97-19040. Revised Structural Loads Requirements for Transport Category Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 145 (Tuesday, July 29, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 40702-40706]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-19040]
    
    
    
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    Part VI
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Transportation
    
    
    
    
    
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    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    
    
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    14 CFR Part 25
    
    
    
    Revised Structural Loads Requirements for Transport Category Airplanes; 
    Final Rule
    
    Federal Register  / Vol. 62, No. 145 / Tuesday, July 29, 1997 / Rules 
    and Regulations
    
    [[Page 40702]]
    
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 25
    
    [Docket No. 28312; Amdt. No. 25-91]
    RIN 2120-AF70
    
    
    Revised Structural Loads Requirements for Transport Category 
    Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This amendment revises the structural loads design 
    requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) for transport 
    category airplanes by incorporating changes developed in cooperation 
    with the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) of Europe and the Aviation 
    Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). This action makes some of the 
    requirements more rational and eliminates differences between current 
    U.S. and European requirements that impose unnecessary costs on 
    airplane manufacturers. These changes are intended to achieve common 
    airworthiness standards and language between the requirements of the 
    U.S. regulations and the Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR) of Europe 
    while maintaining at least the level of safety provided by the current 
    regulations and industry practices.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: August 28, 1997.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Haynes, Airframe and Propulsion 
    Branch, ANM-112, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98055-4056; telephone 
    (206) 227-2131.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The manufacturing, marketing and certification of transport 
    airplanes is increasingly an international endeavor. In order for U.S. 
    manufacturers to export transport airplanes to other countries the 
    airplane must be designed to comply, not only with the U.S. 
    airworthiness requirements for transport airplanes (14 CFR part 25), 
    but also with the transport airworthiness requirements of the countries 
    to which the airplane is to be exported, unless the importing country 
    accepts the aircraft without findings of compliance with specified 
    regulations.
        The European countries have developed a common airworthiness code 
    for transport category airplanes that is administered by the JAA. This 
    code is the result of a European effort to harmonize the various 
    airworthiness codes of the European countries and is called the Joint 
    Aviation Requirements (JAR)-25. It was developed in a format similar to 
    14 CFR part 25. Many other countries have airworthiness codes that are 
    aligned closely to part 25 or to JAR-25, or they use these codes 
    directly for their own certification purposes.
        Although JAR-25 is very similar to part 25, there are differences 
    in methodologies and criteria that often result in the need to address 
    the same design objective with more than one kind of analysis or test 
    in order to satisfy both part 25 and JAR airworthiness codes. These 
    differences result in additional costs to the transport airplane 
    manufacturers and additional costs to the U.S. and foreign authorities 
    that must continue to monitor compliance with different airworthiness 
    codes.
        In 1988, the FAA, in cooperation with the JAA and other 
    organizations representing the U.S. and European aerospace industries, 
    began a process to harmonize the airworthiness requirements of the 
    United States and the European authorities. The objective was to 
    achieve common requirements for the certification of transport category 
    airplanes without a substantive change in the level of safety provided 
    by the regulations and industry practices. Other airworthiness 
    authorities such as Transport Canada have also participated in this 
    process.
        In 1992, the harmonization effort was undertaken by the Aviation 
    Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). A working group of industry and 
    government structural loads specialists of Europe, the United States, 
    and Canada was chartered by notice in the Federal Register (58 FR 
    13819, March 15, 1993) to harmonize the design loads sections of 
    Subpart C of part 25. The bulk of the harmonization tasks for Subpart C 
    were completed by the working group and recommendations were submitted 
    to FAA by letter dated February 2, 1995. The FAA concurred with the 
    recommendations and proposed them in Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
    (NPRM) No. 95-14; which was published in the Federal Register on August 
    29, 1995 (60 FR 44998).
        In establishing a design requirement for the nose gear, its 
    attaching structure and the forward fuselage structure, Sec. 25.499(e) 
    continues to require consideration of positioning the nose gear in any 
    steerable position. The term ``any'' is continued from the current 
    regulation. The term, and the requirements of the section, are 
    understood in the engineering and regulated communities to require 
    demonstration that the nose gear and associated structures will sustain 
    the applicable loads throughout the full range of nose gear positions.
    
