99-21783. Revisions to Digital Flight Data Recorder Requirements for Airbus Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 24, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 46117-46122]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-21783]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Parts 121, 125
    
    [Docket No. FAA-1999-6140; Amdt. Nos. 121-271 & 125-32]
    RIN 2120-AG88
    
    
    Revisions to Digital Flight Data Recorder Requirements for Airbus 
    Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This action amends the flight data recorder regulations by 
    adding language to allow certain Airbus airplanes to record certain 
    data parameters using resolution and sampling requirements that differ 
    slightly from the current regulation. This amendment is necessary 
    because the Airbus airplanes are unable to record certain flight 
    parameters under the existing criteria without undergoing unintended 
    and expensive retrofit.
    
    DATES: This final rule is effective August 17, 1999. Comments must be 
    submitted on or before September 17, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments on this final rule should be mailed or delivered, 
    in duplicate to: US Department of Transportation Dockets, Docket No. 
    FAA-1999-6140, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room Plaza 401, Washington, DC 
    20590. Comments may also be sent electronically to the following 
    internet address: [email protected] Comments may be filed and/or 
    examined in Room Plaza 401 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays except 
    Federal holidays.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary E. Davis, Air Carrier Operations 
    Branch (AFS-201), Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation 
    Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, 
    telephone (202) 267-8166.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Comments Invited
    
        This final rule is being adopted without prior notice and prior 
    public comment. The Regulatory Policies and Procedures of the 
    Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 1134; February 26, 1979), 
    however, provide that, to the maximum extent possible, operating 
    administrations for the DOT should provide an opportunity for public 
    comment on regulations issued without prior notice. Accordingly, 
    interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by 
    submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. 
    Comments relating to environmental, energy, federalism, or 
    international trade impacts that might result from this amendment also 
    are invited. Comments must include the regulatory docket or amendment 
    number and must be submitted in duplicate to the address above. All 
    comments received, as well as a report summarizing each substantive 
    public contact with FAA personnel on this rulemaking, will be filed in 
    the public docket. The docket is available for public inspection before 
    and after the comment closing date.
        The FAA will consider all comments received on or before the 
    closing date for comments. Late filed comments will be considered to 
    the extent practicable. This final rule may be amended in light of the 
    comments received.
        Commenters who want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their 
    comments submitted in response to this final rule must include a 
    preaddressed, stamped postcard with those comments on which the 
    following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. FAA-1999-6140. 
    The postcard will be date-stamped by the FAA and mailed to the 
    commenter.
    
    Availability of Final Rule
    
        An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem 
    and suitable communications software from the FAA regulations section 
    of the Fedworld electronic bulletin board service (telephone: (703) 
    321-3339), or the Government Printing Office's (GPO) electronic 
    bulletin board service (telephone: (202) 512-1661).
    
    [[Page 46118]]
    
        Internet users may reach the FAA's web page at http://www.faa.gov/
    avr/arm/nprm/nprm.htm, or the Government Printing Office's webpage at 
    http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara for access to recently published 
    rulemaking documents.
        Any person may obtain a copy of this final rule by submitting a 
    request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, 
    ARM-1, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591, or by calling 
    (202) 267-9680. Communications must identify the notice number or 
    docket number of this rule.
        Persons interested in being placed on the mailing list for future 
    Notices of Proposed Rulemaking or Final Rules should request from the 
    above office a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed 
    Rulemaking Distribution System, that describes the application 
    procedure.
    
    Small Entity Inquiries
    
        If you are a small entity and have a question, contact your local 
    FAA official. If you do not know how to contact your local FAA 
    official, you may contact Charlene Brown, Program Analyst Staff, Office 
    of Rulemaking, ARM-27, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
    Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591, 1-888-551-1594. Internet 
    users can find additional information on SBREFA in the ``Quick Jump'' 
    section of the FAA's web page at http://www.faa.gov and may send 
    electronic inquiries to the following internet address: 9-AWA-
    [email protected]
    
