97-9143. Special Conditions: Ilyushin Aviation Complex Model Il-96T Airplane  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 68 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 17117-17125]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-9143]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 25
    
    [Docket No. NM-139, Notice No. SC-97-2-NM]
    
    
    Special Conditions: Ilyushin Aviation Complex Model Il-96T 
    Airplane
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.
    
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    SUMMARY: This notice proposes special conditions for the Ilyushin 
    Aviation Complex Model Il-96T airplane. This airplane will have novel 
    and unusual design features when compared to the state of technology 
    envisioned in the airworthiness standards of part 25 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (FAR). This document contains the additional 
    safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to 
    establish a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the 
    airworthiness standards of part 25.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 27, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed in duplicate to: Federal Aviation 
    Administration, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attn: Rules 
    Docket (ANM-7), Docket No. NM-139, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
    Washington, 98055-4056; or delivered in duplicate to the Office of the 
    Assistant Chief Counsel at the above address. Comments must be marked: 
    Docket No. NM-139. Comments may be inspected in the Rules Docket 
    weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    John Hickey, FAA, International Program Manager, ANM-102, Transport 
    Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue 
    SW., Renton, WA 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2128.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of 
    these proposed special conditions by submitting such written data, 
    views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify 
    the regulatory docket or notice number and be submitted in duplicate to 
    the address specified above. All communications received on or before 
    the closing date for comments will be considered by the Administrator 
    before further rulemaking action on this proposal is taken. The
    
    [[Page 17118]]
    
    proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the 
    comments received. All comments received will be available in the Rules 
    Docket, both before and after the closing date for comments, for 
    examination by interested parties. A report summarizing each 
    substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this 
    rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to 
    acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this 
    notice must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the 
    following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. NM-139.'' The 
    postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
    
    Background
    
        Ilyushin Aviation Complex, 45 Leningradsky Prospect, Moscow, 
    125190, Russia, has applied for Russian type certification of their 
    Model Il-96T airplane by the Aviation Register (AR) of the Interstate 
    Aviation Committee in accordance with existing AR standards. The AR is 
    authorized to perform airworthiness certification functions on behalf 
    of the Commonwealth of Independent States, including the Russian 
    government. In addition, Ilyushin applied for U.S. type certification 
    of the Model Il-96T on February 16, 1993.
        Section 21.29 of 14 CFR part 21 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
    (FAR) prescribes a reciprocal bilateral agreement between the U.S. and 
    exporting country as a requirement for consideration of U.S. design or 
    airworthiness approval of an imported aeronautical product. Such 
    agreements are known as bilateral aviation safety agreements (BASA). 
    Although the U.S. does not presently have a BASA with Russia providing 
    reciprocal acceptance of transport category airplanes, the FAA is 
    working with the AR and Russian government officials to conclude an 
    agreement of this nature. FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 21-23, 
    Airworthiness Certification of Civil Aircraft, Engines, Propellers, and 
    Related Products Imported to the United States, provides further 
    guidance in this regard.
        A BASA with Russia may be concluded following successful completion 
    of an assessment by the FAA and the AR of each other's technical 
    competence and regulatory capability for performing airworthiness 
    certification functions. The scope of the agreement is defined by each 
    authority in Implementation Procedures. FAA type certification of the 
    Model Il-96T transport airplane is therefore conditional upon 
    successful implementation of a BASA with Russia, providing acceptance 
    of transport category airplanes.
        One of the key elements of any BASA assessment program is the 
    shadow certification program. Under the Russian shadow certification 
    program, FAA specialists are ``shadowing'' their AR counterpart 
    specialists during AR certification of an example of the aeronautical 
    product that the BASA is intended to cover. This program is intended to 
    provide FAA assessment specialists with ample opportunity to evaluate 
    the AR certification process and the AR specialists' technical 
    competencies to support the airworthiness authority responsibilities 
    inherent in a bilateral agreement. The Ilyushin Model Il-96T was 
    selected as the product for this shadow certification which, if 
    successful, would lead to a U.S.-Russia BASA. Conclusion of the BASA 
    and related implementation procedures would, in turn, be followed by 
    issuance of a U.S. type certificate for that model.
        Under the anticipated provisions of the future BASA, the AR has 
    elected to certify that the Model Il-96T complies with the AP-25 type 
    certification standards, plus any additional requirements identified by 
    the FAA to ensure an equivalent level of safety to that provided by the 
    U.S. type certification standards. The AP-25 airworthiness standards, 
    which were developed as the successor to the NLGS-3 standards of the 
    former Soviet Union, were approved by the AR in November 1993 and 
    implemented in Russia in July 1994. These standards have also been 
    accepted by many of the other Commonwealth of Independent States for 
    type certification of transport category airplanes. They were 
    established after extensive harmonization with part 25 of the FAR and 
    the European Joint Airworthiness Requirements (JAR)-25. The AP-25 
    standards are similar to part 25 of the FAR; however, there are certain 
    specified differences in the requirements of the two documents.
        Based on the application date of February 16, 1993, the U.S. type 
    certification standards are part 25 of the FAR, as amended by 
    Amendments 25-1 through 25-77, and the special conditions proposed in 
    this notice. In addition, the type certification basis includes the 
    sections of part 25, as amended by Amendment 25-80, pertaining to 
    lightning protection. Compliance with those sections is required under 
    the provisions of Sec. 21.17(a)(1)(ii).
        Because the AR has elected to certify that the Model Il-96T 
    complies with the Russian type certification standards, the FAA will 
    make a comparison of the Russian type certification basis and the U.S. 
    type certification standards described above. Based on this comparison, 
    the FAA will prescribe any additional requirements that are necessary 
    to ensure that the Model Il-96T meets a level of safety equivalent to 
    that provided by the U.S. type certification standards. For U.S. 
    clarification of the Model Il-96T, the FAA will therefore accept the 
    Russian type certification basis, plus any additional requirements, and 
    the special conditions proposed in this notice. As the program 
    progresses, other features of the Model Il-96T may be determined to be 
    novel or unusual. The equivalent certification basis may therefore 
    include other special conditions or exemptions not pertinent to the 
    special conditions proposed in this notice.
        Since noise certification and emission requirements are beyond the 
    scope of the possible future bilateral agreement, the FAA will make 
    findings of compliance with the applicable U.S. noise, fuel venting, 
    and exhaust emission requirements. The U.S. noise certification basis 
    for the Model Il-96T is 14 CFR part 36 of the FAR, as amended by 
    Amendments 36-1 through 36-21, and any subsequent amendments that are 
    applicable on the date on which the U.S. type certificate is issued. In 
    addition to compliance with part 36, the statutory provisions of Public 
    Law 92-574, ``Noise Control Act of 1972,'' require that the FAA issue a 
    finding of regulatory adequacy pursuant to Section 611 of that Act. The 
    Model Il-96T must also comply with the fuel venting and exhaust 
    emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 of the FAR, as amended by 
    Amendment 34-1, and any subsequent amendments that are applicable on 
    the date the type certificate is issued.
        Special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of 
    Sec. 21.16 of the FAR when the applicable regulations for type 
    certification do not contain adequate or appropriate standards because 
    of novel or unusual design features. As discussed below, the new 
    Ilyushin Model Il-96T airplane incorporates a number of such design 
    features.
    