    Discussion of Comments
    
        Comments were received from transport airplane manufacturers, 
    industry associations and foreign airworthiness authorities. All of the 
    commenters express support for the proposals in Notice No. 95-14 
    although a few make some recommendations for changes. One comment 
    believes the changes proposed for Sec. 25.415 could be a burden to some 
    applicants with airplanes that are derived from models that were 
    certified to earlier amendment levels of the FAR and JAR. To provide 
    relief for these derivative airplanes, the commenter proposes a change 
    to paragraph (b) of Sec. 25.415 which would allow the use of 
    ``realistic'' aerodynamic hinge moment coefficients for control 
    surfaces in lieu of the prescribed coefficients of paragraph (b). The 
    FAA does not agree that there is likely to be a burden for derivative 
    airplanes since the proposed rule applies to new designs. In addition, 
    the design gust speed does not create an increased requirement over 
    existing design requirements. Part 24 and JAR-25 were identical in 
    using 88 feet per second (about 52 knots) in defining hinge moment for 
    ground gust conditions. However, JAR Sec. 25.519 prescribes a 65 knot 
    wind speed for ground gusts during jacking and tie-down, and 
    specifically requires application of those gusts to control surfaces. 
    As a result, aircraft designs already have to meet the 65 knot rather 
    than the 52 knot requirement. The ARAC recommends, with FAA and JAA 
    concurrence, that ground gusts on control surfaces be addressed in just 
    one section, Sec. 25.415, so Notice No. 95-14 proposes to revise this 
    section to achieve the same effect as the Sec. 25.519 of JAR-25 by 
    incorporating the 65-knot wind speed into Sec. 25.415. The net effect 
    is that there is no change in the ground gust speed requirement for 
    control surfaces over that already required by JAR-25.
        Furthermore, the use of rational aerodynamic hinge moment 
    coefficients would necessitate a rational ground gust speed as well, 
    and the 65 knot design gust speed is not necessarily a rational design 
    speed for ground gusts. Jet blasts in airport operations and normal 
    storm conditions often exceed 65 knots but service history has shown 
    that the 65 knot design speed when combined with the conservative 
    prescribed hinge moments of paragraph (b) provides a satisfactory 
    design.
    
    [[Page 40703]]
    
        One commenter recommends that the formulation of the requirement 
    for hinge moments in Sec. 25.415 be changed to show the 65 knot wind 
    speed explicitly rather than embedding this value into the multiplying 
    constant. The FAA agrees that this has merit since the connection 
    between the 65 knot wind speed of Secs. 25.415 and 25.519 could 
    otherwise be missed in any future rulemaking actions. The rule is 
    adopted with a change to show the 65 knot wind speed explicitly in the 
    formula for control surface hinge moments.
        One commenter points out that the proposed revision to paragraph 
    (a) of Sec. 25.481 references paragraphs 25.479(c)(1) and (2) for 
    vertical and drag load conditions and that these latter paragraphs, as 
    proposed, no longer specify those conditions. Notice 95-14 proposes to 
    express the substance of Sec. 25.479(c)(1) and (2) in more general 
    terms in Sec. 25.473(c). The commenter is correct. The rule is adopted 
    with a change to delete the incorrect references.
    
    Regulatory Evaluation Summaries
    
    Regulatory Evaluation, Regulatory Flexibility Determination, and Trade 
    Impact Assessment
    
        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, the 
    Office of Management and Budget directs agencies to assess the effects 
    of regulatory changes on international trade. In conducting these 
    analyses, the FAA has determined that this rule:
        (1) Will generate benefits that justify its costs and is not a 
    ``significant regulatory action'' as defined in the Executive Order; 
    (2) is not significant as defined in DOT's Regulatory Policies and 
    Procedures; (3) will not have a significant impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities; and (4) will not constitute a barrier to 
    international trade. These analyses, available in the docket, are 
    summarized below.
    