    Background
    
    Statement of the Problem
    
        After the amendments to the DFDR requirements become effective on 
    August 18, 1997 (62 FR 38362), the FAA began receiving telephone 
    inquiries, requests for meetings, and petitions for exemption from 
    Airbus Industries (Airbus) concerning the economic impact of the 
    amendments on certain Airbus airplanes. Airbus claimed that in order to 
    comply with the new DFDR recording requirements of 14 CFR Appendix M, 
    its A300 B2/B4 series, A318/A319/A320/A321 series, and its A330/A340 
    series airplanes would have to undergo major equipment retrofits. 
    During the rulemaking, the FAA had stated that the rule was being 
    tailored to avoid major equipment retrofits.
        The digital flight data recorders (DFDRs) in the affected Airbus 
    airplanes already record the required parameters, but some of the 
    resolution and sampling intervals for certain parameters differ 
    slightly from those required by Appendix M. Airbus noted this 
    difference in its comment to the NPRM, but the comment was not fully 
    addressed in the preamble to the final rule, issued in August 1997.
    
    History of Amendments to DFDR Requirements
    
        On February 22, 1995, the NTSB recommended that the FAA require 
    upgrades of the flight data recorders installed on certain airplanes to 
    record certain additional parameters not required by the current 
    regulations. Two of the recommendations made by the NTSB affected the 
    subject Airbus airplanes:
        Recommendation No. A-95-26. Amend, by December 31, 1995, 14 CFR 
    121.343, 125.225, and 135.152 to require that Boeing 727 airplanes, 
    Lockhead L-1011 airplanes, and all transport category airplanes 
    operated under 14 CFR parts 121, 125, or 135 whose type certificates 
    apply to airplanes still in production, be equipped to record on a 
    flight data recorder system, as a minimum, the parameters listed in 
    ``Proposed Minimum FDR Parameter Requirements for Airplanes in 
    Service'' plus any other parameters required by current regulations 
    applicable to each individual airplane. Specify that the airplanes be 
    so equipped by January 1, 1998, or by the later date when they meet 
    Stage 3 noise requirements but, regardless of Stage 3 compliance 
    status, no later than December 31, 1999. (Classified as Class II, 
    Priority Action)
        Recommendation No. A-95-27. Amend, by December 31, 1995, 14 CFR 
    121.343, 125.225, and 135.152 to require that all airplanes operated 
    under 14 CFR parts 121, 125, or 135, having 10 or more seats, and for 
    which an original airworthiness certificate is received after December 
    31, 1996, record the parameters listed in ``Proposed FDA Enhancements 
    for Newly Manufactured Airplanes'' on a flight data recorder having at 
    least a 25-hour recording capacity. (Classified as Class II, Priority 
    Action)
    
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    
        On July 16, 1996, the FAA published a notice for proposed 
    rulemaking (NPRM) (Notice No. 96-7, 61 FR 37143) addressing revisions 
    to DFDR rules. The proposals were based on the NTSB recommendations, 
    information obtained through the public hearing, and the efforts of the 
    ARAC working group.
        As part of its comment to the proposed rule, Airbus stated that 
    there were current recorder systems that record the required parameters 
    at sampling rates or resolutions that differ from the proposed appendix 
    M. Airbus suggested that the rates and resolutions be changed since 
    meeting them would impose significant retrofit costs on operators of 
    Airbus airplanes. It was not until Airbus petitioned for exemption from 
    the Appendix M requirements that the FAA's attention was focused on the 
    insufficient response to the Airbus comment, the significant number of 
    Airbus airplanes involved, and the minor variations that would be 
    required from Appendix M requirements. As stated previously, it was 
    never the intention of the FAA to require operators of any airplanes to 
    incur significant equipment retrofit costs in order to comply with the 
    requirements for DFDR upgrades.
        The FAA believes that had it fully understood the overall impact 
    the final rule would place on operators of Airbus airplanes, it would 
    have made specific provisions to reduce or eliminate that impact in the 
    final rule.
    
