[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 1 (Thursday, January 2, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 149-154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-33130]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Revisions to Advisory Circular 25-7A, Flight Test Guide 
for Certification of Transport Category Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed advisory circular revisions and request for 
comments.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requests comments on 
proposed revisions to Advisory Circular (AC) 25-7A, ``Flight Test Guide 
for Certification of Transport Category Airplanes.'' The proposed 
revisions provide revised guidance on a means of demonstrating 
compliance with the new requirements of part 25 as presented in 
Amendment 25-108 (67 FR 70812, November 26, 2002), entitled ``1-g Stall 
Speed as the Basis for Compliance with Part 25 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations.'' This notice provides interested persons an opportunity 
to comment on the proposed revisions to the AC. The guidance will be 
included in the next revision to AC 25-7A.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 3, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed AC revisions to the 
Federal Aviation Administration, Attention: Don Stimson, Airplane and 
Flight Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98055-
4056. Comments may be examined at the above address between 7:30 a.m., 
and 4 p.m., except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jan Thor, Standardization Branch, ANM-
113, at the above address, telephone (425) 227-2127, or facsimile (425) 
227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed AC 
revisions by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they 
may desire. You must identify the title of the AC and submit comments 
in duplicate to the address specified above. The Transport Airplane 
Directorate will consider all comments received on or before the 
closing date for comments before issuing the revision to the AC. You 
may view the complete text of AC 25-7A on the Internet at: http://www.faa.gov/certification/aircraft/air_index.htm, at the link titled 
``Advisory Circulars,'' or at the Regulatory and Guidance Library Web 
site at http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl, at the link titled ``Advisory 
Circulars.''

Discussion

    By Amendment 25-108 (67 FR 70812, November 26, 2002), the FAA 
revised the airworthiness standard for transport category airplanes to 
redefine the reference stall speed for transport category airplanes to 
a speed not less than the 1-g stall speed instead of the minimum speed 
obtained in a stalling maneuver. The FAA took this action to provide 
for a consistent, repeatable reference stall speed; ensure consistent 
and dependable maneuvering margins; provide for adjusted multiplying 
factors to maintain approximately the current requirements in areas 
where use of the minimum speed in the stalling maneuver has proven 
adequate; and harmonize the applicable regulations with those currently 
adopted in Change 15 to the European Joint Aviation

[[Page 150]]

Requirements, JAR-25. The changes provide a higher level of safety for 
those cases in which the current methods result in artificially low 
operating speeds. To address these new requirements to part 25, the FAA 
is proposing to revise AC 25-7A to describe acceptable means of showing 
compliance with the new rules.

