide an adequate level of safety
based on the in-service performance of
previous A321 models, and the FAA
concurs.
Airbus, the applicant, requested the
FAA revise the special condition that
the FAA proposed would apply in lieu
of § 25.121(d)(2)(ii). Airbus provided
updated wording that replaced the text
presented in the notice with text
inspired by the FTHWG report
recommendations. Airbus stated that
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this text is comparable in intent to the
text proposed by FAA in the notice but
with an improved clarity thanks to a
more modern wording, anticipating the
future implementation of the FTHWG
recommendations. The FAA concurs
with this rationale and has modified the
final special condition accordingly.
Boeing commented that the formatting
of the proposed special conditions
related to § 25.121 could lead to
confusion as to which regulations were
being addressed due to missing
paragraph numbers. The FAA concurs
and has updated the format of the final
special conditions to clarify.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the Airbus
Model A321neo XLR airplane. Should
Airbus 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.
Under standard practice, the effective
date of final special conditions would
be 30 days after the date of publication
in the Federal Register. However, as the
certification date for the Airbus Model
A321neo XLR is imminent, the FAA
finds that good cause exists to make
these special conditions effective upon
publication.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel
or unusual design features on one model
A321neo XLR airplane. It is not a rule
of general applicability.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
Authority Citation
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,
44701, 44702, 44704.
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 Airbus Model
A321neo XLR airplane.
In the following paragraphs, ‘‘In icing
conditions’’ means with the ice
accretions, relevant for the flight phase,
as defined in part 25, appendix C.
(a) Definitions
These special conditions address a
novel or unusual design feature of the
Airbus A321neo XLR and use
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terminology that does not appear in part
25. For the purpose of these special
conditions, the following terms describe
certain aspects of this novel or unusual
design feature:
which the airplane can develop a lift
force normal to the flight path and equal
to its weight when at an angle of attack
not greater than that determined for
Vmin.
High-Incidence Protection System
Angle-of-Attack Limiting Function
A system that operates directly and
automatically on the airplane’s flying
controls to limit the maximum AoA that
can be attained to a value below that at
which an aerodynamic stall would
occur.
(b) Capability and Reliability of the
High-Incidence Protection System
Alpha-Floor System
A system that automatically increases
thrust on the operating engines when
AoA increases through a particular
value.
Alpha Limit
The maximum angle of attack at
which the airplane stabilizes with the
high-incidence protection system
operating and the longitudinal control
held on its aft stop.
VCLmax
An airspeed calculated from a variety
of factors, including load factor normal
to the flight path at VCLmax, airplane
gross weight, aerodynamic reference
wing area, and dynamic pressure.
Vmin
The minimum steady flight speed in
the airplane configuration under
consideration with the high-incidence
protection system operating.
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Vmin1g
Vmin corrected to 1g conditions. This
is the minimum calibrated airspeed at
Where:
VCLmax = the calibrated airspeed obtained
when the load factor corrected lift
coefficient (nzw W/qS) is first a maximum
during the maneuver prescribed in
condition (c)(5)(viii) of these Special
Conditions;
nzw = Load factor normal to the flight path
at VClmax;
W = Airplane gross weight;
S = Aerodynamic reference wing area; and
q = Dynamic pressure.
(5) VClmax is determined in non-icing
conditions with:
(i) Engines idling, or, if that resultant
thrust causes an appreciable decrease in
stall speed, not more than zero thrust at
the stall speed;
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Acceptable capability and reliability
of the high-incidence protection system
can be established by flight test,
simulation, and analysis, as appropriate.
The capability and reliability required
are as follows:
(1) It must not be possible, during
pilot-induced maneuvers, to encounter a
stall; and handling characteristics must
be acceptable, as required by section (e)
of these Special Conditions.
(2) The airplane must be protected
against stalling due to the effects of
wind-shears and gusts at low speeds as
required by section (f) of these Special
Conditions.
(3) The ability of the high-incidence
protection system to accommodate any
reduction in stalling incidence must be
verified in icing conditions.
(4) The high-incidence protection
system must be provided in each
abnormal configuration of the high-lift
devices that are likely to be used inflight following system failures.
(5) The reliability of the system and
the effects of failures must be acceptable
in accordance with § 25.1309.
(c) Minimum Steady Flight Speed and
Reference Stall Speed
In lieu of § 25.103, ‘‘Stall speed’’, the
following requirements apply:
(1) The minimum steady flight speed,
Vmin, is the final stabilized calibrated
(ii) The airplane in other respects
(such as flaps and landing gear) in the
condition existing in the test or
performance standard in which VSR is
being used;
(iii) The weight used when VSR is
being used as a factor to determine
compliance with a required
performance standard;
(iv) The center of gravity position that
results in the highest value of reference
stall speed;
(v) The airplane trimmed for straight
flight at a speed achievable by the
automatic trim system, but not less than
1.13 VSR and not greater than 1.3 VSR;
(vi) Alpha-floor system inhibited; and
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airspeed obtained when the airplane is
decelerated until the longitudinal
control is on its stop in such a way that
the entry rate does not exceed 1 knot per
second.