    Il-96T Design Features
    
    General
    
        The Model Il-96T airplane presented for U.S. type certification is 
    a long range, four engine, transport category cargo airplane powered by 
    four (4) Pratt & Whitney PW2337 engines with 37,500 lbs. thrust ratings 
    and incorporating Rockwell/Collins avionics. It is
    
    [[Page 17119]]
    
    designed to be flown by a two-man crew; however, it incorporates seats 
    for 2 additional crewmembers. The airplane is intended for cargo 
    operation only and is designed to carry cargo on main and lower decks. 
    The aircraft cargo loading system includes a large main deck cargo door 
    (15.91 feet  x  9.43 feet) and two lower deck cargo doors (8.69 feet 
    x  5.74 feet). The main cargo compartment on the upper deck has a 
    volume of 20,480 cubic feet and can accommodate 25 P-6 pallets. The two 
    cargo compartments on the lower deck have a total volume of 6,900 cubic 
    feet, and can accommodate a total of 32 LD-3 containers or 9 P-6 
    pallets. The Il-96T has a maximum takeoff weight of 595,240 lbs. and a 
    maximum landing weight of 485,000 lbs. The maximum cruise altitude is 
    43,000 feet.
        The structure of the Il-96T is generally of conventional design and 
    construction. The landing gear system employs a center landing gear for 
    use during ground handling conditions with heavy airplane weights. The 
    structural design also makes use of an electronic flight control system 
    which provides the potential for a wide range of structural and system 
    interactions.
        The Model Il-96T flight control system is an electro-
    hydromechanical system utilizing both fly-by-wire (FBW) and 
    conventional mechanical (cables and push-pull rods) linkages between 
    pilot control column and control surface hydraulic actuators in two 
    simultaneously operated and synchronized channels. The conventional 
    mechanical channel, in normal operation, functions as a passive 
    redundancy of the FBW channel and provides feedback to the pilots via 
    the Automatic Feel Load System.
        Hydraulic power to the flight control system is simultaneously 
    provided by four independent hydraulic systems. Functions are shared 
    among these systems in order to ensure airplane control in the event of 
    loss of one, two, or three systems. The four systems are pressurized by 
    variable displacement pumps driven by the engine accessory gearbox. In 
    addition, the systems can be powered by electrically driven pumps. A 
    ram air turbine (RAT)-driven pump is available as an emergency 
    hydraulic power source.
        Normal electrical power is supplied by four constant frequency 
    generators, one on each engine. An auxiliary power unit (APU) providing 
    electrical and hydraulic supply is available for ground use only and is 
    not used in flight. Five batteries provide an alternative source of 
    electrical power for loads required to continue safe flight and landing 
    in the case of failure of four generators.
        The engine control system consists of a dual-channel electronic 
    engine control (EEC) mounted on the fan case of each engine. Each EEC 
    interfaces with various airplane computer systems. The EEC provides gas 
    generator control, engine limit protection, power management, thrust 
    reverser control, and engine parameter inputs for the flight deck 
    displays. The engine EEC and associated airplane related systems form 
    the complete propulsion control system.
        Pitch and roll control inputs are made through conventional flight 
    deck central control columns. The flight instruments are displayed on 
    six cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. Two CRT's are mounted directly in 
    front of both the pilot and copilot and display primary flight 
    instruments and navigational information. The other two CRT's are 
    located in the center of the instrument panel and display engine 
    parameters, warnings, and system diagnostics.
        The proposed type design of the Model Il-96T contains novel or 
    unusual design features not envisioned by the applicable part 25 
    airworthiness standards and therefore special conditions are considered 
    necessary in the following areas:
    
