[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 29, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68731-68737]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30794]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 21 and 29
[Docket No. SW014; Notice No. 29-014-SC]
Special Conditions: Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated S-64E and S-
64F Rotorcraft
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.
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SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Erickson Air-
Crane Incorporated (Erickson Air-Crane) S-64E and S-64F rotorcraft.
These rotorcraft have novel or unusual design feature(s) associated
with being transport category rotorcraft designed only for use in heavy
external-load operations. At the time of original type certification, a
special condition was issued for each model helicopter because the
applicable airworthiness regulations did not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for turbine-engine rotorcraft or for
rotorcraft with a maximum gross weight over 20,000 pounds that were
designed solely to perform external-load operations. At the request of
Erickson Air-Crane, the current type certificate (TC) holder for these
helicopter models, we propose the following to resolve reported
difficulty in applying the existing special conditions and to eliminate
any confusion that has occurred in Erickson's dealings with a foreign
authority. Specifically, we are proposing to consolidate the separate
special conditions for each model helicopter into one special condition
to clarify and more specifically reference certain special condition
requirements to the regulatory requirements, to add an inadvertently
omitted fire protection requirement, to recognize that occupants may be
permitted in the two observer seats and the rear-facing operator seat
during other than external-load operations, and to clarify the
requirements relating to operations within 5 minutes of a suitable
landing area.
The requirements in this special condition continue to contain
safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a
level of safety equivalent to that established by the airworthiness
standards existing at the time of certification.
DATES: We must receive your comments by February 12, 2010.
ADDRESSES: You must mail two copies of your comments to: Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Attention:
Docket No. SW014 (ASW-111), Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0110. You may
deliver two copies to the Rotorcraft Standards Staff (ASW-111) at 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137. You must mark your comments:
Docket No. SW014. You can inspect comments in the Rules Docket
weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. The
docket is maintained in the Rotorcraft Directorate at 2601 Meacham
Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Barbini, FAA, Rotorcraft
Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff (ASW-111), Fort Worth, Texas
76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5196, facsimile (817) 222-5961.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite interested persons to take part in this rulemaking by
sending written comments, data, or views on the changes made by this
special condition, which are detailed in the Discussion section of this
preamble. 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
on these special conditions. You can inspect the docket 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 based on the comments we receive.
If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your comments on this
proposal, 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 November 27, 1967, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
filed an application for type certification for its Model S-64E
helicopter. This rotorcraft is the civil version of the United States
Army Model CH-54A flying crane. The S-64E has a maximum weight of
approximately 30,000 pounds when flying only with internal fuel
loadings and personnel, and without external loads. It has a maximum
weight of 42,000 pounds, of which a maximum of 20,000 pounds may be
external loads. Type certificate H6EA was issued on August 21, 1969,
which included special condition No. 29-6-EA-2. This special condition
includes conditions for type certification for carrying Class B
external loads.
On April 2, 1969, Sikorsky filed for an amendment to its type
certificate to add the Model S-64F. This aircraft is the civil version
of the United States Army Model CH-54B flying crane. The S-64F has a
maximum weight of approximately 30,000 pounds when flying only with
internal fuel loadings
[[Page 68732]]
and personnel, and without external loads. It has a maximum weight of
47,000 pounds, of which a maximum of 25,000 pounds may be external
loads. Type certificate H6EA was amended on November 25, 1970, to add
the F model, including special condition No. 29-16-EA-5 and Amendment
No. 1 to that special condition. This Model S-64F special condition
includes requirements for type certification for carrying Class A and B
external loads.
The 14 CFR part 29 regulations applicable at the time of
certification required the Models S-64E and S-64F to comply with
Category A regulations. However, strict adherence to those regulations
was deemed inappropriate for these model aircraft and their intended
operations. The special conditions created for the Model S-64E and
Model S-64F combined the appropriate standards from both Category A and
B, plus added safety and other requirements necessary to establish
compliance with the airworthiness requirements of Subpart D of 14 CFR
part 133 for Class A and B rotorcraft load combinations. Additionally,
the special conditions allowed operations under 14 CFR part 91. The
combination of regulations and special conditions ensured a level of
safety equivalent to 14 CFR part 29 requirements at the time of
certification.
Both aircraft were specifically type certificated as ``industrial
flying cranes,'' which are used only to carry cargo and all cargo is
carried as an external load. The cockpit contains only five seats,
allowing for two pilots, an aft-facing hoist operator and two
observers. The rotorcraft does not have a passenger compartment and is
not designed to transport passengers. 14 CFR part 91 operations are
allowed. The aircraft are powered by two Pratt and Whitney turbo shaft
engines (Series JFTD12A); the S-64E uses the model 4A which generates
4,500 horsepower and the S-64F uses the model 5A which generates 4,800
horsepower. The engines drive a six-blade single main rotor
approximately 72 feet in diameter and a four-blade tail rotor
approximately 16 feet in diameter.