(2) The minimum steady flight speed,
Vmin, must be determined in icing and
non-icing conditions with:
(i) The high-incidence protection
system operating normally;
(ii) Idle thrust and alpha-floor system
inhibited;
(iii) All combinations of flaps setting
and landing gear position for which Vmin
is required to be determined;
(iv) The weight used when the
reference stall speed, VSR, is being used
as a factor to determine compliance
with a required performance standard;
(v) The most unfavorable center of
gravity allowable; and
(vi) The airplane trimmed for straight
flight at a speed achievable by the
automatic trim system.
(3) The 1g minimum steady flight
speed, Vmin1g, is the minimum calibrated
airspeed at which the airplane can
develop a lift force normal to the flight
path and equal to its weight, while at an
angle of attack not greater than that at
which the minimum steady flight speed
of condition 3(a), above, was
determined. It must be determined in
icing and non-icing conditions.
(4) The reference stall speed, VSR, is
a calibrated airspeed the applicant
defines. VSR may not be less than a 1g
stall speed. VSR must be determined in
non-icing conditions and expressed as:
(vii) The high-incidence protection
system adjusted, at the option of the
applicant, to allow higher incidence
than is possible with the normal
production system.
(viii) Starting from the stabilized trim
condition, apply the longitudinal
control to decelerate the airplane so that
the speed reduction does not exceed 1
knot per second.
(d) Stall Warning
In lieu of § 25.207, the following
requirements apply:
(1) Normal Operation
If the design meets all conditions of
section (b) of these special conditions,
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(1) High Incidence Handling
Demonstrations
longitudinal control so that the speed
reduction does not exceed 1 knot per
second until the control reaches the
stop.
(B) The longitudinal control must be
maintained at the stop until the airplane
has reached a stabilized flight condition,
and must then be recovered through
normal recovery techniques.
(C) Maneuvers with increased
deceleration rates:
(1) In non-icing conditions, the
requirements must also be met with
increased rates of entry to the incidence
limit, up to the maximum rate
achievable.
(2) In icing conditions, with the antiice system working normally, the
requirements must also be met with
increased rates of entry to the incidence
limit up to 2 knots per second.
(D) Maneuvers with ice accretion
prior to operation of the normal anti-ice
system: With the ice accretion prior to
operation of the normal anti-ice system,
the requirement must also be met in
deceleration at 1 knot per second up to
full back stick maintained for at least 3
seconds before normal recovery is
performed (requirement to be met with
and without alpha floor operating).
In lieu of § 25.201, High-incidence
handling demonstration in icing and
non-icing conditions:
(i) Maneuvers to the limit of the
longitudinal control, in the nose-up
sense, must be demonstrated in straight
flight and in 30-degree banked turns
with:
(A) The high-incidence protection
system operating normally;
(B) Initial power conditions of:
(1) Power off; and
(2) The power necessary to maintain
level flight at 1.5 VSR1, where VSR1 is the
reference stall speed with flaps in
approach position, the landing gear
retracted, and maximum landing
weight;
(C) Alpha-floor system operating
normally unless more severe conditions
are achieved with inhibited alpha floor;
(D) Flaps, landing gear, and
deceleration devices in any likely
combination of position;
(E) Representative weights within the
range for which certification is
requested; and
(F) The airplane trimmed for straight
flight at a speed achievable by the
automatic trim system.
(ii) The following procedures must be
used to show compliance in non-icing
and icing conditions:
(A) Starting at a speed sufficiently
above the minimum steady flight speed
to ensure that a steady rate of speed
reduction can be established, apply the
(2) Characteristics in High-Incidence
Maneuvers
In lieu of § 25.203, Characteristics in
High Incidence.
In icing and non-icing conditions:
(i) Throughout maneuvers with a rate
of deceleration of not more than 1 knot
per second, both in straight flight and in
30-degree banked turns, the airplane’s
characteristics must be as follows:
(A) The airplane must not exhibit
abnormal nose-up pitching.
(B) The airplane must not exhibit
uncommanded nose-down pitching,
which would be indicative of stall.
However, reasonable attitude changes
associated with stabilizing the incidence
at alpha limit, as the longitudinal
control reaches the stop, would be
acceptable.
(C) The airplane must not exhibit
uncommanded lateral or directional
motion, and the pilot must retain good
lateral and directional control through
conventional use of the controls,
throughout the maneuver.
(D) Buffeting:
(1) In non-icing conditions, the
airplane must not exhibit buffeting of a
magnitude and severity that would act
as a deterrent from completing the
maneuver specified in condition (e)(1)(i)
of these Special Conditions.
(2) In icing conditions, the airplane
may exhibit buffeting of a stronger
magnitude and severity than in nonicing conditions, provided that the
then the airplane need not provide stall
warning during normal operation. The
conditions of Part I, section 2 provide a
level of safety equal to the intent of
§ 25.207, ‘‘Stall warning,’’ so the
provision of an additional, unique
warning device for normal operations is
not required.
(2) High-Incidence Protection System
Failure
(i) In non-icing conditions, for any
failures of the high-incidence protection
system that the applicant cannot show
to be extremely improbable, such that
the capability of the system no longer
satisfies conditions (b)(1), (2), and (3) of
these Special Conditions, stall warning
must be provided in accordance with
§ 25.207(a), (b), and (f).