    Airframe
    
    1. Center Landing Gear
        The Ilyushin Il-96T landing gear arrangement includes a center 
    braking landing gear under the fuselage. The center main landing gear 
    does not differ from that of the right or left main landing gear in 
    construction and performs the same functions. The current landing gear 
    design criteria are applicable to conventional landing gear 
    arrangements. Therefore, to provide additional taxi, takeoff, and 
    landing criteria for this arrangement, Special Condition No. 1 is 
    proposed.
    2. Design Maneuver Requirements
        In a conventional airplane with a hydro-mechanical flight control 
    system, pilot inputs directly affect control surface movement (both 
    rate and displacement) for a given flight condition. In the Il-96T, the 
    pilot's control and the flight control surfaces are connected through 
    the electronic flight control system, which introduces additional 
    surface movements based on its design control laws. The control surface 
    movement during maneuvers differs from the pilot control displacements 
    in terms of both rate and displacement. The additional effects of the 
    electronic flight control system are not reflected in the current FAR. 
    Therefore, Special Condition No. 2 is proposed.
    3. Interaction of Systems and Structure
        The Ilyushin Model Il-96T is equipped with an electrical flight 
    control system and a load alleviation system that effects both gust and 
    maneuver loads. These systems can directly, or as a result of failure 
    or malfunction, affect structural performance. This degree of system 
    and structures interaction was not envisioned in the structural design 
    regulations of part 25 of the FAR for transport airplanes. To provide 
    comprehensive criteria in which the structural design safety margins 
    are dependent on systems reliability, Special Condition No. 3 is 
    proposed.
    
    Systems
    
    4. Protection from Unwanted Effects of High Intensity Radiated Fields 
    (HIRF)
        The use of fly-by-wire designs to command and control engines and 
    flight control surfaces increases the airplane's susceptibility to HIRF 
    sources external to the airplane. The airworthiness regulations do not 
    provide adequate requirements for protection from unwanted effects of 
    HIRF.
        High intensity radiated fields have the potential to cause adverse 
    and potentially hazardous effects on fly-by-wire systems if design 
    measures are not taken to ensure the immunity of such systems. This is 
    particularly true with the trend toward increased power levels from 
    ground based transmitters and the advent of space and satellite 
    communications.
        The Model Il-96T is being designed with electrical interfaces 
    between crew inputs and (1) the flight control surfaces, and (2) the 
    engines. The interfaces, and the interconnection among the electronic 
    subsystems controlling these functions, can be susceptible to 
    disruption of both command/response signals and the operational mode 
    logic as a result of electrical and magnetic interference. Traditional 
    airplane designs have utilized mechanical means to connect the primary 
    flight controls and the engine to the flight deck. This traditional 
    design results in control paths that are substantially immune to the 
    effects of HIRF. A special condition is required to ensure that 
    critical and essential systems be designed and installed to preclude 
    component damage and system upset or malfunction due to the unwanted 
    effects of HIRF. Therefore, Special Condition No. 4 is proposed.
    
    [[Page 17120]]
    
        Special conditions may be issued and amended, as necessary, as part 
    of the type certification basis if the Administrator finds that the 
    airworthiness standards designated in accordance with Sec. 21.17(a)(1) 
    do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards because of 
    novel or unusual design features of an airplane. Special conditions, as 
    appropriate, are issued in accordance with Sec. 11.49 after public 
    notice, as required by Secs. 11.28 and 11.29(b), effective October 14, 
    1980, and become part of the type certification basis in accordance 
    with Sec. 21.17(a)(2).
        These special conditions would be applicable initially to the 
    Ilyushin Model Il-96T airplane. Should Ilyushin Aviation Complex apply 
    at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another 
    model incorporating the same novel or unusual design features, the 
    special conditions would apply to that model as well under the 
    provisions of Sec. 21.101(a)(1).
    