    Petitions for Exemption
    
        On April 9, 1998, Airbus petitioned the FAA for permanent 
    exemptions from part 121, appendix M. Airbus requested that the A319/
    320/321 series aircraft be exempted from the appendix M resolution 
    requirements and be allowed to record these alternatives for the 
    following parameters:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Current         Record
                    Parameter                   resolution      resolution
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (12B) pitch control input position......      0.088 deg.      0.064 deg.
    (13b) lateral control input position....      0.088 deg.      0.080 deg.
    (14a) rudder pedal position.............      0.088 deg.      0.050 deg.
    (19) pitch trim surface position........      0.088 deg.      0.084 deg.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 46119]]
    
        Airbus requested that the A330/340 series aircraft be exempted from 
    the Appendix M resolution requirements and be allowed to record these 
    alternatives for the following parameters:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Current    Required
                        Parameter                     resolution  resolution
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (7) roll attitude...............................  0.703 deg.  0.500 deg.
    (12B) pitch control input position..............  0.703 deg.  0.064 deg.
    (13B) lateral control input position............  0.703 deg.  0.80 deg.
    (14a) ruder pedal position......................  0.703 deg.  0.120 deg.
    (15) left & right elevator position.............  0.352 deg.  0.090 deg.
    (16) aileron & spoiler position: right inboard    0.352 deg.  0.100 deg.
     and outboard aileron left inboard and outboard   0.352 deg.  0.100 deg.
     ailron right and left spoiler no. 2 to 6.......  0.703 deg.  0.100 deg.
    (17) rudder position............................  0.176 deg.  0.120 deg.
    (19) pitch trim surface position................  0.088 deg.  0.051 deg.
    (20) flap position..............................  0.250 deg.  0.165 deg.
    (21) slat position..............................  0.250 deg.  0.120 deg.
    (24) outside air temperature....................   0.5 deg.    0.3 deg.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Airbus also requested that the A330/340 series aircraft be exempted 
    from the appendix M resolution requirements and be allowed to record 
    these alternatives for the following parameters:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Current    Required
              Parameter Interval in seconds--            sampling   Sampling
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (14) rudder pedal position........................         1        0.5
    (17) rudder position..............................         1        0.5
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Airbus industries stated that current Airbus A319, 320, 321, 330, 
    and 340 series airplanes are equipped with a digital flight data 
    recording system (DFDRS) that records all mandatory parameters, numbers 
    1 through 34.
        The FAA has determined that it would not be appropriate to grant an 
    exemption to Airbus on behalf of the operators of its aircraft. Even if 
    exemptions were granted to individual operators, they would have to be 
    permanent. The FA has determined that, under such circumstances, a 
    change to the rule language of appendix M is the only appropriate means 
    to account for the differences in Airbus DFDR equipment. Accordingly, 
    the FAA is amending part 121 appendix M, and part 125 appendix E to 
    indicate that certain Airbus airplanes already in services may record 
    the indicated parameters using the rates and resolutions listed. The 
    FAA consulted with the NTSB concerning this variation, and the NTSB 
    indicated that the proposed change would not significantly affect its 
    ability to investigate accident or incidents.
        The FAA has determined that these changes will not adversely affect 
    the safety of the aircraft, hinder the investigation of accidents or 
    incidents by the NTSB, nor compromise the intent of the DFDR rules. 
    This amendment will revise the resolution recording requirements of 
    parameters 7, 12(b), 13)b), 14(a), 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21and 24, and 
    the sampling interval for parameters 14(a) and 17. The FAA has 
    determined that these changes can be accommodated by footnotes in 
    appendix M to part 121 and appendix E to part 125.
    
    Good Cause for Immediate Adoption
    
        Sections 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3) of the Administrative Procedure 
    Act (APA) 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3)) authorize agencies to 
    dispense with certain notice procedures for rules when they find ``good 
    cause'' to do so. Under section 553(b)(3)(B), the requirements of 
    notice and opportunity for comment do not apply when the agency for 
    good cause finds that those procedures are ``impracticable, 
    unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' Section 553(d)(3) 
    allows an agency, upon finding good cause, to make a rule effective 
    immediately, thereby avoiding the 30-day delayed effective date 
    requirement in section 553.
        The FAA finds that notice and public comment to this final rule are 
    impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest. This 
    final rule amends the flight data recorder regulations by adding 
    language to the appendices of parts 121 and 125 to allow certain Airbus 
    airplanes to record certain data parameters using resolution and 
    sampling requirements that differ slightly from the current regulation. 
    As a result, the FAA has determined that notice and public comment are 
    unnecessary because the change effectuates the original intent of the 
    regulation, is not controversial, and is unlikely to result in adverse 
    comments since it affects only operations of Airbus airplanes.
    