Since the time of original certification, 14 CFR part 29 has been
modified to recognize that most transport category rotorcraft are being
used in utility work, rather than in air carrier operations. The
regulatory changes now enable a rotorcraft of more than 20,000 pounds
and nine or less passenger seats to be certificated as Category B
provided certain Category A subparts are met.
Since the S-64's certification, the regulations have been amended
to better accommodate rotorcraft designed to operate under the external
load provisions of 14 CFR part 133. However, no transport category
rotorcraft (over 20,000 pounds) has been designed with the unique and
novel features of the ``skycrane.'' In 1992, the type certificate for
the Model S-64E and Model S-64F was transferred from Sikorsky to
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated. In 2004, the Model S-64F received a
type certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In
2005, the Model S-64E was certificated to carry Class A external loads
under 14 CFR part 133.
Type Certification Basis
The original type certification basis is as follows:
For the Model S-64E: 14 CFR part 29, 1 February 1965, including
Amendments 29-1 and 29-2 except 14 CFR Sec. 29.855(d), and Special
Condition No. 29-6-EA-2. For the Model S-64F: 14 CFR part 29, dated 1
February 1965 including Amendments 29-1 and 29-2 except 14 CFR Sec.
29.855(d), and Special Condition No. 29-16-EA-5 including Amendment No.
1.
We have found that the applicable airworthiness regulations for 14
CFR part 29 do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for
the Erickson S-64E and S-64F rotorcraft because of novel or unusual
design features. Therefore, special conditions were prescribed under
the provisions of Sec. 21.16. Special conditions, as appropriate, are
defined in Sec. 11.19 and issued per Sec. 11.38, and become part of
the type certification basis under Sec. 21.17(a)(2).
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, the special conditions would also apply to the
other model per Sec. 21.101(a)(1).
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Erickson Air-Crane S-64 rotorcraft incorporates the following
novel or unusual design features:
The aircraft was designed specifically as an industrial flying
crane--
(a) With an airframe--
(1) Designed solely for external load capabilities with no
passenger cabin and accommodations in the cockpit only for--
(i) One pilot,
(ii) One copilot,
(iii) One aft-stick operator, and
(iv) Two observers.
(2) Designed with two small baggage compartments in the nose.
(3) Designed with multiple ``hard points'' each with load ratings
specifically for the carriage of external loads.
(b) With a rear-facing aft-stick operator seat, which allows for--
(1) precision placement of external loads, and
(2) limited flight operations capabilities.
(c) With neither engine equipped with a cowling.
(d) That weighs over 20,000 pounds, but is designed solely to carry
cargo in external load operations.
Discussion
The type certification basis for the Model S-64E helicopter
contained Special Condition No. 29-6-EA-2, dated January 13, 1969. The
type certification basis for the model S-64F helicopter contained
Special Condition No. 29-16-EA-5, issued December 3, 1969 and Amendment
1 to that Special Condition issued November 13, 1970. The special
condition for the model S-64E included requirements for type
certification without external loads (including flight conditions,
propulsion conditions, systems condition, and operating limitations
conditions) and requirements for type certification with external loads
(including general conditions, flight conditions, propulsion
conditions, systems condition, and operating conditions). The special
condition including Amendment 1 for the model S-64F included
essentially the same requirements as those for the model S-64E, but
included additional requirements for Class A load combinations.
We have reviewed Special Conditions No. 29-6-EA-2 and No. 29-16-EA-
5, including Amendment No. 1. We have determined that the original
special conditions applied to the model S-64 ensure a level of safety
equivalent to 14 CFR part 29 requirements at the time of certification
for both the E and F model rotorcraft.
At the request of Erickson Air Crane, we propose to:
(a) Consolidate the special conditions for both model helicopters
into one document.
(b) Indicate whether a special condition requirement is ``in lieu
of'' or ``in addition to'' a standard certification requirement and
make specific reference to the certification requirement. The original
Special Conditions did not delineate the novel or unusual design
[[Page 68733]]
features of the Air-Crane, which resulted in an unclear application of
the ``in addition to'' and ``in lieu of'' requirements as they
pertained to the rules existing at the time of certification.
(c) Reference 14 CFR part 133 instead of the various rotorcraft
load combination classes for the special condition requirements
concerning placards.
(d) Modify the occupancy special condition to allow non-crewmembers
who are not providing compensation to the operator, to be transported,
as otherwise permitted by the regulations. Operations are currently
limited to occupants that are flight crewmembers, flight crewmember
trainees, or other persons performing essential functions connected
with external load operations or necessary for an activity directly
associated with external load operations.