    Conclusion
    
        This action affects only certain unusual or novel design features 
    on one model series of airplanes. It is not a rule of general 
    applicability and affects only the manufacturer who applied to the FAA 
    for approval of these features on the airplane.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
    
        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 the 
    following special conditions as part of the type certification basis 
    for the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Model Il-96T series airplanes.
    
    1. Center Landing Gear
    
        Notwithstanding Sec. 25.477 of the FAR, the requirements of 
    Secs. 25.473 and 25.479 through Sec. 25.485 apply, except as noted:
        (a) In addition to the requirements of Sec. 25.473, landing should 
    be considered on a level runway and on a runway having a convex upward 
    shape that may be approximated by a slope of 1.5 percent with the 
    horizontal at main landing gear stations. The maximum loads determined 
    from these two conditions must be applied to each main landing gear and 
    to the center landing gear.
        (b) The requirements of Sec. 25.483 apply and, in addition, the 
    condition represented by the following figure also applies:
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AP97.183
    
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
    
        (c) In lieu of the requirements of Sec. 25.485, the following 
    apply:
        (1) The airplane is considered to be in the level attitude with 
    only the main and central wheels contacting the ground.
        (2) Vertical reactions of one-half of the maximum vertical reaction 
    obtained at each main and center gear in the level landing conditions 
    should be considered. The vertical loads must be combined with side 
    loads that for the main gear are 0.8 of the vertical reaction (on one 
    side) acting inward and 0.6 of the vertical reaction (on the other 
    side) acting outward, and for the center gear are 0.7 of the vertical 
    reaction acting in the same direction as main gear side loads. (Drag 
    load=0)
        (d) In addition to the requirements of Sec. 25.489, ``Ground 
    handling conditions,'' the following applies: The airplane should be 
    considered to be on a level runway and on a runway having a convex 
    upward shape that may be approximated by a slope of 1.5 percent with 
    the horizontal at main landing gear stations. The ground reactions must 
    be distributed to the individual landing gear units in a rational or 
    conservative manner (zero life, shock struts in the static position).
        (e) In lieu of the requirements of Sec. 15.503, the following 
    apply:
        (1) The airplane is assumed to pivot about one of the outer main 
    gears with brakes locked on the selected gear. The limit vertical load 
    factor must be 1.0 and the coefficient of friction must be 0.8.
        (2) The airplane is assumed to be in static equilibrium, with the 
    loads being applied at the ground contact points.
        (3) All of the main gear units must be designed for the scrubbing 
    or torsion loads, or both, induced by pivoting during ground maneuvers 
    produced by:
        (i) Towing at the nose gear, no brakes applied; and
        (ii) Application of symmetrical or unsymmetrical forward thrust to 
    aid pivoting and with or without breaking on the outside main gear 
    closest to the pivot center.
    
    [[Page 17121]]
    
        (f) The following applies to the center landing gear in lieu of 
    Sec. 25.723, ``Shock, absorption tests'':
        (1) The center landing gear should not fail in a test demonstrating 
    its reserve energy absorption capacity at design landing weight, 
    assuming airplane lift no greater than the airplane weight acting 
    during an impact simulating:
        (i) A center landing gear descent velocity of 120 percent of the 
    maximum aircraft descent velocity at the time of center landing gear 
    ground contact; or
        (ii) A 12 fps airplane landing impact taking into account both the 
    main and center landing gears acting during the impact, whichever is 
    more critical.
    