Proposed Revisions to AC 25-7A

    Revise paragraph 3a(3)(i) by replacing ``1.4VS1'' with 
``1.3 VSR1'' (three occurrences).
    Revise paragraph 3a(3)(ii)(B) by replacing ``.12VS1'' 
with ``0.11 VSR1.''
    Revise paragraph 10b(3)(i)(B) by replacing ``1.2 times 
VS'' with ``1.13 times VSR,'' ``VS'' 
with ``VSR,'' and ``stall speed'' with ``reference stall 
speed.''
    Revise paragraph 10b(3)(ii) by replacing ``1.15 times 
VS'' with ``1.08 times VSR.''
    Revise paragraph 10b(4) as follows:
    (4) Section 25.107(c)--Takeoff Safety Speed (V2). 
V2 is the calibrated airspeed that is attained at or before 
the airplane reaches a height of 35 ft. above the takeoff surface after 
an engine failure at VEF using an established rotation speed 
(VR). During the takeoff speeds demonstration, V2 
should be continued to an altitude sufficient to assure stable 
conditions beyond the 35 ft. height. V2 cannot be less than 
V2MIN. In addition, V2 cannot be less than the 
liftoff speed, VLOF, as defined in Sec.  25.107(f). In 
accordance with Sec.  25.107(c), V2 in terms of calibrated 
airspeed ``* * * may not be less than VR plus the speed 
increment attained before reaching a height of 35 feet above the 
takeoff surface'' and ``that provides the maneuvering capability 
specified in Sec.  25.143(g).'' * * *
    Revise Figure 14-1 by replacing ``=1.25 VS'' 
with ``VFTO.''
    Revise paragraph 16b(2) by replacing ``1.3VS0'' with 
``VREF.''
    Revise paragraph 16b(3) by replacing ``1.3VS0'' with 
``VREF'' (two occurrences).
    Revise paragraph 17b(6) as follows:
    (6) Section 25.121(d) requires that the stall speed for the 
configuration used to show compliance with this requirement not exceed 
110 percent of the stall speed for the related landing configuration. 
This stall speed ratio requirement is to ensure that an adequate margin 
above the stall speed in the selected approach configuration is 
maintained during flap retraction. To achieve this stall speed ratio 
requirement, it is permissible to arbitrarily increase the landing flap 
stall speed, VSR0, to show compliance. Of course, the 
landing approach speed used to comply with Sec.  25.125(a)(2) must be 
based on the declared stall speed and the stall warning requirements of 
Sec.  25.207 must be met at the declared stall speed. However, the 
Sec.  25.203 stall characteristics requirements must still be met at 
the speed at which the stall is identified (as defined in Sec.  
25.201(d)). (An alternative to raising the landing flap stall speed, 
VSRO, is to simply increase VREF.)
    Revise paragraph 19a(2) as follows:
    (2) The minimum value of VREF is specified in Sec.  
25.125(a)(2) and is intended to provide an adequate margin above the 
stall speed to allow for likely speed variations during an approach in 
low turbulence. If the landing demonstrations are unable to show the 
acceptability of the minimum approach speed, and the tests are 
predicated on the use of a higher approach speed, the landing distance 
data presented in the AFM must be based upon the higher approach speed.
    Revise paragraph 20a as follows:
    a. Explanation. The purpose of Sec.  25.143 is to verify that any 
operational maneuvers conducted within the operational envelope can be 
accomplished smoothly with average piloting skill and without 
encountering stall warning or other characteristics that might 
interfere with normal maneuvering, or exceeding any airplane structural 
limits. Control forces should not be so high that the pilot cannot 
safely maneuver the airplane. Also, the forces should not be so light 
it would take exceptional skill to maneuver the airplane without over-
stressing it or losing control. The airplane response to any control 
input should be predictable to the pilot.
    Add a new paragraph 20a(5) to read as follows:
    (5) Modern wing designs can exhibit a significant reduction in 
maximum lift capability with increasing Mach number. The magnitude of 
this Mach number effect depends on the design characteristics of the 
particular wing. For wing designs with a large Mach number effect, the 
maximum bank angle that can be achieved while retaining an acceptable 
stall margin can be significantly reduced. Because the effect of Mach 
number can be significant, and because it can also vary greatly for 
different wing designs, the multiplying factors applied to 
VSR may be insufficient to ensure that adequate maneuvering 
capability exists at the minimum operating speeds. To address this 
issue, Sec.  25.143(g) was added by Amendment 25-108 to require a 
minimum bank angle capability in a coordinated turn without 
encountering stall warning or any other characteristic that might 
interfere with normal maneuvering. The maneuvering requirements consist 
of the minimum bank angle capability the FAA deems adequate for the 
specified regimes of flight combined with a further 15 degrees of bank 
angle to provide a safety margin for various operational factors. These 
operational factors include both potential environmental conditions 
(e.g., turbulence, wind gusts) and an allowance for piloting 
imprecision (e.g., inadvertent overshoots).
    Revise the first sentence of paragraph 20b and reformat paragraph 
20b as follows:
    b. General Test Requirements. (1) Compliance with Sec. Sec.  
25.143(a) through (f) is primarily a qualitative determination by the 
pilot during the course of the flight test program. * * *
    Add a new paragraph 20b(2) to read as follows:
    (2) Since Sec.  25.143(g) involves a target speed, bank angle, and 
maximum value of thrust, not all flight test conditions to demonstrate 
compliance will necessarily result in a constant-altitude, thrust-
limited turn. In cases with positive excess thrust, a climbing 
condition at the target bank and speed is acceptable. Alternately, if 
desired, the thrust may be reduced to less than the maximum allowed, so 
that compliance is shown with a completely stabilized, constant-
altitude turn. For cases with negative excess thrust (e.g., the landing 
configuration case), a constant-altitude slow-down maneuver at the 
target bank angle has been shown to be a suitable technique. With the 
airplane descending at VREF in wings-level flight on a three 
degree glide path, trim and throttle position is noted. The airplane is 
then accelerated to VREF + 10-20 knots in level flight. The 
original trim and throttle conditions are reset as the airplane is 
rolled into a constant-altitude slow-down turn at the target bank 
angle. Throttles can be manipulated between idle and the marked 
position to vary slow-down rate as desired. Compliance is shown when 
the airplane decelerates through VREF in the turn without 
encountering stall warning. Revise paragraph 20c(2) by replacing ``1.3 
VS'' with ``1.23 VSR.'' Add a new paragraph 
20f(2)(v) to read as follows:
    (v) Thrust or Power Setting for Maneuver Capability Demonstrations. 
The effect of thrust or power on maneuver capability is normally a 
function of only the thrust-to-weight ratio. Therefore, for those 
configurations in which the weight, altitude, temperature (WAT)-limited 
thrust or power setting is prescribed, it is usually acceptable to use 
the thrust or power setting that is consistent with a WAT-limited climb 
gradient at the test

