[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 208 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54057-54059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22661]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 208 / Friday, October 26, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 54057]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0918; Notice No. 23-18-03-SC]


Special Conditions: Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.; Textron 
Aviation, Inc. Model B200-Series Airplanes; Autothrust Functions

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for Textron Aviation, 
Inc. B200-series airplanes. These airplanes as modified by Innovative 
Solutions & Support, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature 
associated with an autothrust system. The applicable airworthiness 
regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for 
this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the 
additional safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to 
establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the 
existing airworthiness standards.

DATES: Send your comments on or before December 10, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2018-0918 
using any of the following methods:
    [ssquf] Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    [ssquf] Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC, 20590-0001.
    [ssquf] Hand Delivery of Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    [ssquf] Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information 
the commenter provides. Using the search function of the docket 
website, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all comments 
received into any FAA docket, including the name of the individual 
sending the comment (or signing the comment for an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement can 
be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 
19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 
of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Pretz, AIR-691, Regulations & 
Policy Section, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Policy & Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 901 Locust; Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone 
(816) 329-3239; facsimile (816) 329-4090; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending 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 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.

Background

    On December 14, 2017, Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc. 
(Innovative Solutions), applied for a supplemental type certificate for 
installation of an autothrust system (ATS)--also known as an 
autothrottle system--in Textron Aviation, Inc., (Textron) B200-series 
airplanes. The B200-series airplanes are powered by two Pratt & Whitney 
PT6A turbo-propeller engines--depending on airplane model--that can 
carry thirteen passengers, including two-flightcrew members. These 
airplanes have a service ceiling up to 35,000-feet and a maximum 
takeoff weight of up to 12,500 pounds in the normal category. These 
airplanes are approved for single-pilot operation.
    The installation of an ATS in Textron B200-series airplanes is 
intended to reduce pilot workload. The ATS is useable in all phases of 
flight except below decision height on approach. The system includes a 
torque and airspeed mode along with monitors to prevent the system from 
exceeding critical engine or airspeed limits. Throttle movement is 
provided by a stepper motor acting through a linear actuator, which 
acts as a link between the stepper motor and throttle. The liner 
actuator can be overridden by pilot movement of the throttle and 
automatically disengages upon disagreement in the expected throttle 
position versus its actual position.
    Section 23.1329, amendment 23-49, only contained requirements for 
automatic pilot systems that act on the airplane flight controls. 
Autothrust systems are automatic systems that act on the thrust 
controls. These systems provide enhanced automation and safety, but may 
also introduce pilot confusion, countering the safety benefit. 14 CFR 
25.1329, amendment 25-119, addresses these concerns. Therefore, these 
proposed special conditions are based on Sec.  25.1329 and provide 
additional requirements to standardize the pilot interface and system 
behavior and enhance pilot awareness of system active and armed modes.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101, Innovative Solutions must 
show that B200-series airplanes, as changed, continue to meet the 
applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by reference in 
Type Certificate (TC) No. A24CE \1\ or the

[[Page 54058]]

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 regulations incorporated by reference in TC 
No. A24CE are as follows: 14 CFR part 23, amendments 23-1 through 23-9, 
plus various later part 23 amendments--depending on the model and 
serial number of the airplane--as noted on Type Certification Data 
Sheet A24CE.
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    \1\ See http://rgl.faa.gov/.
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    If the Administrator finds the applicable airworthiness regulations 
(i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety 
standards for B200-series airplanes because of a novel or unusual 
design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions 
of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model(s) for 
which they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a supplemental 
type certificate to modify any other model included on the same type 
certificate to incorporate the same or similar novel or unusual design 
feature, the FAA would apply these special conditions to the other 
model under Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, B200-series 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.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type-
certification basis under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    Textron B200-series airplanes will incorporate the following novel 
or unusual design features:
    Autothrust system, which provides commands to two linear actuators, 
one attached to each throttle lever, that automatically control thrust 
on each engine. The autothrust system can be operated in either Torque 
Control Mode or Airspeed Mode.