(ii) In icing conditions, after a failure
leading to the loss of the high-incidence
protection system, a safety margin not
less than 3 percent or 3 knots between
stall warning and stall must be
maintained.
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(e) Handling Characteristics at High
Incidence
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airplane is demonstrated to be free from
excessive vibration and buffeting over
the range of speeds adequate for normal
operation.
(ii) In maneuvers with increased rates
of deceleration, some degradation of
characteristics is acceptable, associated
with a transient excursion beyond the
stabilized alpha limit. However, the
airplane must not exhibit dangerous
characteristics, nor characteristics that
would deter the pilot from holding the
longitudinal control on the stop for a
period of time appropriate to the
maneuver.
(iii) The pilot must always be able to
reduce incidence through conventional
use of the controls.
(iv) The rate at which the airplane can
be maneuvered from trim speeds
associated with scheduled operating
speeds such as V2 and Vref, up to alpha
limit, must not be unduly damped or be
significantly slower than can be
achieved on conventionally controlled
transport airplanes.
(3) Characteristics up to VCLmax
Maneuvers with a rate of deceleration
of not more than 1 knot per second, up
to the angle of attack at which VCLmax
was obtained as defined in section (c) of
these Special Conditions, must be
demonstrated in straight flight and in
30-degree banked turns with:
(i) The high-incidence protection
system deactivated or adjusted, at the
option of the applicant, to allow higher
incidence than is possible with the
normal production system,
(ii) Alpha-floor system inhibited,
(iii) Engines idling,
(iv) Flaps and landing gear in any
likely combination of positions, and
(v) The airplane trimmed for straight
flight at a speed achievable by the
automatic trim system.
During such maneuvers, the airplane
must not exhibit dangerous
characteristics and the pilot must
always be able to reduce angle of attack
by conventional use of the controls. The
pilot must retain good lateral and
directional control, by conventional use
of the controls, throughout the
maneuver.
(f) Atmospheric Disturbances
Operation of the high-incidence
protection system must not adversely
affect airplane control during expected
levels of atmospheric disturbances, nor
impede the application of recovery
procedures in case of wind shear. This
must be demonstrated in non-icing
conditions only, and must allow for
drawing conclusion for icing conditions
without further demonstration.
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(g) Alpha Floor
In icing and non-icing conditions, the
alpha-floor setting must be such that the
airplane can be flown at the speeds and
bank angles specified in § 25.143(h).
The applicant also must show that the
alpha-floor setting does not interfere
with normal maneuvering of the
airplane. In addition, the airplane must
exhibit no alpha-floor triggering unless
appropriate when the airplane is flown
in usual operational maneuvers and in
turbulence.
(h) Proof of Compliance
In addition to the requirements in
§ 25.21(b), the following requirement
applies:
The flying qualities will be evaluated
at the most unfavorable center-of-gravity
(CG) position.
(i) Speed Associated With Other
Requirements
The design must meet the following
modified requirements:
(1) Section 25.145(a): Vmin in lieu of
‘‘stall identification.’’
(2) Section 25.145(b): Vmin in lieu of
Vsw.
(3) Section 25.1323(d): ‘‘From 1.23
VSR to Vmin’’ in lieu of ‘‘1.23 VSR to stall
warning speed’’ and ‘‘speeds below
Vmin’’ in lieu of ‘‘speeds below stall
warning.’’
(j) Performance in Icing Conditions
(1) Take-Off
In lieu of compliance with
§ 25.105(a)(2)(i), the following special
conditions apply:
(a) In icing conditions, if in the
configuration used in showing
compliance with § 25.121(b), and with
the most critical of the ‘‘Take-off Ice’’
accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25,
appendix C:
(i) The V2 speed scheduled in nonicing conditions does not provide the
maneuvering capability specified in
§ 25.143(h) for the take-off
configuration.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Note: This requirement does not apply if
the Vmin1g is increased in icing conditions,
with the ‘‘Take-off Ice’’ accretion defined in
14 CFR part 25, appendix C, by less than 2.5
knots or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater.
(2) Climb: One-Engine Inoperative
In lieu of compliance with
§ 25.121(b)(2)(ii)(A), the following
special conditions apply:
(a) In icing conditions, with the most
critical of the take-off ice accretion(s)
defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C,
if in the configuration used to show
compliance with § 25.121(b) with this
take-off ice accretion:
(i) The V2 speed scheduled in nonicing conditions does not provide the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:01 May 15, 2024
Jkt 262001
maneuvering capability specified in
§ 25.143(h), for the take-off
configuration.
Note: This requirement does not apply if
the Vmin1g is increased in icing conditions,
with the ‘‘Take-off Ice’’ accretion defined in
14 CFR part 25, appendix C, by less than 2.5
knots or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater.
In lieu of compliance with
§ 25.121(c)(2)(ii)(A) and (B), the
following special conditions apply:
(b) In icing conditions, with the most
critical of the final take-off ice
accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25,
appendix C, if in the configuration used
to show compliance with § 25.121(b)
with the take-off ice accretion used to
show compliance with § 25.111(c)(5)(i):
(i) The VFTO (final take-off speed)
scheduled in non-icing conditions does
not provide the maneuvering capability,
specified in § 25.143(h), for the en-route
configuration.