(e) Remove the special condition operating limitation that required
the helicopters be operated so that a suitable landing area could be
reached in no more than 5 minutes, and now requiring that only when
flying over a congested area must the helicopter be operated so that a
suitable landing area can be reached in no more than 5 minutes.
(f) Add a requirement to comply with Sec. 29.855(d), at Amendment
level 29-3, effective February 25, 1968, which was excluded from the
original special condition as indicated on the type certificate data
sheet, requiring the baggage compartment in the airframe nose be sealed
to contain cargo or baggage compartment fires.
Neither consolidating the requirements, specifying the ``in lieu
of'' or ``in addition to'' references, nor referencing 14 CFR part 133
are intended to make any substantive changes from the requirements
contained in Special Condition No. 29-6-EA-2 nor Special Condition 29-
16-EA-5, as amended. However, one change that has been proposed is to
the ``occupant'' standard.
The original special conditions only permitted flight crewmembers,
flight crewmember trainees, or persons performing an essential or
necessary function in connection with the external load operation to be
carried on board the helicopter. This occupancy standard was taken
directly from 14 CFR Sec. 133.35, dealing with the carriage of persons
during rotorcraft external-load operations. At the time of original
certification, there was no intent to allow the carriage of persons
other than crewmember trainees and those required in connection with
the external-load operation. Flights conducted under 14 CFR part 91
regulations were only expected to occur when the helicopter was being
re-positioned with two pilot-crewmembers. In addition, limitations were
placed on the S-64E and S-64F helicopter designs because they were not
the typical transport category helicopter because they did not meet all
appropriate 14 CFR part 29 transport category helicopter requirements.
In particular, the designs do not include a power-plant fire
extinguishing system and the related cowlings that assist in engine
fire suppression.
Since original certification, operators have stated that they would
like the option to use the additional three seats, which includes the
one rear-facing seat occupied by a crewmember during external-load
operations, to carry support crews between operational bases and the
worksites. The intended effect of removing the essential crewmember and
crewmember trainee limitation recognizes that these model helicopters
are not operated exclusively under 14 CFR part 133. Under this
proposal, we recognize that the two observer seats and the rear-facing
aft-stick operator's seat may be occupied by persons other than persons
performing an essential or necessary function in connection with the
external load operation during 14 CFR part 91 operations. The intent of
this provision is to allow the two observer seats and the rear-facing
operator's seat, when the rear-facing aft-stick operator's controls are
disengaged and the collective guard is installed to prevent
unintentional movement, to be occupied during other than external-load
operations. As described in the FAA-approved flight manual, the aft-
stick operator's controls are only to be engaged when a qualified
crewmember is at the main and aft-stick operator's controls.
From an engine-fire safety standpoint, single-engine helicopters
certificated to Category B requirements of 14 CFR part 29 are permitted
to carry up to nine passengers. However, if an engine fails due to a
fire, although the fire may be extinguished, the helicopter will still
be forced to execute an auto-rotation. Depending on where the
helicopter is operating, a safe autorotative landing may not be
possible. In addition, helicopters certificated to 14 CFR part 27
requirements are not required to have a power-plant fire protection
system, but are certificated to carry up to nine passengers. If a twin-
engine model S-64E or S-64F helicopter has an engine failure due to an
engine fire, these helicopters can still fly on a single engine and the
certification standards require that they must be safely controlled so
that the essential structure, controls, and parts can perform their
essential functions for at least five minutes in order to reach a
possible suitable landing area.
Although we propose to remove the ``occupant'' limitation, when
conducting other than external-load operations, which most commonly we
anticipate may be 14 CFR part 91 operations, operators would still be
required to comply with the other FAA operating requirements applicable
to their particular operation.\1\
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\1\ Some operational regulations that may apply during 14 CFR
part 91 operations include, 14 CFR 61.113(a) which, with some
exceptions, prohibits a private pilot from acting as pilot in
command of an aircraft carrying passengers for compensation or hire,
and from acting as pilot-in-command for compensation or hire. An
exception to 14 CFR 61.113(a), 14 CFR 61.113(b) allows a private
pilot to act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or
hire in connection with any business or employment if the flight is
only incidental to that business or employment and the aircraft does
not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire. Another
regulation, 14 CFR 119.33 prohibits a person from providing or
offering to provide air transportation when that person has control
over the operational functions performed in providing that
transportation unless that person has an air carrier certificate and
operations specifications. Under our regulations, ``compensation''
has been interpreted very broadly and ``need not be direct nor in
the form of money. Goodwill is a form of prohibited compensation.''
Administrator v. Murray, EA-5061, October 29, 2003 citing
Administrator v. Blackburn, 4 NTSB 409 (1982).