[[Page 151]]

conditions of weight, altitude, and temperature. However, if the 
maneuver margin to stall warning (or other characteristic that might 
interfere with normal maneuvering) is reduced with increasing thrust or 
power, the critical conditions of both thrust or power and thrust-to-
weight ratio must be taken into account when demonstrating the required 
maneuvering capabilities. Revise paragraph 21a(1) as follows:
    Section 25.145(a) requires that there be adequate longitudinal 
control to promptly pitch the airplane nose down from at or near the 
stall to return to the original trim speed. The intent is to ensure 
sufficient pitch control for a prompt recovery if inadvertently slowed 
to the point of stall. Although this requirement must be met with power 
off and at maximum continuous thrust or power, there is no intention to 
require stall demonstrations with thrust or power above that specified 
in Sec.  25.201(a)(2). Instead of performing a full stall at maximum 
continuous power or thrust, compliance may be assessed by demonstrating 
sufficient static longitudinal stability and nose down control margin 
when the deceleration is ended at least one second past stall warning 
during a one knot per second deceleration. The static longitudinal 
stability during the maneuver and the nose down control power remaining 
at the end of the maneuver must be sufficient to assure compliance with 
the requirement. Revise paragraph 21b(1)(ii) as follows:
    (ii) Test procedure: The airplane should be trimmed at the speed 
for each configuration as prescribed in Sec.  25.103(b)(6). * * *
    Revise paragraph 21b(2)(ii) by replacing ``1.4VS'' with 
``1.3 VSR'' (two occurrences).
    Revise paragraph 21b(3)(ii) by replacing ``1.4VS'' with 
``1.3 VSR'' (two occurrences).
    Revise paragraph 21b(4)(ii) by replacing ``1.4VS'' with 
``1.3 VSR'' (two occurrences).
    Revise paragraph 21b(5)(ii) by replacing ``1.4VS'' with 
``1.3 VSR,'' ``1.1VS'' with ``VSW,'' 
and ``1.7VS'' with ``1.6 VSR.''
    Revise paragraphs 21b(6)(i)(E) and 21b(6)(ii) by replacing 
``1.1VS'' with ``1.08 VSR'' and 
``1.2VS'' with ``1.13 VSR.''
    Revise paragraph 22b(1)(i)(F) by replacing ``1.4VS'' 
with ``1.3 VSR.''
    Revise paragraph 22b(2)(i)(F) by replacing ``1.4VS1'' 
with ``1.3 VSR1.''
    Revise paragraph 22b(3)(ii) by replacing ``1.4VS'' with 
``1.3 VSR'' and ``1.4VS1'' with ``1.3 
VSR1.''
    Revise paragraph 23b(2)(ii)(A) by replacing ``1.2VS'' 
with ``1.13 VSR.''
    Revise paragraph 23b(2)(iii)(B) by replacing ``1.1VS'' 
with ``1.08 VSR.''
    Revise paragraphs 27a(1), (2), and (3)(i) by replacing 
``1.2VS1'' with ``1.13 VSR1.''
    Revise paragraph 28a(1) by replacing ``1.2VS1'' with 
``1.13 VSR1.''
    Revise paragraph 29b(1)(i) as follows:
    (i) To define the reference stall speeds and how they vary with 
weight, altitude, and airplane configuration. Revise paragraph 29b(2) 
as follows:
    (2) During this testing, the angle-of-attack should be increased at 
least to the point where the behavior of the airplane gives the pilot a 
clear and distinctive indication through the inherent flight 
characteristics or a stall identification device (e.g., stick pusher) 
that the airplane is stalled.
    Revise paragraph 29b(3) as follows:
    (3) The airplane is considered to be fully stalled when any one or 
a combination of the characteristics listed below occurs to give the 
pilot a clear and distinctive indication to cease any further increase 
in angle of attack, at which time recovery should be initiated using 
normal techniques.
    Revise paragraph 29c(1) as follows:
    (1) Background. (i) Since many of the regulations pertaining to 
performance and handling qualities specify trim speeds and other 
variables that are functions of stall speeds, it is desirable to 