    2. Design Maneuver Requirements
    
        (a) Maximum elevator displacement at VA. In lieu of compliance 
    with Sec. 25.331(c)(1) of the FAR, the airplane is assumed to be flying 
    in steady level flight (point A1 within the maneuvering envelope of 
    Sec. 25.333(b)) and, except as limited by pilot efforts specified in 
    Sec. 25.397 concerning pilot effort forces, the cockpit pitching 
    control device is suddenly moved to obtain extreme positive pitching 
    acceleration (nose up). In defining the tail load condition, the 
    response of the airplane must be taken into account. Airplane loads 
    which occur subsequent to the point at which the normal acceleration at 
    the center of gravity exceeds the maximum positive limit maneuvering 
    factor, n, need not be considered.
        (b) Pitch maneuvering loads induced by the system. In addition to 
    the requirements of Sec. 25.331(c) of the FAR, it must be established 
    that pitch maneuver loads induced by the system itself (e.g. abrupt 
    changes in orders made possible by electrical rather than mechanical 
    combination of different inputs) are acceptably accounted for.
        (c) Roll maneuver loads. In lieu of compliance with Sec. 25.349(a) 
    of the FAR, the following conditions, speeds, spoiler and aileron 
    deflections (except as the deflections may be limited by pilot effort) 
    must be considered in combination with an airplane load factor of zero 
    and of two-thirds of the positive maneuvering factor used in design. In 
    determining the required aileron and spoiler deflections, the torsional 
    flexibility of the wing must be considered in accordance with 
    Sec. 25.301(b).
        (1) Conditions corresponding to steady rolling velocities must be 
    investigated. In addition, conditions corresponding to maximum angular 
    acceleration must be investigated. For the angular acceleration 
    conditions, zero rolling velocity may be assumed in the absence of a 
    rational time history investigation of the maneuver.
        (2) At VA, sudden deflection of the cockpit roll control up to 
    the limit is assumed. The position of the cockpit roll control must be 
    maintained until a steady roll rate is achieved and then must be 
    returned suddenly to the neutral position.
        (3) At VC, the cockpit roll control must be moved suddenly and 
    maintained so as to achieve a rate of roll not less than that obtained 
    in paragraph (2).
        (4) At VD, the cockpit roll control must be moved suddenly and 
    maintained so as to achieve a rate of roll not less than one third of 
    that obtained in paragraph (2) of this paragraph.
        (5) It must also be established that roll maneuver loads induced by 
    the system itself (i.e., abrupt changes in orders made possible rather 
    than mechanical combination of different inputs) are acceptably 
    accounted for.
        (d) Yaw maneuver loads. In lieu of compliance with Sec. 25.351 of 
    the FAR, the airplane must be designed for loads resulting from the 
    conditions specified in subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this paragraph. 
    Unbalanced aerodynamic moments about the center of gravity must be 
    reacted in a rational or conservative manner, considering the principal 
    masses furnishing the reacting inertia forces. Physical limitations of 
    the airplane from the cockpit yaw control device to the control surface 
    deflection, such as control stop position, maximum power and 
    displacement rate of the servo controls, and control yaw limiters may 
    be taken into account.
        (1) Maneuvering. At speeds from VMC to VD, the following 
    maneuvers must be considered. In computing the tail loads, the yawing 
    velocity may be assumed to be zero:
        (i) With the airplane in unaccelerated flight at zero yaw, it is 
    assumed that the cockpit yaw control device (pedal) is suddenly 
    displaced (with critical rate) to the maximum deflection, as limited by 
    the stops.
        (ii) With the cockpit yaw control device (pedal) deflected as 
    specified in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, it is assumed that the 
    airplane yaws to the resulting sideslip angle (beyond the static 
    sideslip angle).
        (iii) With the airplane yawed to the static sideslip angle with the 
    cockpit yaw control device deflected as specified in sub-paragraph (1) 
    of this paragraph, it is assumed that the cockpit yaw control device is 
    returned to neutral.
    
    3. Interaction of Systems and Structure
    
        (a) General. For an airplane equipped with flight control systems, 
    load alleviation systems, or flutter control systems that directly, or 
    as a result of a failure or malfunction, affect its structural 
    performance, the influence of these systems and their failure 
    conditions shall be taken into account in showing compliance with 
    subparts C and D of part 25 of the FAR.
        (b) System fully operative. With the system fully operative, the 
    following apply:
        (1) Limit loads must be derived in all normal operating 
    configurations of the systems from all the deterministic limit 
    conditions specified in subpart C, taking into account any special 
    behavior of such systems or associated functions, or any effect on the 
    structural performance of the airplane that may occur up to the limit 
    loads. In particular, any significant nonlinearity (rate of 
    displacement of control surface, thresholds, or any other system 
    nonlinearities) must be accounted for in a realistic or conservative 
    way when deriving limit loads from limit conditions.
        (2) The airplane must meet the strength requirements of part 25 
    (static strength, residual strength), using the specified factors to 
    derive ultimate loads from the limit loads defined above. The effect of 
    nonlinearities must be investigated beyond limit conditions to ensure 
    the behavior of the systems presents no anomaly compared to the 
    behavior below limit conditions. However, conditions beyond limit 
    conditions need not be considered when it can be shown that the 
    airplane has design features that make it impossible to exceed those 
    limit conditions.
        (3) The airplane must meet the aeroelastic stability requirements 
    of Sec. 25.629.
        (c) System in the failure condition. For any system failure 
    condition not shown to be extremely improbable, the following apply:
        (1) At the time of occurrence. Starting from 1 g level flight 
    conditions, a realistic scenario, including pilot corrective actions, 
    must be established to determine the loads occurring at the time of 
    failure and immediately after failure. The airplane must be able to 
    withstand these loads, multiplied by an appropriate factor of safety, 
    related to the probability of occurrence of the failure. These loads 
    should be considered as ultimate loads for this evaluation. The factor 
    of safety is defined as follows:
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
    