Intangible benefits, such as the expectation of future economic
benefit or business, are sufficient to ``render a flight one for
`compensation or hire'.'' See, e.g., Administrator v. Platt, NTSB
Order No. EA-4012 (1993) at 6; Administrator v. Blackburn, 4 NTSB
409 (1982), aff'd., Blackburn v. NTSB, NTSB, 709 F.2d 1514 (9th Cir.
1983); Administrator v. Pingel, NTSB Order No. EA-3265, at n.4
(1991); Administrator v. Mims, NTSB Order No. EA-3284 (1991).
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Another current special condition operating limitation requires
that the helicopters be operated at an altitude and over routes, which
provide suitable landing areas that can be reached in no more than 5
minutes. We are proposing to qualify this limitation and only require
this limitation when the helicopters are operated over a congested
area. The 5-minute portion of the limitation complements the fire
protection requirements in Sec. 29.861, which for Category B
rotorcraft requires that certain structure, controls, and other
essential parts be able to perform their essential functions for at
least 5 minutes under foreseeable powerplant fire conditions. Relaxing
the limitation by allowing flights over other than congested areas that
may not be within the 5-minute distance still exceeds the safety
standard in the current Sec. 133.33(d) provision, which allows the
holder of a Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificate to conduct
[[Page 68734]]
rotorcraft external-load operations under certain circumstances over
congested areas notwithstanding the requirements of 14 CFR part 91.
Therefore, this is consistent with that standard.
We also propose to change the current type certification basis of
both model helicopters that excludes the requirement to comply with
Sec. 29.855(d). At the time of the application for type certification
of the model S-64E helicopter on November 27, 1967, and before the
changes to 14 CFR part 29 by Amendment level 29-3, effective February
25, 1968, Sec. 29.855(d) required that cargo and baggage compartments
be designed or have a device to ensure detection of fires by a
crewmember at his station to prevent entry of harmful substances into
the crew or passenger compartment. In Notice 65-42 in Proposal 22
published on December 28, 1965 (30 FR 16129, 16139), we proposed to
change Sec. 29.855(d) because experience had shown that the design
requirements for cargo and baggage compartments were not specific
enough for compartments that are not sealed against fire and for cargo-
only compartments. Because of the novel design of this helicopter, it
did not have a typical transport category rotorcraft cargo or baggage
compartment, only two small baggage compartments in the nose of the
rotorcraft that are inaccessible during flight. Therefore, because the
model S-64E helicopter was not the type of transport category
rotorcraft envisioned when the transport category requirements of 14
CFR part 29 were adopted to address rotorcraft use in air carrier
service and the necessary higher degree of safety to protect common
carriage passengers and the fact that the model S-64E did have a sealed
cargo compartment meeting the new proposed standard in Notice 65-42,
the type certification basis for the model S-64E helicopter excluded
the requirements of Sec. 29.855(d). However, when Amendment 29-3 was
adopted with the amended Sec. 29.855(d), the exclusion of Sec.
29.855(d) from the type certification basis was not reversed. The type
certification basis for the model S-64F is the same as that for the
model S-64E. Therefore, we propose adding back to the type
certification basis for both model helicopters the requirement to
comply with Sec. 29.855(d), at Amendment level 29-3, effective
February 25, 1968.
Applicability
This special condition is applicable to the Erickson Air-Crane
Model S-64E and Model S-64F rotorcraft. Should Erickson Air-Crane apply
later for a change to the type certificate to include another model
incorporating the same novel or unusual design features, this special
condition would apply to that model according to the provisions of
Sec. 21.101(a)(1).
Conclusion
We have reviewed the original Special Conditions No. 29-6-EA-2 and
No. 29-16-EA-5, including Amendment No. 1. Based on this review, we
propose to combine the two current separate special conditions for the
Model S-64E and Model S-64F helicopters into a single special condition
that clearly establishes the novel or unusual design feature associated
with each regulatory requirement. We also propose to change the special
condition that limited who, specifically non-flight crewmembers, could
be carried on board the helicopter during other than external-load
operations. The original special conditions also required the Model S-
64E and Model S-64F to be within 5 minutes of a suitable landing area
at all times. We find it sufficient to require the rotorcraft to be no
more than 5 minutes from a suitable landing area when operating over
congested areas.
However, we are proposing to add a requirement to comply with the
cargo and baggage compartment requirements of 29.855(d) that were
inadvertently omitted from the original two special conditions.
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on the Model S-64E and Model S-64F helicopters. 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 helicopter.
The substance of the original special conditions may have been
subjected to comments in prior instances. However, due to the changes
described within the ``Discussion'' section, we feel that it is prudent
to request comments to allow interested persons to submit views on
these changes.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Parts 21 and 29
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704.
The Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes
that Special Condition No. 29-6-EA-2, Docket No. 9351, issued January
13, 1969 for the Model S-64E and Special Condition No. 29-16-EA-5,
Docket No. 10002, issued December 3, 1969 and Amendment 1 to Special
Condition No. 29-16-EA-5, issued November 13, 1970 for the Model S-64F,
be removed and the following special conditions be added as part of the
type certification basis for Erickson Air-Crane models S-64E and S-64F
helicopters. Unless otherwise noted, all regulatory references made
within this proposed special condition would pertain to those 14 CFR
par 29 regulations in effect at Amendment level 29-2, effective June 4,
1967 (32 FR 6908, May 5, 1967).
(a) Takeoff and Landing Distance. Because of the S-64's novel
design as an industrial flying crane, the following apply:
(1) For operations without external load, the takeoff and landing
distance must be determined by flight test over the ranges of weight,
altitude, and temperature for which takeoff and landing data are
scheduled. The flight tests must encompass the critical areas of a
takeoff and landing flight path from a 50-foot hover. If the takeoff
and landing distance throughout the operational range to be approved
are zero, the minimum takeoff and landing area length must be one and
one-half times the maximum helicopter overall length (main rotor
forward tip path to tail rotor aft tip path) and the area width must be
one and one-half times main rotor tip path diameter. Additionally, this
information must be furnished in the performance information section of
the Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
(2) For Class A rotorcraft load combination operations:
(i) Compliance must be shown with the provisions of Sec. 29.51
(Takeoff data: general), except that in paragraph (a) of Sec. 29.51,
the references to Sec. Sec. 29.53(b) (Critical decision point) and
29.59 (Takeoff path: Category A) are not applicable.
(ii) In lieu of the requirements of Sec. Sec. 29.53 and 29.59, the
following apply:
(A) Compliance must be shown with the provisions of Sec. 29.63
(Takeoff: Category B),
(B) the horizontal takeoff distance to a point 50 feet above the
plane of the takeoff surface must be established with both engines
operating within their approved limits, and
(C) the takeoff climbout speed must be established.
(iii) Compliance must be shown with the provisions of Sec. 29.79
(Limiting height-speed envelope).
(3) For Class B rotorcraft load combination operations:
(i) Compliance must be shown with Sec. 29.51 (Takeoff data:
general), except that in paragraph (a), the references to Sec. Sec.
29.53(b) (Critical decision point), 29.59 (Takeoff path: Category A)
and
[[Page 68735]]
29.67(a)(1) and (2) (Climb: one engine inoperative) are not applicable.
(ii) In lieu of the requirements of Sec. Sec. 29.53 and 29.59,
compliance must be shown with the provisions of Sec. 29.63 (Takeoff:
Category B).
(b) Climb. Because of the S-64's novel design as an industrial
flying crane, the following apply:
(1) For Class A rotorcraft load combination operations, in lieu of
the requirements of Sec. Sec. 29.67 (Climb: one engine inoperative)
and 29.71 (Helicopter angle of glide: Category B), compliance must be
shown with Sec. Sec. 29.65(a) (Category B climb: all engines
operating) and 29.67(a)(1) and (2) (Climb: one engine inoperative).
(2) For Class B rotorcraft load combination operations, in lieu of
the requirements of Sec. Sec. 29.67 (Climb: one engine inoperative)
and 29.71 (Helicopter angle of glide: Category B), compliance must be
shown with Sec. 29.65 (Category B climb: all engines operating).
(c) Landing. Because of the S-64's novel design as an industrial
flying crane, for Class A rotorcraft load combination operations, in
lieu of the requirements of Sec. Sec. 29.77 (Balk landing: Category A)
and 29.75 (Landing), compliance must be shown for 29.75(b)(5), and the
following apply:
(1) The horizontal distance required to land and come to a complete
stop, from a point 50 feet above the landing surface must be determined
with a level, smooth, dry, hard surface.
(2) The approach and landing may not require exceptional piloting
skill or exceptionally favorable conditions.
(3) The landing must be made without excessive vertical
acceleration or tendency to bounce, nose over, or ground loop.
(4) The landing data must be determined at each weight, altitude,
and temperature for which certification is sought with one engine
inoperative and the remaining engine operating within approved
operating limitations.
(5) The approach and landing speeds must be selected by the
applicant and must be appropriate to the type rotorcraft.
(6) The approach and landing path must be established to avoid the
critical areas of a limiting height-speed envelope established under
Sec. 29.79.
(d) Performance at Minimum Operating Speed. Because of the S-64's
novel design as an industrial flying crane, in lieu of the requirements
of Sec. 29.73 (Performance at minimum operating speed) the following
apply:
(1) For operations without external load, the hovering performance
must be determined at 50 feet or more above the takeoff surface over
the ranges of weight, altitude, and temperature for which takeoff data
are scheduled. This must be shown with the most critical engine
inoperative, the remaining engine at not more than the maximum
certificated single engine rated power, and the landing gear extended.