accomplish the stall speed testing early in the program, so the data 
are available for subsequent testing. Because of this interrelationship 
between the stall speeds and other critical performance parameters, it 
is essential that accurate measurement methods be used. Most standard 
airplane pitot-static systems have not been found to be acceptable for 
stall speed determination. These tests require the use of properly 
calibrated instruments and usually require a separate test airspeed 
system, such as a trailing bomb, a trailing cone, or an acceptable nose 
or wing boom.
    (ii) Prior to Amendment 25-108, the stall speed defined in Sec.  
25.103 was the minimum speed attained in the stalling maneuver. For 
many high speed swept wing transport category airplanes the resulting 
stall speed often occurs at a load factor normal to the flight path 
considerably less than one, which leads to inconsistent and 
unrepeatable reference stall speeds. Pilot technique can also 
significantly influence the rate and magnitude of any spontaneous nose 
down pitch occurring at the stall, thereby contributing to 
inconsistencies in the determination of the minimum speed obtained in 
the stalling maneuver. Since Part 25 defines operating speeds as 
multiples of the stall speed, the resulting operating speed margins to 
stall may not be representative of the actual lift margin available 
(i.e., the margin to the speed at which wing lift alone can support the 
weight of the airplane in 1-g flight); the net result of this 
inadequate lift margin being inconsistent operating speed margins and 
maneuvering margins. To ensure that operating speed and maneuvering 
margins are directly related to wing lift margin, Amendment 25-108 
redefined the reference stall speed as the 1-g stall speed, which is 
the speed at which the wing is generating maximum usable lift in a 1-g 
flight condition.
    (iii) Since the 1-g stall speed is generally higher than the 
minimum speed obtained in the stalling maneuver, retaining the existing 
multiplying factors for determining the minimum operating speeds would 
have resulted in higher minimum operating speeds. However, increasing 
the minimum operating speeds could have imposed costs on operators 
because of a reduction in payload capability to comply with the 
regulations at the higher operating speeds. Based on the service 
experience of the transport airplane fleet, the costs imposed would not 
have been offset by a commensurate increase in safety. A survey of 
various swept wing transport category airplanes was conducted to come 
up with revised multiplying factors that would provide essentially the 
same operating speeds regardless of the basis used for determining the 
reference stall speeds. From the survey, the average load factor at the 
minimum speed obtained in the stalling maneuver was determined to be 
0.88, which means that the minimum speed obtained in the stalling 
maneuver was, on average, 94 percent of the 1-g stall speed. For that 
reason, in Amendment 25-108 the multiplying factors applied to the 
reference stall speed were reduced by approximately six percent.
    (iv) Although the reduced multiplying factors were intended to 
result in roughly equivalent operating speeds, there is one class of 
airplanes for which a significantly lower operating speed would be 
obtained. Airplanes equipped with a device that abruptly pushes the 
nose down (e.g., a stick pusher) near the angle of attack for maximum 
lift would be operated at speeds and angles-of-attack closer to the 
pusher activation point than has been experienced in operational 
service. For these airplanes, the minimum speed obtained in the 
stalling maneuver is closer to 96 to 97 percent of the 1-g stall speed. 
Therefore, to maintain equivalency in operating speeds for these 
airplanes, a supplementary margin has been