Note: This requirement does not apply if
the Vmin1g is increased in icing conditions,
with the ‘‘Final Take-off Ice’’ accretion
defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, by
less than 2.5 knots or 2.5 percent, whichever
is greater.
(ii) The degradation of the gradient of
climb, determined in accordance with
§ 25.121(b), with the take-off ice
accretion used in showing compliance
with § 25.111(c)(5)(i), is greater than
one-half of the applicable actual-to-net
take-off flight path gradient reduction
defined in § 25.115(b).
In lieu of compliance with
25.121(d)(2)(ii), the following special
conditions apply:
(c) In icing conditions, with the most
critical of the approach ice accretion(s)
defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C,
as applicable,
(i) The climb speed selected for nonicing conditions may be used if the
climb speed for icing conditions,
computed in accordance with
§ 25.121(d)(3), does not exceed that for
non-icing conditions by more than the
greater of 3 knots CAS or 3 percent; or,
(ii) The climb speed established with
normal landing procedures, but not
more than 1.4 VSR (VSR determined in
non-icing conditions), may be used if in
a configuration corresponding to the
normal all-engines-operating procedure
where the Vmin1g for this configuration
does not exceed 110 percent of the
Vmin1g for the related all-enginesoperating landing configuration in icing
conditions.
(3) En-Route Flight Paths
In lieu of compliance with
25.123(b)(2)(i), the following special
conditions apply:
(a) In icing conditions with the most
critical of the en-route ice accretion(s)
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C,
if:
(i) The VFTO speed scheduled in nonicing conditions does not provide the
maneuvering capability, specified in
§ 25.143(h), for the en-route
configuration.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May
10, 2024.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Manager, Technical Innovation Policy
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–10646 Filed 5–15–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2023–2137; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–01389–T; Amendment
39–22737; AD 2024–08–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate Previously Held by
Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a
determination that new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations are
necessary. This AD requires revising the
existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 20,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2023–2137; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\16MYR1.SGM
16MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 96 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42788-42792]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-10646]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. No. FAA-2021-1032; Special Conditions No. 25-854-SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus Model A321neo XLR Airplanes; Flight
Envelope Protection, Icing and Non-Icing Conditions; High Incidence
Protection
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Model
A321neo XLR airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design
feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the
applicable airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes.
This design feature is flight-envelope protections, in icing and non-
icing conditions, that use high-incidence protection and an alpha-floor
system to automatically advance throttles when the airplane angle of
attack reaches a predetermined value. 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: Effective June 17, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Troy Brown, Performance and
Environment Unit, AIR-621A, Technical Policy Branch, Policy and
Standards Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1801 S Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209-2190; telephone
and fax 405-666-1050; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On September 16, 2019, Airbus applied for an amendment to Type
Certificate No. A28NM to include the new Model A321neo XLR airplane.
These airplanes are twin-engine, transport-category airplanes with
seating for 244 passengers, and a maximum take-off weight of 222,000
pounds.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Airbus must show that the
Model A321neo XLR airplane meets the applicable provisions of the
regulations listed in Type Certificate No. A28NM, or the applicable
regulations in effect on the date of application for the change, except
for earlier amendments as agreed upon by the FAA.
If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness
regulations (e.g., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for the Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplanes
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 novel or
unusual design feature, or should any other model already included on
the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the same novel or
unusual design feature, these special conditions would also apply to
the other model under Sec. 21.101.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplane 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 issues special conditions, as defined in Sec. 11.19, in
accordance with Sec. 11.38, and they become part of the type
certification basis under 14 CFR 21.101.
Novel or Unusual Design Feature
The Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplane will incorporate the
following novel or unusual design feature:
Flight-envelope protections, in icing and non-icing conditions,
that use high- incidence protection and an alpha-floor function to
automatically advance throttles when the airplane angle of attack (AoA)
reaches a predetermined value.
Discussion
The current airworthiness standards do not contain adequate safety
standards for the high-incidence protection system and the alpha-floor
system for the Airbus Model A321neo XLR series airplanes. This is
because the FAA's current standards were designed for more traditional
electronic flight control systems (EFCS), which involve less advanced
envelope protections, such as stick shakers and pushers. These special
conditions address the more advanced flight envelope protections,
including icing and non-icing conditions, that are part of the EFCS
design of the A321neo XLR airplane.
The high-incidence protection system prevents the airplane from
stalling and, therefore, the stall warning system is not needed during
normal flight conditions. However, during failure conditions which are
not shown to be extremely improbable, the requirements of Sec. Sec.
25.203 and 25.207 apply, although slightly modified by these
conditions. If there are failures not shown to be extremely improbable,
the flight characteristics at the angle-of-attack for CLMAX
must be suitable in the traditional sense, and stall warning must be
provided in a conventional manner. These special conditions address the
need for modification during icing conditions and non-icing conditions.
The alpha-floor function automatically advances the throttles on
the operating engines under flight circumstances of low speed if the
airplane reaches a predetermined high AoA. This function is intended to
provide increased climb capability.
These special conditions address this novel or unusual design
feature on the Airbus Model A321neo XLR and 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.