(2) For Class A rotorcraft load combination operations, the
hovering performance must be determined over the ranges of weight,
altitude, and temperature for which certification is requested, and
takeoff data must be scheduled--
(i) Up to takeoff power on each engine;
(ii) With landing gear extended; and
(iii) The helicopter at a height consistent with normal takeoff
procedures.
(3) For Class B rotorcraft load combination operations, the
hovering performance must be determined over the ranges of weight,
altitude, and the temperature for which certification is requested, and
takeoff data must be scheduled--
(i) Up to takeoff power on each engine;
(ii) With landing gear extended; and
(iii) The rotorcraft out of ground effect.
(e) Airspeed Indicating System. Because of the S-64's novel design
as an industrial flying crane, for operations with and without external
load, compliance must be shown with Sec. 29.1323 (Airspeed indicating
system) effective February 25, 1968 (Amendment 29-3), modified as
follows:
(1) In addition to the flight conditions prescribed in subparagraph
(b)(1), the system must be calibrated at operational rates of climb.
(2) In lieu of the speed range prescribed in subparagraph (c)(1),
the airspeed error may not exceed the requirements throughout the speed
range in level flight at forward airspeeds of 35 knots or more.
(f) Power Boost and Power-Operated Control System. Because of the
S-64's novel design as an industrial flying crane, for operations
without external load, in lieu of the requirements of Sec.
29.695(a)(1) (Power boost and power-operated control system) as it
applies to any single failure of the main rotor tandem servo housing,
the following apply:
(1) It must be shown by endurance tests of the tandem servo that
failure of the servo housing is extremely improbable.
(2) A tandem servo life limit must be established.
(3) A periodic inspection program for the tandem servo must be
established.
(4) The hydraulic system must be provided with means to ensure that
system pressure, including transient pressure and pressure from fluid
volumetric changes in components which are likely to remain closed long
enough for such changes to occur--
(i) are within 90 to 110 percent of pump average discharge pressure
at each pump outlet or at the outlet of the pump transient pressure
dampening device, if provided; and
(ii) may not exceed 135 percent of the design operating pressure,
excluding pressures at the outlets specified in subparagraph (i) above.
Design operating pressure is the maximum steady operating pressure.
(g) Propulsion Conditions. Because of the S-64's novel design as an
industrial flying crane, its powerplant was designed without a cowling,
and does not include a fire extinguishing system. Therefore, in lieu of
the requirements of Sec. Sec. 29.861(a) (Fire protection of structure,
controls, and other parts), 29.1187(e) (Drainage and ventilation of
fire zones), 29.1195 (Fire extinguishing systems), 29.1197 (Fire
extinguishing agents), 29.1199 (Extinguishing agent containers), and
29.1201 (Fire extinguishing system materials), the following apply:
(1) Fire protection of structure, control and other parts.
Compliance must be shown with Sec. 29.861(b) (Fire protection of
structure, controls, and other parts) so each part of the structure,
controls, rotor mechanism, and other parts essential to controlled
landing and flight must be protected so they can perform their
essential functions for at least 5 minutes under any foreseeable
powerplant fire condition.
(2) Powerplant fire protection. In addition to compliance with
Sec. 29.1183 (Lines and fittings), except for lines and fittings
approved as part of the engine type certificate under 14 CFR part 33,
design precautions must be taken in the powerplant compartment to
safeguard against the ignition of fluids or vapors which could be
caused by leakage or failure in flammable fluid systems.
(3) Exhaust system drains. In addition to compliance with Sec.
29.1121 (Exhaust system: general), compliance must be shown with Sec.
29.1121(h) (Exhaust system: general) effective February 25, 1968
(Amendment 29-3) in that if there are significant low spots or pockets
in the engine exhaust system, the system must have drains that
discharge clear of the rotorcraft, in normal ground and flight
attitudes, to prevent the accumulation of fuel after the failure of an
attempted engine start.
[[Page 68736]]
(4) Rotor drive system testing. If the engine power output to the
transmission can exceed the highest engine or transmission power rating
and the output is not directly controlled by the pilot under normal
operating conditions (such as the control of the primary engine power
control by the flight control), in addition to the endurance tests
prescribed in Sec. 29.923 (Rotor drive system and control mechanism
tests), the following test must be made:
(i) With all engines operating, apply torque at least equal to the
maximum torque used in meeting Sec. 29.923 plus 10 percent for at
least 220 seconds.
(ii) With each engine, in turn, inoperative, apply to the remaining
transmission power inputs the maximum torque attainable under probable
operating conditions, assuming that torque limiting devices are
functioning properly. Each transmission input must be tested at this
maximum torque for at least 5 minutes.
(5) Powerplant installation. In addition to the requirements of
Sec. 29.901 (Installation), compliance must be shown with Sec.