[[Page 152]]

established such that VSR must not be less than the greater 
of 2 knots or 2 percent above the speed at which the device activates. 
In addition, see paragraph 228 of this AC for guidance material 
regarding the design and function of such systems.
    Revise paragraph 29c(3)(i) as follows:
    (i) The airplane should be trimmed for hands-off flight at a speed 
13 percent to 30 percent above the anticipated VSR with the 
engines at idle and the airplane in the configuration for which the 
stall speed is being determined. Then, using only the primary 
longitudinal control for speed reduction, a constant deceleration 
(entry rate) is maintained until the airplane is stalled, as defined in 
Sec.  25.201(d) and paragraph 29b(3) of this AC. Following the stall, 
engine thrust may be used as desired to expedite the recovery.
    Revise paragraph 29c(3)(ii) as follows:
    (i) A sufficient number of stalls (normally four to eight) should 
be accomplished at each critical combination of weight, c.g., and 
external configuration. The intent is to obtain enough data to define 
the stall speed at an entry rate of 1.0 knot/second.
    Revise paragraph 29c(4) as follows:
    (4) Thrust Effects on Stall Speed. (i) Stall speeds are typically 
determined with the thrust levers at idle; however, it is necessary to 
verify by test or analysis that engine idle thrust does not result in 
stall speeds that are appreciably lower than would be obtained at zero 
thrust. Prior to Amendment 25-108, a negative thrust at the stall, 
which slightly increases stall speeds, was considered acceptable, but 
it was not required to be taken into account. With the adoption of 
Amendment 25-108, it became a requirement to take into account idle 
thrust except where that thrust level results in a significant decrease 
in stall speed.
    (ii) To determine whether thrust effects on stall speed are 
significant, at least three stalls should be conducted at one flap 
setting, with thrust set to approximately the value required to 
maintain level flight at 1.5 VSR in the selected 
configuration.
    (iii) These data may then be extrapolated to a zero thrust 
condition to determine the effect of idle thrust on stall speeds. (See 
Figure 29-1.) If the difference between idle thrust and zero thrust 
stall speed is 0.5 knots or less, the effect may be considered 
insignificant.
    (iv) The effects of engine power on stall speeds for a 
turbopropeller airplane can be evaluated in a similar manner. Stall 
speed flight tests should be accomplished with engines idling and the 
propellers in the takeoff position. Engine torque, engine r.p.m., and 
estimated propeller efficiency can be used to predict the thrust 
associated with this configuration.
    Revise paragraph 29c(5) as follows:
    (5) Data Reduction and Presentation. The following is an example of 
how the data obtained during the stall speed testing may be reduced to 
standard conditions. Other methods may be found acceptable.
    (i) Indicated airspeed from the flight test airspeed system is 
recorded throughout the stall, and these values are corrected to 
equivalent airspeed. Load factor normal to the flight path must also be 
recorded. Typically the load factor data would be obtained from a 
sufficient number of accelerometers capable of resolving the flight 
path load factor. At the bare minimum, one accelerometer aligned along 
the expected 1-g stall pitch angle may provide acceptable data.
    (ii) The airplane corrected lift coefficient 
(CLCORR) is calculated from the equation given 
below and plotted as a time history throughout the stall.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02JA03.028

Where:

nzw = airplane load factor normal to the flight path
W = airplane test weight--lbs.
q = dynamic pressure--lbs./ft. 2
S = reference wing area--ft. 2
V = knots equivalent airspeed.

    (iii) The maximum lift coefficient (CLMAX) is defined as 
the maximum value of CLCORR achieved during the stall test. 
Where the plot of CLCORR exhibits multiple peak values, 
CLMAX corresponds to the first maximum. There should also 
typically be a noticeable break in a plot of the load factor normal to 
the flight path near the point at which CLMAX is reached. 
The analysis to determine CLMAX should disregard any 
transient or dynamic increases in recorded load factor, such as might 
be generated by abrupt control inputs, that do not reflect the lift 
capability of the airplane. The load factor normal to the flight path 
should be maintained at nominally 1.0 until CLMAX is 
reached. (See Figure 29-1.)
    (iv) The CLMAX obtained for each stall is then 
corrected, if necessary, from the test c.g. position to the targeted 
c.g. position using the equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02JA03.029

Where

MAC= Wing mean aerodynamic chord length--inches.
1t = Effective tail length, measured between the wing 25 
percent MAC and the stabilizer 25 percent MAC--inches.
CGstd = C.G. position resulting in the highest value of 
reference stall speed (normally the forward c.g. limit at the pertinent 
weight)--percent MAC/100
CGtest = Actual test c.g. position--percent MAC 100
[Delta]CLT = Change in CL due to 
engine thrust (if significant).

