[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13589-13590]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03728]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 21

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1135]


Airworthiness Criteria: Special Class Airworthiness Criteria for 
the Blackshape S.p.A., Model BK160-200 Very Light Airplane

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Issuance of final airworthiness criteria.

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SUMMARY: The FAA announces the airworthiness criteria for the 
Blackshape S.p.A., Model BK160-200 Very Light Airplane (VLA). This 
document sets forth the airworthiness criteria that the FAA finds to be 
appropriate and applicable for the VLA design.

DATES: These airworthiness criteria are effective February 23, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Fitzgerald, Certification 
Coordination Section, AIR-613, Certification Engagement Branch, Policy 
and Standards Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal 
Aviation Administration; telephone 781-238-7130; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) submitted an 
application to the FAA, on behalf of Blackshape S.p.A., on February 10, 
2020, for a type certificate for the Model BK160-200 VLA. Under 14 CFR 
21.17(b), VLA are a special class of aircraft that utilize 
airworthiness criteria the FAA finds to be appropriate to the specific 
type design.
    The BK160-200 is a single reciprocating engine airplane (Lycoming 
IO-320-D1B with constant speed Hartzell propeller), full carbon 
composite low wing design, with a retractable tri-cycle landing gear. 
It has conventional control systems (elevator, aileron, rudder, flaps, 
and longitudinal trim) and provides seats for two persons in a tandem 
seat configuration with a maximum takeoff gross weight (MTGW) of 850 
kilograms (kg) (1,874 pounds). It also has advanced avionic displays, a 
stall speed of 50 knots, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and will 
perform night visual flight rules (VFR) operations.

Discussion of Comments

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed airworthiness criteria for the 
Blackshape

[[Page 13590]]

S.p.A., Model BK160-200 VLA, which published in the Federal Register on 
January 2, 2024 (89 FR 37). No comments were received, and the 
airworthiness criteria are adopted as proposed.

Applicability

    These airworthiness criteria, established under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.17(b), are applicable to the Blackshape S.p.A. Model BK160-200 
VLA. Should Blackshape S.p.A. apply at a later date for a change to the 
type certificate to include another model, these airworthiness criteria 
would apply to that model as well, provided the FAA finds them 
appropriate in accordance with the requirements of subpart D to part 
21.

Conclusion

    This action affects only the airworthiness criteria for the 
Blackshape S.p.A. Model BK160-200 VLA. It is not a rule of general 
applicability.

Authority Citation

    The authority citation for these airworthiness criteria is as 
follows:

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

Airworthiness Criteria

    Pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
following airworthiness criteria are issued as part of the type 
certification basis for the Blackshape S.p.A. Model BK160-200 VLA. The 
FAA finds these criteria to be appropriate for the aircraft and 
applicable to the specific type design and provide an equivalent level 
of safety to existing airworthiness standards.
    EASA Certification Specifications (CS) for Very Light Aeroplanes 
CS-VLA, Amendment 1, dated March 5, 2009, with additional requirements 
identified in ``Policy for Type Certification of Very Light Airplanes 
as a Special Class of Aircraft'' (88 FR 70344, October 11, 2023) for 
Advanced Avionic Displays, Night-VFR Operations, Increased Maximum 
Certificated Takeoff Weight and Increased Stall Speed, and Rechargeable 
Lithium Ion Battery.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 16, 2024.
James David Foltz,
Manager, Technical Policy Branch, Policy and Standards Division, 
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-03728 Filed 2-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P