29.901(b)(5) (Installation) effective February 25, 1968 (Amendment 29-
3) in that the axial and radial expansion of the engines may not affect
the safety of the powerplant installation.
(6) Powerplant operation characteristics. In addition to the
requirements of Sec. 29.939 (Turbine engine operating
characteristics), the powerplant operating characteristics must be
investigated in flight to determine that no adverse characteristics,
such as stall, surge, or flameout are present to a hazardous degree
during normal and emergency operation of the helicopter within the
range of operating limitations of the helicopter and of the engine.
(7) Powerplant control system. In addition to the requirements of
Sec. 29.1141 (Powerplant controls: general), the powerplant control
system must be investigated to ensure that no single, likely failure or
malfunction in the helicopter installed components of the system can
cause a hazardous condition that cannot be safely controlled in flight.
(8) Fuel pump installation. In addition to the requirements of
Sec. 29.991 (Fuel pumps), there must be provisions to maintain the
fuel pressure at the inlet of the engine fuel system within the limits
established for engine operation throughout the operating envelope of
the helicopter.
(9) Fuel strainer. In addition to the requirements of Sec. 29.997
(Fuel strainer or filter), compliance must be shown with Sec.
29.997(e) (Fuel strainer or filter) effective February 25, 1968
(Amendment 29-3) in that unless there are means in the fuel system to
prevent the accumulation of ice on the filter, there must be means to
automatically maintain the fuel flow if ice-clogging of the filter
occurs.
(10) Cooling test. In lieu of the requirements of Sec. 29.1041(a)
(Powerplant cooling: General), which includes requirements for
reciprocating engines, compliance must be shown with Sec. 29.1041(a)
(Powerplant cooling: General) effective February 25, 1968 (Amendment
29-3) in that the powerplant cooling provisions must maintain the
temperatures of powerplant components and engine fluids within safe
values under critical surface and flight operating conditions and after
normal engine shutdown.
(11) Induction system icing protection. The S-64 has two turbine
engines; therefore, in lieu of Sec. 29.1093 (Induction system icing
protection), which includes requirements for reciprocating engines,
compliance must be shown with Sec. 29.1093(b) (Induction system icing
protection) effective February 25, 1968 (Amendment 29-3) in that each
engine must operate throughout its flight power range, without adverse
effect on engine operation or serious loss of power or thrust under the
icing conditions specified in Appendix C of 14 CFR part 25.
(12) Induction system duct. The S-64 has two turbine engines;
therefore, in lieu of Sec. 29.1091(d) and (e) (Air induction), which
includes requirements for reciprocating engines, compliance must be
shown with Sec. 29.1091(f) (Air induction) effective February 25, 1968
(Amendment 29-3) in that:
(i) There must be means to prevent hazardous quantities of fuel
leakage or overflow from drains, vents, or other components of
flammable fluid systems from entering the engine intake system.
(ii) The air inlet ducts must be located or protected to minimize
the ingestion of foreign matter during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
(h) Powerplant Instruments. At the time of original certification,
the S-64 had a novel design of being powered by two turbine engines;
therefore, in lieu of Sec. 29.1305 (Powerplant instruments), which
includes requirements for reciprocating engines, compliance must be
shown with Sec. 29.1305 (Powerplant instruments) effective February
25, 1968 (Amendment 29-3) in that the following are required powerplant
instruments:
(1) A fuel quantity indicator for each fuel tank.
(2) If an engine can be supplied with fuel from more than one tank,
a warning device to indicate, for each tank, when a 5-minute usable
fuel supply remains when the rotorcraft is in the most adverse fuel
feed condition for that tank, regardless of whether that condition can
be sustained for the 5 minutes.
(3) An oil pressure warning device for each pressure lubricated
gearbox to indicate when the oil pressure falls below a safe value.
(4) An oil quantity indicator for each oil tank and each rotor
drive gearbox, if lubricant is self-contained.
(5) An oil temperature indicator for each engine.
(6) An oil temperature warning device for each main rotor drive
gearbox to indicate unsafe oil temperatures.
(7) A gas temperature indicator for each turbine engine.
(8) A gas producer rotor tachometer for each turbine engine.
(9) A tachometer for each engine that, if combined with the
instrument required by subparagraph (10) of this paragraph, indicates
rotor rpm during autorotation.
(10) A tachometer to indicate the main rotor rpm.
(11) A free power turbine tachometer for each engine.
(12) A means for each engine to indicate power for that engine.
(13) An individual oil pressure indicator for each engine, and
either an independent warning device for each engine or a master
warning device for the engines with means for isolating the individual
warning circuit from the master warning device.
(14) An individual fuel pressure indicator or equivalent device for
each engine, and either an independent warning device for each engine
or a master warning device for the engines with means for isolating the
individual warning circuit from the master warning device.