    (v) Stall entry rate, which is defined as the slope of a straight 
line connecting the stall speed and an airspeed 10 percent above the 
stall speed, should be determined for each stall test. Because 
CLMAX is relatively insensitive to stall entry rate, a 
rigorous investigation of entry rate effects should not be necessary. 
Test data should bracket a 1.0 knot/second entry rate such that the 
value of CLMAXCG corresponding to an entry rate 
of 1.0 knot/second can be determined. This value of 
CLMAXCG should be used to determine the reference 
stall speed defined in Sec.  25.103(a).
    (vi) For each approved configuration, a plot of CLMAX 
versus weight is constructed. (See Figure 29-2.) An initial negative 
slope of this plot may be caused by several factors:
    (A) A decrease in CLMAX due to increasing Mach number (which 
increases as the stall speed goes up with weight);
    (B) The fact that CLMAX is proportional to the rate of 
change of angle of attack, whereas the data are plotted at a fixed 
airspeed bleed rate; and
    (C) Minor adverse aeroelastic effects on the wings and high lift 
devices as weight (and therefore speed) increases. An inflection in the 
plot is typically caused by a variation in the forward c.g. limit with 
weight.
    (vii) In the measurement of stall speeds, the lowest test altitude 
is usually dictated by flight test safety concerns. This test data must 
then be expanded to lower altitudes, and hence, lower Mach numbers to 
cover the operational envelope of the airplane. Since CLMAX 
increases as the Mach number is reduced, simple expansion of the flight 
test data could result in extrapolating to a higher CLMAX 
than tested. Expansion of CLMAX versus Mach number data is 
only permitted up to the highest CLMAX within the range of 
W/[b.delta]'s tested.
    (viii) The reference stall speed is a calibrated airspeed, not less 
than the 1-g stall speed, and is expressed as:

[[Page 153]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02JA03.030

Where:

VCLMAX =
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02JA03.031

 If the stalling maneuver is limited by a device that commands an 
abrupt nose down pitch (e.g., a stick pusher), VCLMAX may 
not be less than the speed existing at the instant the device operates.
[Delta]VC = compressibility correction (i.e., the difference 
between equivalent airspeed and calibrated airspeed).
W = airplane weight--lbs.
CLMAX = value of CLMAX corresponding to the 
chosen weight (see Figure 29-3).
S = reference wing area--ft \2\.