    Regulatory Evaluation Summary
    
        Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic 
    analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each Federal agency 
    shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination 
    that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs. Second, 
    the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 requires agencies to analyze the 
    economic effect of regulatory changes on small entities. Third, OMB 
    directs agencies to assess the effects of regulatory changes on 
    international trade.
        The FAA has determined that there are no costs associated with this 
    final rule; the rule imposes no costs upon operators of Airbus 
    airplanes. Instead, this rule change relieves operators of Airbus 
    airplanes from a regulatory burden that was inadvertently imposed on 
    them in the adoption of the 1997 regulations, and would have an impact 
    beginning August 18, 1999. This change effectuates the original intent 
    of the 1997 regulations.
        The FAA has determined this rule is not ``a significant regulatory 
    action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, is 
    not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget. The rule 
    is not considered significant under the regulatory policies and 
    procedures of the Department of Transportation (44 FR 11034, February 
    26, 1979). The rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities and will not constitute a barrier to 
    international trade.
    
    [[Page 46120]]
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Determination
    
        The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) establishes ``as a 
    principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor, 
    consistent with the objective of the rule and of applicable statutes, 
    to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale of the 
    businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to 
    regulation.'' To achieve that principle, the RFA requires agencies to 
    solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the 
    rationale for their actions. The RFA covers a wide range of small 
    entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and 
    small governmental jurisdictions.
        Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a proposed or 
    final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities. If the determination is that it will, the 
    agency must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis (RFA) as 
    described in the RFA. However, if an agency determines that a proposed 
    or final rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact on 
    a substantial number of small entities, section 605(b) of the 1980 act 
    provides that the head of the agency may so certify and an RFA is not 
    required. The certification must include a statement providing the 
    factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be 
    clear.
        The FAA has determined that there are no costs associated with this 
    final rule. Accordingly, pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
    U.S.C. 605(b), the Federal Aviation Administration certifies that this 
    proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
    substantial number of small entities.
    
    International Trade Impact Analysis
    
        The revised rule will have little or no impact on trade for U.S. 
    firms doing business in foreign countries and foreign firms doing 
    business in the United States.
    
    Federalism Implications
    
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
    Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
    responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
    3507(d)), the FAA has determined that there are no requirements for 
    information collection associated with this final rule.
    
    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Assessment
    
        Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (the Act), 
    enacted as Pub. L. 104-4 on March 22, 1995, requires each Federal 
    agency, to the extent permitted by law, to prepare a written assessment 
    of the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final agency 
    rule that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal 
    governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
    million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. 
    Section 204(a) of the Act, 2 U.S.C. 1534(a), requires the Federal 
    agency to develop an effective process to permit timely input by 
    elected officers (or their designees) of State, local, and tribal 
    governments on a proposed ``significant intergovernmental mandate.'' A 
    ``significant intergovernmental mandate'' under the Act is any 
    provision in a Federal agency regulation that would impose an 
    enforceable duty upon State, local, and tribal governments, in the 
    aggregate, of $100 million (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one 
    year. Section 203 of the Act, 2 U.S.C. 1533, which supplements section 
    204(a), provides that before establishing any regulatory requirements 
    that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments, the 
    agency shall have developed a plan that, among other things, provides 
    for notice to potentially affected small governments, if any, and for a 
    meaningful and timely opportunity to provide input in the development 
    of regulatory proposals.
        This rule does not contain a Federal intergovernmental or private 
    sector mandate that exceeds $100 million a year.
    
    Environmental Analysis
    
        FAA Order 1050.1D defines FAA actions that may be categorically 
    excluded from preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
    environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. In 
    accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, appendix 4, paragraph 4(j), this 
    rulemaking action qualifies for a categorical exclusion.
    