    
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    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AP97.184
    
    
    
        (i) The loads must also be used in the damage tolerance evaluation 
    required in Sec. 25.571(b), if the failure condition is probable. The 
    loads may be considered as ultimate loads for the damage tolerant 
    evaluation.
        (ii) Freedom from flutter and divergence must be shown at speeds up 
    to VD or 1.15 VC, whichever is greater. However, at altitudes 
    where the speed is limited by Mach number, compliance need be shown 
    only up to MD, as defined in Sec. 25.335(d). For failure 
    conditions that result in speed increases beyond VC/MC, 
    freedom from flutter and divergence must be shown at increased speeds, 
    so that the above margins are maintained.
        (iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, failures 
    of the system that result in forced structural vibrations (oscillatory 
    failures) must not produce peak loads that could result in permanent 
    deformation of primary structure.
        (2) For the continuation of the flight. For the airplane, in the 
    failed configuration and considering any appropriate flight 
    limitations, the following apply:
        (i) Static and residual strength must be determined for loads 
    induced by the failure condition, if the loads could continue to the 
    end of the flight. These loads must be combined with the deterministic 
    limit load conditions specified in subpart C.
        (ii) For static strength substantiation, each part of the structure 
    must be able to withstand the loads specified in subparagraph (2)(i) of 
    this paragraph multiplied by a safety factor depending on the 
    probability of being in this failure state. The factor of safety is 
    defined as follows:
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AP97.185
    
    
    Qj=(Tj)(Pj) where:
    
    Tj=Average time spent in failure condition j (in hours)
    Pj=Probability of occurrence of failure mode j (per hour)
    
        Note: If Pj is greater than 10-3 per flight hour, then 
    a 1.5 factor of safety must be used.
    
        (iii) For residual strength substantiation as defined in 
    Sec. 25.571(b), for structures also affected by failure of the system 
    and with damage in combination with the system failure, a reduction 
    factor may be applied to the residual strength loads of Sec. 25.571(b). 
    However, the residual strength level must not be less than the 1g 
    flight load, combined with the loads introduced by the failure 
    condition plus two-thirds of the load increments of the conditions 
    specified in Sec. 25.571(b) in both positive and negative directions 
    (if appropriate). The reduction factor is defined as follows:
    
    
    [[Page 17123]]
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AP97.186
    
    
    
    Qj=(Tj)(Pj) where:
    
    Tj=Average time spent in failure condition j (in hours)
    Pj=Probability of occurrence of failure mode j (per hour)
    
        Note: If Pj is greater than 10-3 per flight hour, then 
    a residual strength factor of 1.0 must be used.
    
        (iv) Freedom from flutter and divergence must be shown up to a 
    speed determined by the following figure:
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AP97.187
    
    
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
    
    V1=Clearance speed as defined in Sec. 25.629(b)(2).
    V2=Clearance speed as defined in Sec. 25.629(b)(1).
    Qj=(Tj)(Pj) where:
    Tj=Average time spent in failure condition j (in hours)
    Pj=Probability of occurrence of failure mode j (per hour)
    
        Note: If Pj is greater than 10-3 per flight hour, then 
    the flutter clearance speed must not be less than V2.
    
        (v) Freedom from flutter and divergence must also be shown up to 
    V1 in the above figure for any probable system failure condition 
    combined with any damage required or selected for investigation 
    Sec. 25.571(b).
        (vi) If the time likely to be spent in the failure condition is not 
    small compared to the damage propagation period, or if the loads 
    induced by the failure condition may have a significant influence on 
    the damage propagation, then the effects of the particular failure 
    condition must be addressed and the corresponding inspection intervals 
    adjusted to adequately cover this situation.
        (vii) If the mission analysis method is used to account for 
    continuous turbulence, all the systems failure conditions associated 
    with their probability must be accounted for in a rational or 
    conservative manner in order to ensure that the probability of 
    exceeding the limit load is not higher than the prescribed value of the 
    current requirement.
        (d) Warning considerations. For system failure detection and 
    warning, the following apply:
        (1) Before flight, the system must be checked for failure 
    conditions, not shown to be extremely improbable, that degrade the 
    structural capability of the airplane below the level intended in 
    paragraph (b) of this special condition. The crew must be made aware of 
    these failures, if they exist, before flight.
        (2) An evaluation must be made of the necessity to signal, during 
    the flight, the existence of any failure condition that could 
    significantly affect the structural capability of the airplane and for 
    which the associated reduction in airworthiness can be minimized by 
    suitable flight limitations. The assessment of the need for such 
    signals must be carried out in a manner consistent with the approved 
    general warning philosophy for the airplane.
        (3) During flight, any failure condition not shown to be extremely 
    improbable, in which the safety factor existing between the airplane 
    strength capability and loads induced by the deterministic limit 
    conditions of subpart C of part 25 is reduced to 1.3 or less, must be 
    signaled to the crew if appropriate procedures and limitations can be 
    provided so that the crew can take action to minimize the associated 
    reduction in airworthiness during the remainder of the flight.
        (e) Dispatch with failure conditions. If the airplane is to be 
    knowingly dispatched in a system failure condition that reduces the 
    structural performance of the airplane, then operational limitations 
    must be provided whose effects, combined with those of the failure 
    condition, allow the airplane to
    