    (ix) For airplanes equipped with a device that abruptly pushes the 
nose down at a selected angle-of-attack (e.g., a stick pusher), VSR 
must not be less than the greater of 2 knots or 2 percent above the 
speed at which the device activates.
    (x) In showing compliance with Sec.  25.103(d), in the case where a 
device that abruptly pushes the nose down at a selected angle of attack 
(e.g., a stick pusher) operates after CLMAX, the speed at 
which the device operates need not be corrected to 1 g. Otherwise, it 
would be possible for the device activation speed to be assessed as 
higher than VSR (or at least closer to VSR than would be obtained 
without correcting for load factor). Requiring the correction of the 
device activation speed to the 1-g condition would unnecessarily 
increase the stringency of Sec.  25.103(d). Test procedures should be 
in accordance with paragraph 29c(3)(i) to ensure that no abnormal or 
unusual pilot control input is used to obtain an artificially low 
device activation speed.
    Revise paragraph 29d(2)(v) as follows:
    (v) For power-on stalls, thrust should be set to the value required 
to maintain level flight at a speed of 1.5 VSR at maximum landing 
weight with flaps in the approach position, and the landing gear 
retracted. The approach flap position referred to is the maximum flap 
deflection used to show compliance with Sec.  25.121(d), which 
specifies a configuration in which the reference stall speed does not 
exceed 110 percent of the reference stall speed for the related landing 
configuration.
    Revise paragraph 29d(2)(ix) as follows:
    (ix) For abnormal aerodynamic configurations covered by AFM 
procedures, high angle-of-attack characteristics should be evaluated 
down to either stall warning, or to an angle-of-attack equivalent to 
the AFM recommended landing approach speed divided by 1.23. * * *
    Revise paragraph 29d(3) as follows:
    (3) Procedures. (i) The airplane should be trimmed for hands-off 
flight at a speed 13 percent to 30 percent above the reference stall 
speed, with the appropriate power setting and configuration. Then, 
using only the primary longitudinal control, establish and maintain a 
deceleration (entry rate) consistent with that specified in Sec. Sec.  
25.201(c)(1) or 25.201(c)(2), as appropriate, until the airplane is 
stalled. Both power and pilot selectable trim should remain constant 
throughout the stall and recovery (angle of attack has decreased to the 
point of no stall warning).
    (ii) The same trim reference (for example, 1.23 VSR) should be used 
for both the stall speeds and characteristics testing. For all stall 
testing, the trim speed is based on the performance stall speeds 
provided in the AFM.
    Revise paragraph 29f(2) as follows:
    (ii) Timeliness. For one knot per second entry rate stalls, the 
stall warning must begin at a speed, VSW, not less than five knots or 
five percent CAS (whichever is greater) above the speed at which the 
stall is identified in accordance with Sec.  25.201(d). For straight 
flight stalls, at idle thrust and with the center-of-gravity at the 
position specified in Sec.  25.103(b)(5), the stall warning must begin 
at a speed not less than three knots or three percent (whichever is 
greater) above the reference stall speed. These speed margins should be 
in terms of the same units of measurement as VSR (i.e., calibrated 
airspeed).
    (iii) Consistency. The stall warning must be reliable and 
repeatable. The warning must occur with flaps and gear in all normally 
used positions in both straight and turning flight and must continue 
throughout the stall demonstration until the angle of attack is reduced 
to approximately that at which the stall warning was initiated. The 
warning may be furnished naturally through the inherent aerodynamic 
characteristics of the airplane, or artificially by a system designed 
for this purpose. If artificial stall warning is provided for any 
airplane configuration, it must be provided for all configurations.
    Add paragraph 29f(2)(vi) as follows:
    (vi) If the stall warning required by Sec.  25.207 is provided by 
an artificial stall warning system (e.g., a stick shaker), the effect 
of production tolerances on the stall warning system should be 
considered when evaluating the stall warning margin required by 
Sec. Sec.  25.207(c) and (d) and the maneuver capabilities required by 
Sec.  25.143(g).
    (A) The stall warning margin required by Sec. Sec.  25.207(c) and 
(d) should be available with the stall warning system set to the most 
critical setting expected in production. Unless another setting would 
provide a lesser margin, the stall warning system should be operating 
at its high angle of attack limit. For airplanes equipped with a device 
that abruptly pushes the nose down at a selected angle-of-attack (e.g., 
a stick pusher), the stall warning margin may be evaluated with both 
the stall warning and stall identification (e.g., stick pusher) systems 
at their nominal angle of attack settings unless a lesser margin can 
result from the various system tolerances.
    (B) The maneuver capabilities required by Sec.  25.143(g) should be 
available assuming the stall warning system is operating on its nominal 
setting. In addition, when the stall warning system is operating at its 
low angle of attack limit, the maneuver capabilities should not be 
reduced by more than 2 degrees of bank angle from those specified in 
Sec.  25.143(g).
    (C) The stall warning margin and maneuver capabilities may be 
demonstrated by flight testing at the settings specified above for the 
stall warning and, if applicable, stall identification systems. 
Alternatively, compliance may be shown by applying adjustments to 
flight test data obtained at a different system setting.
    Revise paragraph 29f(3) as follows:
    (3) Procedures. Stall warning tests are normally conducted in 
conjunction with the stall testing required by Sec. Sec.  25.103 (stall 
speeds), 25.201 (stall demonstration), and 25.203 (stall 
characteristics), including consideration of the prescribed bank 
angles, power settings, and center-of-gravity position. In addition, if 
the stall warning margin may be affected by a system (e.g., a stall 
warning or stick pusher system that modifies the stall warning or stall 
identification speed as a function of thrust, bank angle, angle-of-
attack rate, etc.), compliance with Sec.  25.207(c) should be 
demonstrated at the most critical conditions in terms of stall warning 
margin. However, bank angles greater than 40 degrees and power or 
thrust exceeding maximum continuous power or thrust need not be 
demonstrated. If the effect of the stall identification or stall 
warning system compensation is to increase the stall warning margin 
relative to the nominal values demonstrated during the testing required 
by Sec. Sec.  25.103, 25.201, and

[[Page 154]]