Discussion

    The current part 23 airworthiness regulations do not contain 
appropriate safety standards for an ATS installation; hence, the need 
for special conditions. However, part 25 regulations contain 
appropriate airworthiness standards; therefore, these proposed special 
conditions are derived from 14 CFR 25.1329, amendment 25-119. Sections 
23.143, amendment 23-50, and 23.1309, amendment 23-62, would be used 
instead of the corresponding part 25 regulations referenced in Sec.  
25.1329.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to 
Textron B200-series airplanes. Should Innovative Solutions apply at a 
later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other 
model included on TC No. A24CE to incorporate the same novel or unusual 
design feature, the FAA would apply these special conditions to that 
model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model series of airplanes. It is not a rule of general 
applicability and it affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA 
for approval of these features on the airplane.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704, 
Pub. L. 113-53, 127 Stat. 584 (49 U.S.C. 44704) note.

The Proposed Special Conditions

0
Accordingly, the FAA proposes the following special conditions as part 
of the type certification basis for Textron Aviation, Inc., B200-series 
airplanes as modified by Innovative Solutions & Support, Inc.

1. Autothrottle System

    In addition to the requirements of Sec. Sec.  23.143, 23.1309, and 
23.1329, the following apply:
    (a) Quick disengagement controls for the autothrust functions must 
be provided for each pilot. The autothrust quick disengagement controls 
must be located on the thrust control levers. Quick disengagement 
controls must be readily accessible to each pilot while operating the 
thrust control levers.
    (b) The effects of a failure of the system to disengage the 
autothrust functions when manually commanded by the pilot must be 
assessed in accordance with the requirements of Sec.  23.1309.
    (c) Engagement or switching of the flight guidance system, a mode, 
or a sensor may not cause the autothrust system to affect a transient 
response that alters the airplane's flight path any greater than a 
minor transient, as defined in paragraph (1)(l)(1) of this section.
    (d) Under normal conditions, the disengagement of any automatic 
control function of a flight guidance system may not cause a transient 
response of the airplane's flight path any greater than a minor 
transient.
    (e) Under rare normal and non-normal conditions, disengagement of 
any automatic control function of a flight guidance system may not 
result in a transient any greater than a significant transient, as 
defined in paragraph (1)(l)(2) of this section.
    (f) The function and direction of motion of each command reference 
control, such as heading select or vertical speed, must be plainly 
indicated on, or adjacent to, each control if necessary to prevent 
inappropriate use or confusion.
    (g) Under any condition of flight appropriate to its use, the 
flight guidance system may not produce hazardous loads on the airplane, 
nor create hazardous deviations in the flight path. This applies to 
both fault-free operation and in the event of a malfunction, and 
assumes the pilot begins corrective action within a reasonable period 
of time.
    (h) When the flight guidance system is in use, a means must be 
provided to avoid excursions beyond an acceptable margin from the speed 
range of the normal flight envelope. If the airplane experiences an 
excursion outside this range, a means must be provided to prevent the 
flight guidance system from providing guidance or control to an unsafe 
speed.
    (i) The flight guidance system functions, controls, indications, 
and alerts must be designed to minimize flight crew errors and 
confusion concerning the behavior and operation of the flight guidance 
system. Means must be provided to indicate the current mode of 
operation, including any armed modes, transitions, and reversions. 
Selector switch position is not an acceptable means of indication. The 
controls and indications must be grouped and presented in a logical and 
consistent manner. The indications must be visible to each pilot under 
all expected lighting conditions.
    (j) Following disengagement of the autothrust function, a caution 
(visual and auditory) must be provided to each pilot.
    (k) During autothrust operation, it must be possible for the 
flightcrew to move the thrust levers without requiring excessive force. 
The autothrust may not create a potential hazard when the flightcrew 
applies an override force to the thrust levers.
    (l) For purposes of this section, a transient is a disturbance in 
the control or flight path of the airplane that is not

[[Page 54059]]

consistent with response to flight crew inputs or environmental 
conditions.
    (1) A minor transient would not significantly reduce safety margins 
and would involve flightcrew actions that are well within their 
capabilities. A minor transient may involve a slight increase in flight 
crew workload or some physical discomfort to passengers or cabin crew.
    (2) A significant transient may lead to a significant reduction in 
safety margins, an increase in flight crew workload, discomfort to the 
flightcrew, or physical distress to the passengers or cabin crew, 
possibly including non-fatal injuries. Significant transients do not 
require, in order to remain within or recover to the normal flight 
envelope, any of the following:
    (i) Exceptional piloting skill, alertness, or strength.
    (ii) Forces applied by the pilot that are greater than those 
specified in Sec.  23.143(c).
    (iii) Accelerations or attitudes in the airplane that might result 
in further hazard to secured or non-secured occupants.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 10, 2018.
Jacqueline Jambor,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-22661 Filed 10-25-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P