Discussion of Comments
The FAA issued Notice of Special Conditions No. 25-23-03-SC for the
Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplane. They were published in the Federal
Register on November 3, 2023 (88 FR 75513). The FAA received comments
from Airbus Commercial Aircraft
[[Page 42789]]
(Airbus) and The Boeing Company (Boeing).
Boeing requested that the FAA add statements to sections
(e)(1)(ii)(B) and (C) of the proposed special conditions regarding the
demonstration of satisfactory lateral control at the aft stop and the
consideration of rapid application of go-around power or thrust. Boeing
requested these changes for consistency with the proposed regulatory
material for Sec. 25.202(d)(2) and (4) in the Flight Test
Harmonization Working Group Phase 2 Rev A Final Report \1\ (FTHWG
Report). The FAA does not agree to this change. The FAA has previously
published special conditions on this subject. The terms of those
special conditions were consistent with the terms of these special
conditions, and the FAA finds that they provide an adequate level of
safety, i.e., a level equivalent to the standards that, absent these
special conditions, would otherwise be applicable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/09%20-%20FTHWG_Final_Report_Phase_2_RevA__Apr_2017.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing recommended the FAA add ``and emergency'' to the proposed
special conditions regarding the alpha-floor setting not interfering
with normal maneuvering because this change would be consistent with
proposed regulatory material for Sec. 25.144(a) in the FTHWG Report.
The FAA declines to make this change. This special condition only
addresses the alpha-floor setting in normal maneuvering. The general
limiting special conditions \2\ for the A321neo XLR already include
requirements for normal and emergency operations of all flight envelope
protection functions, which include the alpha-floor function.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ 88 FR 12133 (Feb. 27, 2023).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing requested the FAA revise the deceleration rate in icing
conditions in section (e)(1)(ii)(C)(2) of the proposed special
conditions to 3 knots per second because this change would be
consistent with the Airbus Model A350-900 Special Conditions No. 25-
517-SC part I section 5.1(b)(3)(ii) and the proposed regulatory
material for Sec. 25.202(d)(4) in the FTHWG Report. The FAA does not
concur with Boeing's request because this change would not be
appropriate for the design of the A321neo XLR. The XLR EFCS
architecture is based on a previously certified architecture for the
Airbus Model A321neo ACF. The A321neo ACF used a deceleration rate in
icing conditions of 2 knots per second; therefore, using the same
requirement for the A321neo XLR is appropriate and provides an adequate
(equivalent) level of safety.
Boeing requested the FAA revise section (e)(2)(i)(D) of the
proposed special conditions related to buffeting to have the same
requirement for icing and non-icing conditions, which Boeing said would
also be consistent with 25-517-SC part II section 3(a)(2)(i) and the
proposed regulatory material for 25.105(a)(2)(iii) in the FTHWG Report.
Boeing stated that the requirement for icing conditions appears to
indicate that buffet of a deterrent magnitude and severity would be
acceptable for demonstration. The FAA does not concur with Boeing's
request. The FAA does not intend the buffeting requirement for icing
conditions to allow deterrent buffet. The wording of these special
conditions is appropriate because the magnitude of the buffet can be a
driver in setting the protections while still requiring the airplane be
free from excessive vibration and buffet. Therefore, these special
conditions provide an adequate level of safety.
Boeing requested that the FAA remove all notes under section (j) of
the proposed special conditions; the notes mention a tolerance for
take-off and climb-out speeds in icing. Boeing stated that the
tolerance in the notes appears to expand the allowable degradation in
performance prior to calculating the icing effect and that the removal
of the notes would align with previously released special conditions on
this topic, such as 25-517-SC, and the recommendations in the FTHWG
Report. The FAA does not concur with Boeing's request. The A321neo XLR
is a derivative of an airplane (A321neo ACF) initially certified with
tolerances to account for ice effect on performance along the take-off
path as well as at landing. In particular, it was not needed to account
for icing if the ice effect on Vmin1g was less than 5%/5kt.
To reflect the intent of Sec. 25.21(g) on airplanes for which Sec.
25.21(g) is not applicable, Airbus has proposed a standard for the
A321neo XLR consisting of the removal of the tolerance at landing and a
reduced tolerance to 2.5%/2.5kt for take-off path. Airbus considers
that the requirements of these special conditions provide an adequate
level of safety based on the in-service performance of previous A321
models, and the FAA concurs.
Airbus, the applicant, requested the FAA revise the special
condition that the FAA proposed would apply in lieu of Sec.
25.121(d)(2)(ii). Airbus provided updated wording that replaced the
text presented in the notice with text inspired by the FTHWG report
recommendations. Airbus stated that this text is comparable in intent
to the text proposed by FAA in the notice but with an improved clarity
thanks to a more modern wording, anticipating the future implementation
of the FTHWG recommendations. The FAA concurs with this rationale and
has modified the final special condition accordingly.
Boeing commented that the formatting of the proposed special
conditions related to Sec. 25.121 could lead to confusion as to which
regulations were being addressed due to missing paragraph numbers. The
FAA concurs and has updated the format of the final special conditions
to clarify.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the
Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplane. Should Airbus 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.
Under standard practice, the effective date of final special
conditions would be 30 days after the date of publication in the
Federal Register. However, as the certification date for the Airbus
Model A321neo XLR is imminent, the FAA finds that good cause exists to
make these special conditions effective upon publication.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on one model A321neo XLR airplane. It is not a rule of general
applicability.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Authority Citation
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.