25.203, no further stall warning margin demonstrations need to be done.
    Revise paragraph 29f(4) as follows:
    (4) Data Acquisition and Reduction. The stall warning speed and 
type and quality of warning should be noted. The speed at which 
acceptable stall warning begins should then be compared to the stall 
identification speed and, for the conditions under which VSR is 
defined, VSR, to determine if the required margin exists. The stall 
warning speed margin required by Sec.  25.207(d) should be determined 
at a constant load factor.
    Revise paragraph 29g as follows:
    g. Accelerated Stall Warning. (1) Explanation. Section 25.207(e) 
requires that, in slow-down turns with at least a 1.5g load factor 
normal to the flight path and an airspeed deceleration rate greater 
than 2 knots per second, sufficient stall warning is provided to 
prevent stalling when the pilot takes recovery action not less than one 
second after recognition of stall warning. The purpose of the 
requirement is to ensure that adequate stall warning exists to prevent 
an inadvertent stall under the most demanding conditions that are 
likely to occur in normal flight. The conditions of 1.5g and an 
airspeed deceleration rate greater than 2 knots per second correspond 
to the steep turn maneuver prescribed in Part 121, Appendices E and F 
for pilot initial and proficiency training, respectively, plus some 
margin for error (3 degrees more bank and a decreasing airspeed). The 
elevated load factor will emphasize any adverse stall characteristics, 
such as wing drop or asymmetric wing flow breakdown, while also 
investigating Mach and potential aeroelastic effects on available lift. 
The greater than 2 knot per second deceleration rate is intended to 
result in a reasonable penetration beyond the onset of stall warning.
    (2) Procedures. (i) Trim at 1.3 VSR. Once trimmed, 
accelerate to a speed that will allow enough time to set up and 
complete the maneuver at the specified load factor and airspeed 
deceleration rate. Power or thrust should be set appropriate to the 
power for level flight at 1.3 VSR and not adjusted during 
the maneuver. In a level flight maneuver, 1.5g equates to a bank angle 
of 48 degrees. To prevent an excessive deceleration rate (e.g., greater 
than 3 knots per second), a descent may be used. Conversely, if the 
deceleration rate is too low, the maneuver should be conducted in a 
climbing turn.
    (ii) After the onset of stall warning, continue the maneuver 
without releasing stick force for one second before attempting 
recovery. Normal low speed recovery techniques should be used. If any 
of the indications of a stall prescribed in Sec.  25.201(d) (see 
paragraph 29b(3) of this AC) occur during the accelerated stall warning 
demonstration, compliance with Sec.  25.207(d) will not have been 
demonstrated.
    Revise paragraph 29h as follows:
    h. Maneuver Margins. See paragraph 20 of this AC for guidance 
material associated with demonstrating compliance to the maneuvering 
capability requirements of Sec.  25.143(g).
    Redesignate existing paragraph 29i as 29j and add a new paragraph 
29i as follows:
    i. Tolerance Considerations for Airplanes Equipped with Stall 
Identification Systems. For airplanes equipped with a stall 
identification device, the applicant should consider the combined 
effects of the variables listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) below to 
determine the critical configuration for stall testing. A maximum 
deviation in stall speed of +-1 knot, from that defined in the nominal 
configuration, is considered acceptable for the combined effects of the 
items listed in paragraphs (1) through (3). The deviation in stall 
speed due to stall identification system tolerances (paragraph 3), 
alone, should not exceed +-0.5 knots. (The stall identification system 
consists of everything from the angle of attack sensing device to the 
connection of the force application actuator to the longitudinal 
control system.) It should be verified that threshold tolerances and 
system design features (e.g., filtering, phase advancing) will not 
result in an unsafe diminishing of the margin between stall warning and 
pusher activation, or pusher activation and some dangerous airplane 
characteristic. Investigations should include the demonstration of 
maneuver margins, dynamic stall entries, the effects of atmospheric 
turbulence, and operation in windshear environments where the airplane 
will be flown at, or very near, stall warning. These flying conditions 
should not result in unwanted activation of the stall identification 
system or aerodynamic stall prior to, or close to, activation of the 
stall warning system. This verification may be provided by a 
combination of analysis, simulation, and flight test.
    (1) High lift device and control surface rigging--at the limits of 
their respective tolerance bands that is most detrimental to the 
production of lift;
    (2) Airframe build tolerances--the impact of wing angle of 
incidence variation relative to stall identification system vane angle;
    (3) Stall identification system tolerances--activation vane angles 
should be at the low end of the tolerance band for stall speed testing, 
and at the high end for stall characteristics testing; and
    (4) Wing leading edge condition--the effect of wing leading edge 
contamination (e.g., insects) on stall speeds should be determined and 
accounted for if significant. The critical height and density of the 
contaminant should be substantiated by Generic. This testing may be 
accomplished using an artificial contaminant.
    Remove existing Figure 29-1, renumber Figure 29-5 as Figure 29-1, 
add a new Figure 29-2, and reorder the remaining figures appropriately.
    Revise paragraphs 30c(2)(i), 30e(1)(iii), and 30e(2)(ii) by 
replacing ``VS0'' with ``VSR0.''
    Revise Page 2 of Appendix 4 by replacing ``1.2VS'' with 
``1.13 VSR'' (two occurrences).
    Remove Appendix 5.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 20, 2002.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, ANM-100.
[FR Doc. 02-33130 Filed 12-31-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P