[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 39 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9903-9905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1810]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. NM339; Special Conditions No. 25-313-SC]


Special Conditions: Cessna Aircraft Company Model 501 and 551 
Airplanes; High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for Cessna Aircraft 
Company Model 501 and 551 series airplanes modified by Elliott Aviation 
Technical Product Development, Inc. These airplanes will have novel and 
unusual design features when compared to the state of technology 
envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category 
airplanes. The modification incorporates the installation of Universal 
Aviation Electronic Flight Display Systems. The applicable 
airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety 
standards for the protection of these systems from the effects of high-
intensity-radiated fields (HIRF). 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: The effective date of these special conditions is February 9, 
2006. Comments must be received on or before March 30, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments on these special conditions may be mailed in 
duplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Attn: Rules Docket (ANM-113), Docket No. NM339, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; or delivered in duplicate 
to the Transport Airplane Directorate at the above address. Comments 
must be marked: Docket No. NM339.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Dunn, FAA, Airplane and Flight 
Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington, 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2799; facsimile (425) 227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA has determined that notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment is impracticable because these procedures would significantly 
delay certification of the airplanes and thus delivery of the affected 
aircraft. In addition, the substance of these special conditions has 
been subject to the public comment process in several prior instances 
with no substantive comments received. The FAA therefore finds that 
good cause exists for making these special conditions effective upon 
issuance; however, we invite interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The most 
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the special 
conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written 
comments.
    We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a 
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel 
concerning these special conditions. The docket is available for public 
inspection before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to 
review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section 
of this preamble between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing 
date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is 
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change 
these special conditions in light of the comments received.
    If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of your comments on 
these special conditions, include with your comments a pre-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the docket number appears. We will stamp the 
date on the postcard and mail it back to you.

Background

    On December 6, 2005, Elliott Aviation Technical Product 
Development, Inc., Quad City Airport, P.O. Box 100, Moline, Illinois 
61266, applied for a supplemental type certificate (STC) to modify 
Cessna Aircraft Company Model 501 and 551 airplanes. These models are 
currently approved under Type Certificate No. A27CE. These Cessna 
airplane models are small transport category airplanes. The Cessna 
Model 501 and 551 series airplanes are powered by turbine engines with 
a maximum takeoff weight of 11,850 pounds (model 501) and 12,500 pounds 
(model 551). These airplanes operate with one-to two-pilot crews and 
seat up to 9 passengers in Model 501 and up to 11 passengers in Model 
551. The modification incorporates the installation of the Universal 
Avionics Electronic Display Systems. The avionics/electronics and 
electrical systems installed in these airplanes have the potential to 
be vulnerable to high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF) external to the 
airplanes.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Elliott Aviation must show 
that the Cessna Aircraft Company Model 501 and 551 series airplanes, as 
changed, continue to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations 
incorporated by reference in Type Certificate No. A27CE, or the 
applicable regulations in effect on the date of application for the 
change. The regulations incorporated by reference in the type 
certificate are commonly referred to as the ``original type 
certification basis.'' The certification basis for the Cessna Model 501 
series airplanes includes part 23 of 14 CFR effective February 1, 1965, 
as amended by amendments 23-1 through 23-16 except as follows: delete 
Sec. Sec.  23.45 through 23.77, 23.831, 23.1091(c)(2), 23.1303, 
23.1323, 23.1441 through 23.1449, 23.1581 through 23.1583(f), and 
23.1583(h) through 23.1587; and add Sec. Sec.  23.1385 as amended 
through amendment 23-20; and add part 25 of 14 CFR effective February 
1, 1965, as amended by amendments 25-1 through 25-17; Sec. Sec.  
25.1195, 25.1199 and 25.1203 as amended by amendments 25-1 through 25-
37; Sec. Sec.  25.101 through 25.125, 25.831, 25.934, 25.1091(d)(2),

[[Page 9904]]