    [[Page 17124]]
    
    meet the structural requirements described in paragraph (b) of this 
    special condition. Subsequent system failures must also be considered.
    
        Discussion: This special condition is intended to be applicable 
    to flight controls, load alleviation systems, and flutter control 
    systems. The criteria provided by the special condition only address 
    the direct structural consequences of the systems responses and 
    performances and therefore cannot be considered in isolation but 
    should be included in the overall safety evaluation of the airplane. 
    The presentation of these criteria may, in some instances, duplicate 
    standards already established for this evaluation. The criteria are 
    applicable to structure, the failure of which could prevent 
    continued safe flight and landing.
        The following definitions are applicable to this special 
    condition:
        Structural performance: Capability of the airplane to meet the 
    structural requirements of part 25.
        Flight limitations: Limitations that can be applied to the 
    airplane flight conditions following an inflight occurrence and 
    which are included in the flight manual (e.g., speed limitations, 
    avoidance of severe weather conditions, etc.).
        Operational limitations: Limitations, including flight 
    limitations, that can be applied to the airplane operating 
    conditions before dispatch (e.g., payload limitations).
        Probabilistic terms: The probabilistic terms (probable, 
    improbable, extremely improbable) used in this special condition 
    should be understood as defined in AC 25.1309-1.
        Failure condition: The term failure condition is defined in AC 
    25.1309-1; however, this special condition applies only to system 
    failure conditions that have a direct impact on the structural 
    performance of the airplane (e.g., failure conditions that induce 
    loads or change the response of the airplane to inputs such as gusts 
    or pilot actions).
    
    4. Protection From Unwanted Effects of High Intensity Radiated Fields 
    (HIRF)
    
        In the absence of specific requirements for protection from the 
    unwanted effects of HIRF, the following apply:
        Each airplane system that performs critical functions must be 
    designed and installed to ensure that the operation and operational 
    capabilities of these systems to perform critical functions are not 
    adversely affected when the airplane is exposed to high intensity 
    radiated fields.
    
        Discussion: The Ilyushin Model II-96T will utilize electrical 
    and electronic systems that perform critical functions. These 
    systems include the electronic displays, intergrated avionics 
    computer, electronic engine controls, etc. The existing 
    airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate 
    safety standards for the protection of these systems from the 
    effects of HIRF which are external to the airplane.
        Airplane designs that utilize metal skins and mechanical command 
    and control means have traditionally been shown to be immune from 
    the effects of HIRF energy from ground-based and airborne 
    transmitters. With the trend toward increased power levels from 
    these sources, plus the advent of space and satellite 
    communications, the immunity of the airplane to HIRF energy must be 
    established. No universally accepted guidance to define the maximum 
    energy level in which civilian airplane system installations must be 
    capable of operating safely has been established.
        For the purposes of this special condition, the following 
    definition applies:
        Critical Functions: Functions whose failure would contribute to 
    or cause a failure condition that would prevent the continued safe 
    flight and landing of the airplane. At this time the FAA and other 
    airworthiness authorities are unable to precisely define or control 
    the HIRF energy level to which the airplane will be exposed in 
    service. Therefore, the FAA hereby defines two acceptable interim 
    methods for complying with the requirement for protection of systems 
    that perform critical functions.
    
        (1) The applicant may demonstrate that the critical systems, as 
    installed in the airplane, are protected from the external HIRF threat 
    environment defined in the following table:
    
                                                                            
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Strength 
                       Frequency                     Field peak  average  (V/
                                                       (V/M)          M)    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    10 KHz-500 KHz................................           60           60
    500 KHz-2 MHz.................................           80           80
    2 MHz-30 MHz..................................          200          200
    30 MHz-100 MHz................................           33           33
    100 MHz-200 MHz...............................          150           33
    200 MHz-400 MHz...............................           56           33
    400 MHz-1 GHz.................................        4,020          935
    1 GHz-2 GHz...................................        7,850        1,750
    2 GHz-4 GHz...................................        6,000        1,150
    4 GHz-6 GHz...................................        6,800          310
    6 GHz-8 GHz...................................        3,600          666
    8 GHz-12GHz...................................        5,100        1,270
    12 GHz-18 GHz.................................        3,500          551
    18 GHz-40 GHz.................................        2,400          750
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    or,
        (2) The applicant may demonstrate by laboratory test that the 
    critical systems elements and their associated wiring harnesses can 
    withstand a peak electromagnetic field strength of 100 volts per meter, 
    without the benefit of airplane structural shielding, in the frequency 
    range of 10 KHz to 18 GHz.
    