    Energy Impact
    
        The energy impact of the rule has been assessed in accordance with 
    the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and Pub. L. 94-163, as 
    amended (43 U.S.C. 6362) and FAA Order 1053.1. It has been determined 
    that the rule is not a major regulatory action under the provisions of 
    the EPCA.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    14 CFR Part 121
    
        Air carriers, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements, Transportation
    
    14 CFR Part 125
    
        Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements
    
    The Amendment
    
        Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration amends parts 121 
    and 125 of Chapter I of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
    follows:
    
    PART 121--OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND SUPPLEMENTAL 
    OPERATIONS
    
        1. The authority citation for part 121 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 40119, 44101, 44701-44702, 
    44705, 44709-44711, 44713, 44716-44717, 44722, 44901, 44903-44904, 
    44912, 46105.
    
        2. In appendix M, the heading of the appendix, and item numbers 1, 
    7, 12b, 13b, 14a, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24 are revised and 
    the introductory text is republished to read as follows:
    
    Appendix M to Part 121--Airplane Flight Recorder Specifications
    
        The recorded values must meet the designated range, resolution, 
    and accuracy requirements during dynamic and static conditions. All 
    data renorded must be correlated in time to within one second.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Accuracy     Seconds per
                    Parameters                      Range        (sensor      sampling     Resolution      Remarks
                                                                 input)       interval
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1. Time or Relative Times Counts.\1\......  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    
    [[Page 46121]]
    
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    7. Roll Attitude.\2\......................  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    12b. Pitch Control(s) position (fly-by-     ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     wire systems).\3\........................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    13b. Lateral Control position(s) (fly-by-   ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     wire).\4\................................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    14a. Yaw Control position(s) (non-fly-by-   ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     wire).\5\................................
    15. Pitch Control Surface(s) Position.\6\.  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
    16. Lateral Control Surface(2)              ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Position.\7\.............................
    17. Yaw Control Surface(s) Position.\8\...  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    19. Pitch Trim Surface Position.\9\.......  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
    20. Trailing Edge Flap or Cockpit Control   ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Selection.\10\...........................
    21. Leading Edge Flap or Cockpit Control    ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Selection.\11\...........................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    23. Ground Spoiler Position or Speed Brake  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Selection.\12\...........................
    24. Outside Air Temperature or Total Air    ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Temperature.\13\.........................
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ For A300 B2/B4 airplanes, resolution=6 seconds.
    \2\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=0.703 deg..
    \3\ For A318/A319/A320/A321 series airplanes, resolution=0.275% (0.088 deg.>0.064 deg.).
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=2.20%(0.703 deg.>0.064 deg.).
    \4\ For A318/A319/A320/A321 series airplanes, resolution=0.22% (0.088 deg.>0.080 deg.).
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=1.76% (0.703 deg.>0.080 deg.).
    \5\ For A318/A319/A320/A321 series airplanes, resolution=0.21% (0.088 deg.>0.084 deg.).
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=1.18% (0.703 deg.>0.120 deg.).
    \6\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=0.783% (0.352 deg.>0.090 deg.).
    \7\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, aileron resolution=0.704% (0.352 deg.>0.100 deg.).
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, spoiler resolution=1.406% (0.703 deg.>0.100 deg.).
    \8\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=0.30% (0.176 deg.>0.12 deg.).
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, seconds per sampling interval=1.
    \9\ For all Airbus airplanes, resolution=0.518% (0.088 deg.>0.051 deg.).
    \10\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=1.05% (0.250 deg.>0.120 deg.).
    \11\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=1.05% (0250 deg.>0.120 deg.).
      For A300 B2/B4 series airplanes, resolution=0.92% (0.230 deg.>0.125 deg.).
    \12\ For A300-600/A310 series airplanes, speed brake resolution=0.224% (0.112 deg.>0.100 deg.).
      For A330/A340 series airplanes, spoiler resolution=1.406% (0.703 deg.>0.100 deg.).
    \13\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution=0.5 deg.C.
    