25.1197, 25.1201, 25.1303, 25.1305(a)(7), 25.1323, 25.1439 through 
25.1453, 25.1581 through 25.1583(c)(3), and Sec. Sec.  25.1583(e) 
through 25.1587.
    The certification basis for the Cessna Model 551 series airplanes 
includes part 23 of 14 CFR effective February 1, 1965, as amended by 
amendments 23-1 through 23-16 except as follows: delete Sec. Sec.  
23.21 through 23.31, 23.45 through 23.77, 23.157, 23.171 through 
23.177, 23.251, 23.345, 23.351, 23.361, 23.471 through 23.511, 23.571, 
23.572, 23.629, 23.679, 23.723 through 23.737, 23.773, 23.775, 23.777, 
23.783, 23.807, 23.831, 23.903(c), 23.1091(c)(2), 23.1301, 23.1303, 
23.1307, 23.1309, 23.1321, 23.1323, 23.1325, 23.1385(c), 23.1435, 
23.1441 through 23.1449, 23.1581 through 23.1583(f), 23.1583(i) through 
23.1587; and add Sec. Sec.  23.1143(e) and 23.1385(c) as amended 
through amendment 23-18 and 23.1301 and 23.1335 as amended through 
amendment 23-20; and add from part 25 of 14 CFR effective February 1, 
1965, as amended by amendments 25-1 through 25-17, Sec. Sec.  25.812, 
25.863, 25.1195, 25.1199, 25.1203, 25.1309, and 25.1435; as amended by 
amendment 25-1 through 25-37, Sec. Sec.  25.21 through 25.31, 25.101 
through 25.125, 25.147(c)(e), 25.171 through 25.177, 25.251, 25.305(c), 
25.345, 25.351, 25.361, 25.471 through 25.511, 25.571, 25.573, 25.629, 
25.679, 25.721 through 25.737, 25.773, 25.775, 25.777, 25.783, 25.807, 
25.831, 25.851, 25.903(b)(d), 25.934, 25.1091(d)(2), 25.1189(g)(h), 
25.1197, 25.1201, 25.1303, 25.1305(a)(7), 25.1305(c)(4), 25.1307, 
25.1321, 25.1323, 25.1325, 25.1439 through 25.1453, 25.1581 through 
25.1583(c)(3), 25.1583(f) through 25.1587, and Sec. Sec.  25.901(c), 
25.903(e)(3), and 25.1351(d) as amended through amendment 25-41.
    In addition, the certification basis includes certain later amended 
sections of the applicable part 25 regulations that are not relevant to 
these special conditions.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., part 25, as amended) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for modified Cessna Aircraft Company Model 
501 and 551 airplanes because of a novel or unusual design feature, 
special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Cessna Model 501 and 551 airplanes 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.
    Special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, are issued in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and become part of the type certification 
basis in accordance with Sec.  21.101.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should Elliott Aviation Technical Product Development, 
Inc. apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to 
modify any other model included on Type Certificate No. A27CE to 
incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special 
conditions would also apply to the other model under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    As noted earlier, the Cessna Aircraft Company Model 501 and 551 
series airplanes modified by Elliott Aviation will incorporate 
electronic displays with Universal Aviation Electronic Flight Display 
Systems that will perform critical functions. These systems may be 
vulnerable to high-intensity radiated fields external to the airplane. 
The current airworthiness standards of part 25 do not contain adequate 
or appropriate safety standards for the protection of this equipment 
from the adverse effects of HIRF. Accordingly, this system is 
considered to be a novel or unusual design feature.

Discussion

    There is no specific regulation that addresses protection 
requirements for electronic and electrical systems from HIRF. Increased 
power levels from ground-based radio transmitters and the growing use 
of sensitive avionics/electronics and electrical systems to command and 
control airplanes have made it necessary to provide adequate 
protection.
    To ensure that a level of safety is achieved equivalent to that 
intended by the regulations incorporated by reference, special 
conditions are needed for the Cessna Model 501 and 551 airplanes 
modified by Elliott Aviation. These special conditions require that new 
avionics/electronics and electrical systems that perform critical 
functions be designed and installed to preclude component damage and 
interruption of function due to both the direct and indirect effects of 
HIRF.