    Compliance Method:
    
        This paragraph describes an acceptable method of showing compliance 
    with the HIRF energy protection requirements.
        (1) Compliance Plan: The applicant should present a plan for 
    Aviation Register approval, outlining how compliance with the HIRF 
    energy protection requirements will be attained. This plan should also 
    propose pass/fail criteria for the operation of critical systems in the 
    HIRF environment.
        (2) System Criticality: A hazard analysis should be performed by 
    the applicant for approval by Aviation Register to identify electrical 
    and/or electronic systems which perform critical functions. These 
    systems are candidates for the application of HIRF energy protection 
    requirements.
        (3) Compliance Verification: Compliance with the HIRF energy 
    protection requirements may be demonstrated by tests, analysis, models, 
    similarity with existing systems, or a combination thereof as 
    acceptable to Aviation Register. Service experience alone is not 
    acceptable since such experience in normal flight operations may not 
    include an exposure to the HIRF environmental condition.
        (4) Pass/Fail Criteria: Acceptable system performance is attained 
    by demonstrating that the system under consideration continues to 
    perform its intended function during and after exposure to the required 
    electromagnetic fields. Deviations from system specification may be 
    acceptable depending on an independent assessment of the deviations for 
    each application.
        (5) Test Methods and Procedures: RTCA document DO-160C, Section 20, 
    provides information on acceptable test procedures. In addition, the 
    following information on modulation is presented to supplement that 
    found in DO-160C. Equipment and subsystem radiated susceptibility 
    qualification tests should be conducted by slowly scanning the entire 
    frequency spectrum with an unmodulated signal which produces the 
    required average electric field strength at the equipment under test 
    (EUT) and its wiring. A peak level detector should be used to monitor 
    the peak values of the signal and these values should be recorded at 
    each test point. The EUT should not be damaged by this test and should 
    operate normally for frequencies under 400 MHz. Deviations from normal 
    operation for test frequencies above 400 MHz should be recorded. The 
    test should be repeated with an appropriate modulation applied to the 
    test signal. At each test point, the amplitude of the RF test signal 
    should be adjusted to the peak values recorded during the unmodulated 
    test. The modulation should be selected as the signal most likely to 
    disrupt operation of the equipment under test based on its design 
    characteristics. For example,
    
    [[Page 17125]]
    
    flight control systems might be susceptible to 3 Hz. square wave 
    modulation while the video signals for CRT displays may be susceptible 
    to 400 Hz sinusoidal modulation. If the worst case modulation is 
    unknown or cannot be determined, default modulations can be used. 
    Suggested default values are 1 KHz sine wave with 80% depth of 
    modulation in the frequency range from 10 KHz to 400 MHz and 1 KHz 
    square wave with greater than 90% depth of modulation from 400 MHz to 
    18 GHz. For frequencies where the unmodulated signal caused deviations 
    from normal operation of the EUT, several different modulating signals 
    with various wave-forms and frequencies should be applied. Modern 
    laboratory equipment may not be able to continuously scan the spectrum 
    in the manner of analog equipment. These units will only generate 
    discrete frequencies. For such equipment, the number of test points and 
    the dwell time at each test point must be specified. For each decade of 
    the frequency test spectrum (a ten times increase in frequency i.e. 10 
    Kz to 100 KHz) there should be at least 25 test points, and for the 
    decades from 10 MHz to 100 MHz, and 100 MHz to 1 GHz there should be a 
    minimum of 180 test points each. The dwell time at each test point 
    should be at least 0.5 second.
        (6) Data Submittal: An accomplishment report should be submitted to 
    the Aviation Register showing fulfillment of the HIRF energy protection 
    requirements. This report should contain test results, analysis and 
    other pertinent data.
        (7) Maintenance Requirements: The applicant (manufacturer) must 
    provide maintenance requirements to assure the continued airworthiness 
    of the installed system(s).
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 18, 1997.
    Ronald T. Wojnar,
    Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service, ANM-100.
    [FR Doc. 97-9143 Filed 4-8-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
04/09/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed special conditions.
Document Number:
97-9143
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before May 27, 1997.
Pages:
17117-17125 (9 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. NM-139, Notice No. SC-97-2-NM
PDF File:
97-9143.pdf
CFR: (6)
14 CFR 25.333(b))
14 CFR 25.301(b)
14 CFR 25.571(b)
14 CFR 21.16
14 CFR 25.397
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