    PART 125--CERTIFICATION AND OPERATIONS: AIRPLANES HAVING A SEATING 
    CAPACITY OF 20 OR MORE PASSENGERS OR A MAXIMUM PAYLOAD CAPACITY OF 
    6,000 POUNDS OR MORE
    
        3. The authority citation for part 125 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44705, 44710-
    44711, 44713, 44716-44717, 44722.
    
        4. In Appendix E, the heading of the Appendix, and item numbers 1, 
    7, 12b, 13b, 14a, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24 are revised and 
    the introductory text is republished to read as follows:
    
    Appendix E to Part 125--Airplane Flight Recorder Specifications
    
        The recorded values must meet the designated range, resolution, 
    and accuracy requirements during dynamic and static conditions. All 
    data recorded must be correlated in time to within one second.
    
             [RIN # 2120-AG88 Revisions to Digital Flight Data Recorder Requirements for Airbus, Airplanes]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Accuracy     Seconds per
                    Parameters                      Range        (sensor      sampling     Resolution      Remarks
                                                                 input)       interval
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1. Time or Relative Times Counts.\1\......  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    7. Roll Attitude.\2\......................  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    12b. Pitch Control(s) Position (fly-by-     ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     wire systems).\3\........................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    13b. Lateral Control position(s) (fly-by-   ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     wire).\4\................................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    14a. Yaw Control position(s) (non-fly-by-   ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     wire).\5\................................
     
    
    [[Page 46122]]
    
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    15. Pitch Control Surface(s) Position.\6\.  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    16. Lateral Control Surface(s)              ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Position.\7\.............................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    17. Yaw Control Surface(s) Position.\8\...  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    19. Pitch Trim Surface Position.\9\.......  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    20. Trailing Edge Flap or Cockpit Control   ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Selection.\10\...........................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    23. Ground Spoiler Position or Speed Brake  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Selection.\12\...........................
     
    *                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                            *
    24. Outside Air Temperature or Total Air    ............  ............  ............  ............  ............
     Temperature.\13\.........................
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ For A300 B2/B4 airplanes, resolution = 6 seconds.
    \2\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 0.703 deg..
    \3\ For A318/A319/A320/A321 series airplanes, resolution = 0.275% (0.088 deg.>0.064 deg.)
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 2.20% (0.703 deg.>0.064 deg.)
    \4\ For A318/A319/A320/A321 series airplanes, resolution = 0.22% (0.088 deg.>0.080 deg.)
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 1.76% (0.703 deg.>0.080 deg.)
    \5\ For A318/A319/A320/A321 series airplanes, resolution = 0.21% (0.088 deg.>0.084 deg.)
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 1.18% (0.703 deg.>0.120 deg.)
    \6\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 0.783% (0.352 deg.>0.090 deg.)
    \7\ For A330/A340/A320/A321 series airplanes, aileron resolution = 0.704% (0.352 deg.>0.100 deg.)
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, spoiler resolution = 1.406% (0.703 deg.>0.100 deg.)
    \8\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 0.30% (0.176 deg.>0.12 deg.)
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, seconds per sampling interval = 1
    \9\ For all Airbus airplanes, resolution = 0.518% (0.088 deg.>0.051 deg.)
    \10\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 1.05% (0.250 deg.>0.120 deg.)
    \11\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 1.05% (0.250 deg.>0.120 deg.)
     For A300 B2/B4 series airplanes, resolution = 0.92% (0.230 deg.>0.125 deg.)
    \12\ For A300-600/A310 series airplanes, speed brake resolution = 0.224% (0.112 deg.>0.100 deg.)
     For A330/A340 series airplanes, spoiler resolution = 1.406% (0.703 deg.>0.100 deg.)
    \13\ For A330/A340 series airplanes, resolution = 0.5 deg.C.
    
        Issued in Washington, DC on August 17, 1999.
    Jane F. Garvey,
    Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 99-21783 Filed 8-23-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
8/17/1999
Published:
08/24/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
99-21783
Dates:
This final rule is effective August 17, 1999. Comments must be submitted on or before September 17, 1999.
Pages:
46117-46122 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FAA-1999-6140, Amdt. Nos. 121-271 & 125-32
RINs:
2120-AG88
PDF File:
99-21783.pdf
CFR: (2)
14 CFR 121
14 CFR 125