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 Airbus Model A321neo XLR airplane.
In the following paragraphs, ``In icing conditions'' means with the
ice accretions, relevant for the flight phase, as defined in part 25,
appendix C.
(a) Definitions
These special conditions address a novel or unusual design feature
of the Airbus A321neo XLR and use
[[Page 42790]]
terminology that does not appear in part 25. For the purpose of these
special conditions, the following terms describe certain aspects of
this novel or unusual design feature:
High-Incidence Protection System Angle-of-Attack Limiting Function
A system that operates directly and automatically on the airplane's
flying controls to limit the maximum AoA that can be attained to a
value below that at which an aerodynamic stall would occur.
Alpha-Floor System
A system that automatically increases thrust on the operating
engines when AoA increases through a particular value.
Alpha Limit
The maximum angle of attack at which the airplane stabilizes with
the high-incidence protection system operating and the longitudinal
control held on its aft stop.
VCLmax
An airspeed calculated from a variety of factors, including load
factor normal to the flight path at VCLmax, airplane gross
weight, aerodynamic reference wing area, and dynamic pressure.
Vmin
The minimum steady flight speed in the airplane configuration under
consideration with the high-incidence protection system operating.
Vmin1g
Vmin corrected to 1g conditions. This is the minimum
calibrated airspeed at which the airplane can develop a lift force
normal to the flight path and equal to its weight when at an angle of
attack not greater than that determined for Vmin.
(b) Capability and Reliability of the High-Incidence Protection System
Acceptable capability and reliability of the high-incidence
protection system can be established by flight test, simulation, and
analysis, as appropriate. The capability and reliability required are
as follows:
(1) It must not be possible, during pilot-induced maneuvers, to
encounter a stall; and handling characteristics must be acceptable, as
required by section (e) of these Special Conditions.
(2) The airplane must be protected against stalling due to the
effects of wind-shears and gusts at low speeds as required by section
(f) of these Special Conditions.
(3) The ability of the high-incidence protection system to
accommodate any reduction in stalling incidence must be verified in
icing conditions.
(4) The high-incidence protection system must be provided in each
abnormal configuration of the high-lift devices that are likely to be
used in-flight following system failures.
(5) The reliability of the system and the effects of failures must
be acceptable in accordance with Sec. 25.1309.
(c) Minimum Steady Flight Speed and Reference Stall Speed
In lieu of Sec. 25.103, ``Stall speed'', the following
requirements apply:
(1) The minimum steady flight speed, Vmin, is the final
stabilized calibrated airspeed obtained when the airplane is
decelerated until the longitudinal control is on its stop in such a way
that the entry rate does not exceed 1 knot per second.
(2) The minimum steady flight speed, Vmin, must be
determined in icing and non-icing conditions with:
(i) The high-incidence protection system operating normally;
(ii) Idle thrust and alpha-floor system inhibited;
(iii) All combinations of flaps setting and landing gear position
for which Vmin is required to be determined;
(iv) The weight used when the reference stall speed,
VSR, is being used as a factor to determine compliance with
a required performance standard;
(v) The most unfavorable center of gravity allowable; and
(vi) The airplane trimmed for straight flight at a speed achievable
by the automatic trim system.
(3) The 1g minimum steady flight speed, Vmin1g, is the
minimum calibrated airspeed at which the airplane can develop a lift
force normal to the flight path and equal to its weight, while at an
angle of attack not greater than that at which the minimum steady
flight speed of condition 3(a), above, was determined. It must be
determined in icing and non-icing conditions.
(4) The reference stall speed, VSR, is a calibrated
airspeed the applicant defines. VSR may not be less than a
1g stall speed. VSR must be determined in non-icing
conditions and expressed as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MY24.088
Where:
VCLmax = the calibrated airspeed obtained when the load
factor corrected lift coefficient (nzw W/qS) is first a
maximum during the maneuver prescribed in condition (c)(5)(viii) of
these Special Conditions;
nzw = Load factor normal to the flight path at
VClmax;
W = Airplane gross weight;
S = Aerodynamic reference wing area; and
q = Dynamic pressure.
(5) VClmax is determined in non-icing conditions with:
(i) Engines idling, or, if that resultant thrust causes an
appreciable decrease in stall speed, not more than zero thrust at the
stall speed;
(ii) The airplane in other respects (such as flaps and landing
gear) in the condition existing in the test or performance standard in
which VSR is being used;
(iii) The weight used when VSR is being used as a factor
to determine compliance with a required performance standard;
(iv) The center of gravity position that results in the highest
value of reference stall speed;
(v) The airplane trimmed for straight flight at a speed achievable
by the automatic trim system, but not less than 1.13 VSR and
not greater than 1.3 VSR;
(vi) Alpha-floor system inhibited; and
(vii) The high-incidence protection system adjusted, at the option
of the applicant, to allow higher incidence than is possible with the
normal production system.
(viii) Starting from the stabilized trim condition, apply the
longitudinal control to decelerate the airplane so that the speed
reduction does not exceed 1 knot per second.