    Regulatory Evaluation Summary
    
        Depending on airplane design, the rule could result in additional 
    compliance costs for some manufacturers. If manufacturers choose to 
    design to and justify a VD-VC magin of 0.05 Mach, 
    there will be an increase in analysis costs of approximately $145,000 
    per certification. The requirement in Sec. 25.473 to consider 
    structural flexibility in the analysis of landing loads and the 
    increase in the factor on the maximum static reaction on the nose gear 
    vertical force in Sec. 25.499 could add compliance costs, but the FAA 
    estimates that these will be negligible.
        The rule will also result in cost savings. Revisions in the 
    conditions in which unchecked pitch maneuvers are investigated could 
    reduce certification costs by as much as $10,000 per certification. The 
    FAA estimates that the change in the speed margin between VB 
    and VC from a fixed margin to a margin variable with 
    altitude could result in substantial, though unquantified, cost savings 
    to some manufacturers. Manufacturers that design small transport 
    category airplanes with direct mechanical rudder control systems could 
    realize a savings as a result of the modification in the rudder control 
    force limit in Sec. 25.351. No comments were received on the costs or 
    cost savings resulting from these changes.
        The primary benefit of the rule will be the cost savings associated 
    with harmonization of the FAR with the JAR. In order to sell airplanes 
    in a global marketplace, manufacturers usually certify their products 
    under the FAR and the JAR. The cost savings from reducing the resources 
    necessary to demonstrate compliance with non-harmonized design load 
    requirements will outweigh any incremental costs of the rule, resulting 
    in a net cost savings. These savings will be realized by U.S. 
    manufacturers that market airplanes in JAA countries as well as by 
    manufacturers in JAA countries that market airplanes in the U.S.
        The change to Sec. 25.335(b)(2) in the minimum speed margin for 
    atmospheric conditions from 0.05 Mach to 0.07 Mach could produce safety 
    benefits. The increase in the margin between VD/
    MD and VC/MC is more conservative and 
    will standardize training across international lines. Crews could 
    cross-train and cross-fly and this standardization will enhance safety 
    as well as result in more efficient training.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Determination
    
        The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) was enacted by 
    Congress to ensure that small entities are not unnecessarily and 
    disproportionally burdened by Federal regulations. The RFA requires a 
    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis if a proposed or final rule would have 
    a significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a 
    substantial number of small entities. FAA Order 2100.14A, Regulatory 
    Flexibility Criteria and Guidance, establishes threshold cost values 
    and small entity standards for complying with RFA review requirements 
    in FAA rulemaking actions. The Order defines ``small entities'' in 
    terms of size threshold, ``significant economic impact'' in terms of 
    annualized cost thresholds, and ``substantial number'' as a number 
    which is not less than eleven and which is more than one-third of the 
    small entities subject to the proposed or final rule.
        Order 2100.14A specifies a size threshold for classification as a 
    small manufacturer as 75 or fewer employees. Since none of the 
    manufacturers affected by this rule has 75 or fewer employees and any 
    costs of the rule will be negligible, the rule will not have a 
    significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    manufacturers.
    
    International Trade Impact Assessment
    
        The rule will not constitute a barrier to international trade, 
    including the export of U.S. airplanes to foreign markets and the 
    import of foreign airplanes into the U.S. Because the rule will 
    harmonize with the JAR, it would, in fact, lessen restraints on trade.
    
    Federalism Implications
    
        The regulations amended herein do not have a 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. Thus, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this rule 
    does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    
    International Compatibility
    
        In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on 
    International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to comply with 
    International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and 
    recommended practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has 
    determined that this rule does not conflict with any international 
    agreement of the United States.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-
    511), there are no requirements for information collection associated 
    with this rule.
    