High-Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF)

    With the trend toward increased power levels from ground-based 
transmitters, and the advent of space and satellite communications, 
coupled with electronic command and control of the airplane, the 
immunity of critical digital avionics/electronics and electrical 
systems to HIRF must be established.
    It is not possible to precisely define the HIRF to which the 
airplane will be exposed in service. There is also uncertainty 
concerning the effectiveness of airframe shielding for HIRF. 
Furthermore, coupling of electromagnetic energy to cockpit-installed 
equipment through the cockpit window apertures is undefined. Based on 
surveys and analysis of existing HIRF emitters, an adequate level of 
protection exists when compliance is shown with either HIRF protection 
special condition paragraph 1 or 2 below:
    1. A minimum threat of 100 volts rms (root-mean-square) per meter 
electric field strength from 10 KHz to 18 GHz.
    a. The threat must be applied to the system elements and their 
associated wiring harnesses without the benefit of airframe shielding.
    b. Demonstration of this level of protection is established through 
system tests and analysis.
    2. A threat external to the airframe of the field strengths 
identified in the table below for the frequency ranges indicated. Both 
peak and average field strength components from the table are to be 
demonstrated.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Field strength
                                                      (volts per meter)
                     Frequency                     ---------------------
                                                       Peak     Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 kHz-100 kHz....................................         50         50
100 kHz-500 kHz...................................         50         50
500 kHz-2 MHz.....................................         50         50
2 MHz-30 MHz......................................        100        100
30 MHz-70 MHz.....................................         50         50
70 MHz-100 MHz....................................         50         50
100 MHz-200 MHz...................................        100        100
200 MHz-400 MHz...................................        100        100
400 MHz-700 MHz...................................        700         50
700 MHz-1 GHz.....................................        700        100
1 GHz-2 GHz.......................................       2000        200
2 GHz-4 GHz.......................................       3000        200
4 GHz-6 GHz.......................................       3000        200
6 GHz-8 GHz.......................................       1000        200
8 GHz-12 GHz......................................       3000        300
12 GHz-18 GHz.....................................       2000        200
18 GHz-40 GHz.....................................        600       200
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The field strengths are expressed in terms of peak of the root-mean-
  square (rms) over the complete modulatoin period.

    The threat levels identified above are the result of an FAA review 
of existing studies on the subject of HIRF, in light of the ongoing 
work of the Electromagnetic Effects Harmonization Working Group of the 
Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Cessna Aircraft Company Model 501 and 551

[[Page 9905]]

series airplanes. Should Elliott Aviation Technical Product Development 
apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any 
other model included on Type Certificate No. A27CEU to incorporate the 
same or similar novel or unusual design feature, these special 
conditions would apply to that model as well under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.101.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on the Cessna Model 501 and 551 series airplanes modified by Elliott 
Aviation Technical Product Development. It is not a rule of general 
applicability and affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for 
approval of these features on the airplane.
    The substance of the special conditions for these airplanes has 
been subjected to the notice and comment procedure in several prior 
instances and has been derived without substantive change from those 
previously issued. Because a delay would significantly affect the 
certification of the airplane, which is imminent, the FAA has 
determined that prior public notice and comment are unnecessary and 
impracticable, and good cause exists for adopting these special 
conditions upon issuance. The FAA is requesting comments to allow 
interested persons to submit views that may not have been submitted in 
response to the prior opportunities for comment described above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.


0
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.

The Special Conditions

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the supplemental type certification basis for the Cessna Aircraft 
Company Model 501 and 551 airplanes modified by Elliott Aviation 
Technical Product Development, Inc.
    1. Protection from Unwanted Effects of High-Intensity Radiated 
Fields (HIRF). Each electronic and electrical system that performs 
critical functions must be designed and installed to ensure that the 
operation and operational capability of these systems to perform 
critical functions are not adversely affected when the airplane is 
exposed to high intensity radiated fields.
    2. For the purpose of these special conditions, the following 
definition applies: Critical Functions: Functions whose failure would 
contribute to or cause a failure condition that would prevent the 
continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1810 Filed 2-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P