(d) Stall Warning
In lieu of Sec. 25.207, the following requirements apply:
(1) Normal Operation
If the design meets all conditions of section (b) of these special
conditions,
[[Page 42791]]
then the airplane need not provide stall warning during normal
operation. The conditions of Part I, section 2 provide a level of
safety equal to the intent of Sec. 25.207, ``Stall warning,'' so the
provision of an additional, unique warning device for normal operations
is not required.
(2) High-Incidence Protection System Failure
(i) In non-icing conditions, for any failures of the high-incidence
protection system that the applicant cannot show to be extremely
improbable, such that the capability of the system no longer satisfies
conditions (b)(1), (2), and (3) of these Special Conditions, stall
warning must be provided in accordance with Sec. 25.207(a), (b), and
(f).
(ii) In icing conditions, after a failure leading to the loss of
the high-incidence protection system, a safety margin not less than 3
percent or 3 knots between stall warning and stall must be maintained.
(e) Handling Characteristics at High Incidence
(1) High Incidence Handling Demonstrations
In lieu of Sec. 25.201, High-incidence handling demonstration in
icing and non-icing conditions:
(i) Maneuvers to the limit of the longitudinal control, in the
nose-up sense, must be demonstrated in straight flight and in 30-degree
banked turns with:
(A) The high-incidence protection system operating normally;
(B) Initial power conditions of:
(1) Power off; and
(2) The power necessary to maintain level flight at 1.5
VSR1, where VSR1 is the reference stall speed
with flaps in approach position, the landing gear retracted, and
maximum landing weight;
(C) Alpha-floor system operating normally unless more severe
conditions are achieved with inhibited alpha floor;
(D) Flaps, landing gear, and deceleration devices in any likely
combination of position;
(E) Representative weights within the range for which certification
is requested; and
(F) The airplane trimmed for straight flight at a speed achievable
by the automatic trim system.
(ii) The following procedures must be used to show compliance in
non-icing and icing conditions:
(A) Starting at a speed sufficiently above the minimum steady
flight speed to ensure that a steady rate of speed reduction can be
established, apply the longitudinal control so that the speed reduction
does not exceed 1 knot per second until the control reaches the stop.
(B) The longitudinal control must be maintained at the stop until
the airplane has reached a stabilized flight condition, and must then
be recovered through normal recovery techniques.
(C) Maneuvers with increased deceleration rates:
(1) In non-icing conditions, the requirements must also be met with
increased rates of entry to the incidence limit, up to the maximum rate
achievable.
(2) In icing conditions, with the anti-ice system working normally,
the requirements must also be met with increased rates of entry to the
incidence limit up to 2 knots per second.
(D) Maneuvers with ice accretion prior to operation of the normal
anti-ice system: With the ice accretion prior to operation of the
normal anti-ice system, the requirement must also be met in
deceleration at 1 knot per second up to full back stick maintained for
at least 3 seconds before normal recovery is performed (requirement to
be met with and without alpha floor operating).
(2) Characteristics in High-Incidence Maneuvers
In lieu of Sec. 25.203, Characteristics in High Incidence.
In icing and non-icing conditions:
(i) Throughout maneuvers with a rate of deceleration of not more
than 1 knot per second, both in straight flight and in 30-degree banked
turns, the airplane's characteristics must be as follows:
(A) The airplane must not exhibit abnormal nose-up pitching.
(B) The airplane must not exhibit uncommanded nose-down pitching,
which would be indicative of stall. However, reasonable attitude
changes associated with stabilizing the incidence at alpha limit, as
the longitudinal control reaches the stop, would be acceptable.
(C) The airplane must not exhibit uncommanded lateral or
directional motion, and the pilot must retain good lateral and
directional control through conventional use of the controls,
throughout the maneuver.
(D) Buffeting:
(1) In non-icing conditions, the airplane must not exhibit
buffeting of a magnitude and severity that would act as a deterrent
from completing the maneuver specified in condition (e)(1)(i) of these
Special Conditions.
(2) In icing conditions, the airplane may exhibit buffeting of a
stronger magnitude and severity than in non-icing conditions, provided
that the airplane is demonstrated to be free from excessive vibration
and buffeting over the range of speeds adequate for normal operation.
(ii) In maneuvers with increased rates of deceleration, some
degradation of characteristics is acceptable, associated with a
transient excursion beyond the stabilized alpha limit. However, the
airplane must not exhibit dangerous characteristics, nor
characteristics that would deter the pilot from holding the
longitudinal control on the stop for a period of time appropriate to
the maneuver.
(iii) The pilot must always be able to reduce incidence through
conventional use of the controls.
(iv) The rate at which the airplane can be maneuvered from trim
speeds associated with scheduled operating speeds such as V2
and Vref, up to alpha limit, must not be unduly damped or be
significantly slower than can be achieved on conventionally controlled
transport airplanes.
(3) Characteristics up to VCLmax
Maneuvers with a rate of deceleration of not more than 1 knot per
second, up to the angle of attack at which VCLmax was
obtained as defined in section (c) of these Special Conditions, must be
demonstrated in straight flight and in 30-degree banked turns with:
(i) The high-incidence protection system deactivated or adjusted,
at the option of the applicant, to allow higher incidence than is
possible with the normal production system,
(ii) Alpha-floor system inhibited,
(iii) Engines idling,
(iv) Flaps and landing gear in any likely combination of positions,
and
(v) The airplane trimmed for straight flight at a speed achievable
by the automatic trim system.