    [[Page 40704]]
    
    Conclusion
    
        Because these changes to the structural loads requirements do not 
    result in any substantial economic costs, the FAA has determined that 
    this rule will not be significant under Executive Order 12866. Because 
    there has not been significant public interest in this issue, the FAA 
    has determined that this action is not significant under DOT Regulatory 
    Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 25, 1979). In addition, 
    since there are no small entities affected by this rulemaking, the FAA 
    certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact, 
    positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
    the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, since none will be 
    affected. A copy of the regulatory evaluation prepared for this project 
    may be examined in the Rules Docket or obtained from the person 
    identified under the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    The Amendments
    
        Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends 14 
    CFR part 25 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
    
    PART 25--AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES
    
        1. The authority citation for part 25 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704.
    
        2. Section 25.331 is amended by revising the introductory text of 
    paragraph (c) and paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.331  Symmetric maneuvering conditions.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) Pitch maneuver conditions. The conditions specified in 
    paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section must be investigated. The 
    movement of the pitch control surfaces may be adjusted to take into 
    account limitations imposed by the maximum pilot effort specified by 
    Sec. 25.397(b), control system stops and any indirect effect imposed by 
    limitations in the output side of the control system (for example, 
    stalling torque or maximum rate obtainable by a power control system.)
        (1) Maximum pitch control displacement at VA. The 
    airplane is assumed to be flying in steady level flight (point 
    A1, Sec. 25.333(b)) and the cockpit pitch control is 
    suddenly moved to obtain extreme nose up pitching acceleration. In 
    defining the tail load, the response of the airplane must be taken into 
    account. Airplane loads that occur subsequent to the time when normal 
    acceleration at the c.g. exceeds the positive limit maneuvering load 
    factor (at point A2 in Sec. 25.333(b)), or the resulting 
    tailplane normal load reaches its maximum, whichever occurs first, need 
    not be considered.
    * * * * *
        3. Section 25.335 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and 
    (b)(2) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.335  Design airspeeds.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) * * *
        (2) Except as provided in Sec. 25.335(d)(2), VC may not 
    be less than VB + 1.32 U REF (with 
    UREF as specified in Sec. 25.341(a)(5)(i)). However 
    VC need not exceed the maximum speed in level flight at 
    maximum continuous power for the corresponding altitude.
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (2) The minimum speed margin must be enough to provide for 
    atmospheric variations (such as horizontal gusts, and penetration of 
    jet streams and cold fronts) and for instrument errors and airframe 
    production variations. These factors may be considered on a probability 
    basis. The margin at altitude where MC is limited by 
    compressibility effects must not less than 0.07M unless a lower margin 
    is determined using a rational analysis that includes the effects of 
    any automatic systems. In any case, the margin may not be reduced to 
    less than 0.05M.
    * * * * *
        4. Section 25.345 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.345  High lift devices.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) The airplane must be designed for a maneuvering load factor of 
    1.5 g at the maximum take-off weight with the wing-flaps and similar 
    high lift devices in the landing configurations.
        5. Section 25.351 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.351  Yaw maneuver conditions.
    
        The airplane must be designed for loads resulting from the yaw 
    maneuver conditions specified in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this 
    section at speeds from VMC to VD. Unbalanced 
    aerodynamic moments about the center of gravity must be reacted in a 
    rational or conservative manner considering the airplane inertia 
    forces. In computing the tail loads the yawing velocity may be assumed 
    to be zero.
        (a) With the airplane in unaccelerated flight at zero yaw, it is 
    assumed that the cockpit rudder control is suddenly displaced to 
    achieve the resulting rudder deflection, as limited by:
        (1) The control system on control surface stops; or
        (2) A limit pilot force of 300 pounds from VMC to 
    VA and 200 pounds from VC/MC to 
    VD/MD, with a linear variation between 
    VA and VC/MC.
        (b) With the cockpit rudder control deflected so as always to 
    maintain the maximum rudder deflection available within the limitations 
    specified in paragraph (a) of this section, it is assumed that the 
    airplane yaws to the overswing sideslip angle.
        (c) With the airplane yawed to the static equilibrium sideslip 
    angle, it is assumed that the cockpit rudder control is held so as to 
    achieve the maximum rudder deflection available within the limitations 
    specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
        (d) With the airplane yawed to the static equilibrium sideslip 
    angle of paragraph (c) of this section, it is assumed that the cockpit 
    rudder control is suddenly returned to neutral.
        6. Section 25.363 is amended by revising the heading and paragraph 
    (a) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.363  Side load on engine and auxiliary power unit mounts.
    