(15) Fire warning indicators.
(i) Cargo and baggage compartments. Since the S-64 includes an
unusual design in that the baggage compartments are located in the nose
of the airframe and are inaccessible during flight, in lieu of Sec.
29.855(d), compliance must be shown with Sec. 29.855(d) effective
February 25, 1968 (Amendment 29-3) so that each cargo and baggage
compartment is sealed to contain cargo or baggage compartment fires
completely without endangering the safety of the rotorcraft or its
occupants.
(j) Auxiliary Control Station. The S-64 includes a novel design for
an optional aft-facing pilot position (auxiliary control station) which
is used during precision placement rotorcraft
[[Page 68737]]
load combination operations. There are no specific requirements in the
airworthiness standards for this type of pilot position. Therefore, if
the auxiliary control station is equipped with flight controls--
(1) The rotorcraft must be safely controllable by the auxiliary
controls, throughout the range of the auxiliary controls.
(2) The auxiliary controls may not interfere with the safe
operation of the rotorcraft by the pilot or copilot when the station is
not occupied.
(3) The auxiliary control station and its associated equipment must
allow the operator to perform his or her duties without unreasonable
concentration or fatigue.
(4) The vibration and noise characteristics of the auxiliary
control station appurtenances must not interfere with the operator's
assigned duties to an extent that would make the operation unsafe.
(5) The auxiliary control station must be arranged to give the
operator sufficiently extensive, clear, and undistorted view for safe
operation. The station must be free of glare and reflection that could
interfere with the operator's view.
(6) There must be provisions to prevent unintentional movement of
the controls when the rear-facing aft-stick operator's seat is occupied
by other than essential crewmembers during other than external-load
operations.
(k) Quick-Release Devices. The S-64 is specifically designed for
rotorcraft load combination operations with particular weight-specified
hard points designed into the airframe. Because of this unusual design,
when quick release devices are required under 14 CFR part 133, it must
enable the pilot to release the external-load quickly during flight.
The quick-release system must comply with the following:
(1) An activating control for the quick-release system must be
installed on one of the pilot's primary controls and must be designed
and located so it may be operated by the pilot without hazardously
limiting his or her ability to control the rotorcraft during an
emergency situation.
(2) An alternative independent activating control for the quick-
release system must be provided and must be readily accessible to the
pilot or a crewmember.
(3) The design of the quick-release system must ensure that
failure, which could prevent the release of external loads, is
extremely improbable.
(4) The quick-release system must be capable of functioning
properly after failure of all engines.
(5) The quick-release system must function properly with external
loads up to and including the maximum weight for which certification is
requested.
(6) The quick-release system must include a means to check for
proper operation of the system at established intervals.
(l) Maximum Weight with External Load. When establishing compliance
with Sec. 29.25, the maximum weight of the rotorcraft-load combination
for operations with external loads must be established by the applicant
and may not exceed the weight at which compliance with all applicable
requirements has been shown.
(m) External Load Jettisoning. The external load must be
jettisonable to the maximum weight for which the helicopter has been
type certificated for operation without external loads or with Class A
loads.
(n) Minimum Flight Crew. To meet the requirements of Sec. 29.1523,
the minimum flight crew consists of a pilot and a copilot. For pick up
of the external-load and on-site maneuvering and release of the
external-load, the copilot may act as the aft-facing hoist operator.
(o) Occupancy. When engaged in operations other than external-load
operations under 14 CFR part 133, the carriage of passengers in the two
observer seats and the rear-facing aft-stick operator's seat, when the
aft-stick operator's controls are disengaged and the collective guard
is installed, will be controlled by the FAA operating requirements
applicable to that particular operation.
(p) Operations. The S-64 meets the Category B fire protection
requirements for structures and controls in lieu of Category A
requirements. Therefore, when operating over congested areas, the
rotorcraft must be operated at an altitude and over routes that provide
suitable landing areas that can be reached in no more than 5 minutes.
(q) Markings and Placards. For purposes of rotorcraft load
combination operations, the following markings and placards must be
displayed conspicuously and must be applied so they cannot be easily
erased, disfigured, or obscured.
(1) A placard, plainly visible to appropriate crewmembers,
referring to the helicopter flight manual limitations and restrictions
for rotorcraft load combinations allowed under 14 CFR part 133.
(2) A placard, marking, or instructions (displayed next to the
external-load attaching means) stating the maximum external-load
prescribed as an operating limitation for rotorcraft load combinations
allowed under 14 CFR part 133.
(3) A placard in the cockpit prescribing the occupancy limitation
during rotorcraft load combination operations under 14 CFR part 133.
Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on December 17, 2009.
Mark R. Schilling,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service,
ASW-100.
[FR Doc. E9-30794 Filed 12-28-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P