During such maneuvers, the airplane must not exhibit dangerous
characteristics and the pilot must always be able to reduce angle of
attack by conventional use of the controls. The pilot must retain good
lateral and directional control, by conventional use of the controls,
throughout the maneuver.
(f) Atmospheric Disturbances
Operation of the high-incidence protection system must not
adversely affect airplane control during expected levels of atmospheric
disturbances, nor impede the application of recovery procedures in case
of wind shear. This must be demonstrated in non-icing conditions only,
and must allow for drawing conclusion for icing conditions without
further demonstration.
[[Page 42792]]
(g) Alpha Floor
In icing and non-icing conditions, the alpha-floor setting must be
such that the airplane can be flown at the speeds and bank angles
specified in Sec. 25.143(h). The applicant also must show that the
alpha-floor setting does not interfere with normal maneuvering of the
airplane. In addition, the airplane must exhibit no alpha-floor
triggering unless appropriate when the airplane is flown in usual
operational maneuvers and in turbulence.
(h) Proof of Compliance
In addition to the requirements in Sec. 25.21(b), the following
requirement applies:
The flying qualities will be evaluated at the most unfavorable
center-of-gravity (CG) position.
(i) Speed Associated With Other Requirements
The design must meet the following modified requirements:
(1) Section 25.145(a): Vmin in lieu of ``stall
identification.''
(2) Section 25.145(b): Vmin in lieu of Vsw.
(3) Section 25.1323(d): ``From 1.23 VSR to
Vmin'' in lieu of ``1.23 VSR to stall warning
speed'' and ``speeds below Vmin'' in lieu of ``speeds below
stall warning.''
(j) Performance in Icing Conditions
(1) Take-Off
In lieu of compliance with Sec. 25.105(a)(2)(i), the following
special conditions apply:
(a) In icing conditions, if in the configuration used in showing
compliance with Sec. 25.121(b), and with the most critical of the
``Take-off Ice'' accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C:
(i) The V2 speed scheduled in non-icing conditions does
not provide the maneuvering capability specified in Sec. 25.143(h) for
the take-off configuration.
Note: This requirement does not apply if the Vmin1g
is increased in icing conditions, with the ``Take-off Ice''
accretion defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, by less than 2.5
knots or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater.
(2) Climb: One-Engine Inoperative
In lieu of compliance with Sec. 25.121(b)(2)(ii)(A), the following
special conditions apply:
(a) In icing conditions, with the most critical of the take-off ice
accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, if in the
configuration used to show compliance with Sec. 25.121(b) with this
take-off ice accretion:
(i) The V2 speed scheduled in non-icing conditions does
not provide the maneuvering capability specified in Sec. 25.143(h),
for the take-off configuration.
Note: This requirement does not apply if the Vmin1g
is increased in icing conditions, with the ``Take-off Ice''
accretion defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, by less than 2.5
knots or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater.
In lieu of compliance with Sec. 25.121(c)(2)(ii)(A) and (B), the
following special conditions apply:
(b) In icing conditions, with the most critical of the final take-
off ice accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, if in the
configuration used to show compliance with Sec. 25.121(b) with the
take-off ice accretion used to show compliance with Sec.
25.111(c)(5)(i):
(i) The VFTO (final take-off speed) scheduled in non-
icing conditions does not provide the maneuvering capability, specified
in Sec. 25.143(h), for the en-route configuration.
Note: This requirement does not apply if the Vmin1g
is increased in icing conditions, with the ``Final Take-off Ice''
accretion defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, by less than 2.5
knots or 2.5 percent, whichever is greater.
(ii) The degradation of the gradient of climb, determined in
accordance with Sec. 25.121(b), with the take-off ice accretion used
in showing compliance with Sec. 25.111(c)(5)(i), is greater than one-
half of the applicable actual-to-net take-off flight path gradient
reduction defined in Sec. 25.115(b).
In lieu of compliance with 25.121(d)(2)(ii), the following special
conditions apply:
(c) In icing conditions, with the most critical of the approach ice
accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, as applicable,
(i) The climb speed selected for non-icing conditions may be used
if the climb speed for icing conditions, computed in accordance with
Sec. 25.121(d)(3), does not exceed that for non-icing conditions by
more than the greater of 3 knots CAS or 3 percent; or,
(ii) The climb speed established with normal landing procedures,
but not more than 1.4 VSR (VSR determined in non-
icing conditions), may be used if in a configuration corresponding to
the normal all-engines-operating procedure where the Vmin1g
for this configuration does not exceed 110 percent of the
Vmin1g for the related all-engines-operating landing
configuration in icing conditions.
(3) En-Route Flight Paths
In lieu of compliance with 25.123(b)(2)(i), the following special
conditions apply:
(a) In icing conditions with the most critical of the en-route ice
accretion(s) defined in 14 CFR part 25, appendix C, if:
(i) The VFTO speed scheduled in non-icing conditions
does not provide the maneuvering capability, specified in Sec.
25.143(h), for the en-route configuration.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 10, 2024.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Manager, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-10646 Filed 5-15-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P