        (a) Each engine and auxiliary power unit mount and its supporting 
    structure must be designed for a limit load factor in lateral 
    direction, for the side load on the engine and auxiliary power unit 
    mount, at least equal to the maximum load factor obtained in the yawing 
    conditions but not less than--
        (1) 1.33; or
        (2) One-third of the limit load factor for flight condition A as 
    prescribed in Sec. 25.333(b).
    * * * * *
        7. Section 25.371 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.371  Gyroscopic loads.
    
        The structure supporting any engine or auxiliary power unit must be 
    designed for the loads including the gyroscopic loads arising from the 
    conditions specified in Secs. 25.331, 25.341(a), 25.349, 25.351, 
    25.473, 25.479, and 25.481, with the engine or auxiliary power unit at 
    the maximum rpm appropriate to the condition. For the purposes of 
    compliance with this section, the pitch maneuver in Sec. 25.331(c)(1) 
    must be carried out until the positive limit maneuvering load factor 
    (point A2 in Sec. 25.333(b)) is reached.
    
    [[Page 40705]]
    
        8. Section 25.415 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.415  Ground gust conditions.
    
        (a) * * *
        (2) The control system stops nearest the surfaces, the control 
    system locks, and the parts of the systems (if any) between these stops 
    and locks and the control surface horns, must be designed for limit 
    hinge moments H, in foot pounds, obtained from the formula, 
    H=.0034KV2cS, where--
    
    V=65 (wind speed in knots)
    K=limit hinge moment factor for ground gusts derived in paragraph 
    (b) of this section.
    c=mean chord of the control surface aft of the hinge line (ft);
    S=area of the control surface aft of the hinge line (sq ft);
    * * * * *
        9. Section 25.473 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.473  Landing load conditions and assumptions.
    
        (a) For the landing conditions specified in Sec. 25.479 to 
    Sec. 25.485 the airplane is assumed to contact the ground--
        (1) In the attitudes defined in Sec. 25.479 and Sec. 25.481;
        (2) With a limit descent velocity of 10 fps at the design landing 
    weight (the maximum weight for landing conditions at maximum descent 
    velocity); and
        (3) With a limit descent velocity of 6 fps at the design take-off 
    weight (the maximum weight for landing conditions at a reduced descent 
    velocity).
        (4) The prescribed descent velocities may be modified if it is 
    shown that the airplane has design features that make it impossible to 
    develop these velocities.
        (b) Airplane lift, not exceeding airplane weight, may be assumed 
    unless the presence of systems or procedures significantly affects the 
    lift.
        (c) The method of analysis of airplane and landing gear loads must 
    take into account at least the following elements:
        (1) Landing gear dynamic characteristics.
        (2) Spin-up and springback.
        (3) Rigid body response.
        (4) Structural dynamic response of the airframe, if significant.
        (d) The limit inertia load factors corresponding to the required 
    limit descent velocities must be validated by tests as defined in 
    Sec. 25.723(a)
        (e) The coefficient of friction between the tires and the ground 
    may be established by considering the effects of skidding velocity and 
    tire pressure. However, this coefficient of friction need not be more 
    than 0.8.
        10. Section 25.479 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.479  Level landing conditions.
    
        (a) In the level attitude, the airplane is assumed to contact the 
    ground at forward velocity components, ranging from VL1 to 
    1.25 VL2 parallel to the ground under the conditions 
    prescribed in Sec. 25.473 with--
        (1) VL1 equal to VS0 (TAS) at the appropriate 
    landing weight and in standard sea level conditions; and
        (2) VL2 equal to VS0 (TAS) at the appropriate 
    landing weight and altitudes in a hot day temperature of 41 degrees F. 
    above standard.
        (3) The effects of increased contact speed must be investigated if 
    approval of downwind landings exceeding 10 knots is requested.
        (b) For the level landing attitude for airplanes with tail wheels, 
    the conditions specified in this section must be investigated with the 
    airplane horizontal reference line horizontal in accordance with Figure 
    2 of Appendix A of this part.
        (c) For the level landing attitude for airplanes with nose wheels, 
    shown in Figure 2 of Appendix A of this part, the conditions specified 
    in this section must be investigated assuming the following attitudes:
        (1) An attitude in which the main wheels are assumed to contact the 
    ground with the nose wheel just clear of the ground; and
        (2) If reasonably attainable at the specified descent and forward 
    velocities, an attitude in which the nose and main wheels are assumed 
    to contact the ground simultaneously.
        (d) In addition to the loading conditions prescribed in paragraph 
    (a) of this section, but with maximum vertical ground reactions 
    calculated from paragraph (a), the following apply:
        (1) The landing gear and directly affected attaching structure must 
    be designed for the maximum vertical ground reaction combined with an 
    aft acting drag component of not less than 25% of this maximum vertical 
    ground reaction.
        (2) The most severe combination of loads that are likely to arise 
    during a lateral drift landing must be taken into account. In absence 
    of a more rational analysis of this condition, the following must be 
    investigated:
        (i) A vertical load equal to 75% of the maximum ground reaction of 
    Sec. 25.473 must be considered in combination with a drag and side load 
    of 40% and 35% respectively of that vertical load.
        (ii) The shock absorber and tire deflections must be assumed to be 
    75% of the deflection corresponding to the maximum ground reaction of 
    Sec. 25.473(a)(2). This load case need not be considered in combination 
    with flat tires.
        (3) The combination of vertical and drag components is considered 
    to be acting at the wheel axle centerline.
        11. Section 25.481 is amended by revising paragraph (a) 
    introductory text and by designating the undesignated text following 
    paragraph (a)(2) as paragraph (a)(3) and revising it to read as 
    follows:
    
    Sec. 25.481  Tail down landing conditions.
    
        (a) In the tail-down attitude, the airplane is assumed to contact 
    the ground at forward velocity components, ranging from VL1 
    to VL2 parallel to the ground under the conditions 
    prescribed in Sec. 25.473 with--
        (1) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (3) The combination of vertical and drag components is considered 
    to be acting at the main wheel axle centerline.
    * * * * *
        12. Section 25.483 is amended by revising the heading, introductory 
    text, and paragraph (a) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.483  One-gear landing conditions.
    
        For the one-gear landing conditions, the airplane is assumed to be 
    in the level attitude and to contact the ground on one main landing 
    gear, in accordance with Figure 4 of Appendix A of this part. In this 
    attitude--
        (a) The ground reactions must be the same as those obtained on that 
    side under Sec. 25.479(d)(1), and
    * * * * *
        13. Section 25.485 is amended by adding the introductory text to 
    read as follows:
    
    Sec. 25.485  Side load conditions.
    
        In addition to Sec. 25.479(d)(2) the following conditions must be 
    considered:
    * * * * *
        14. Section 25.491 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.491  Taxi, takeoff and landing roll.
    
        Within the range of appropriate ground speeds and approved weights, 
    the airplane structure and landing gear are assumed to be subjected to 
    loads not less than those obtained when the aircraft is operating over 
    the roughest ground that may reasonably be expected in normal 
    operation.
        15. Section 25.499 is amended by revising the heading and paragraph 
    (e) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.499  Nose-wheel yaw and steering.
    
    * * * * *
    
    [[Page 40706]]
    
        (e) With the airplane at design ramp weight, and the nose gear in 
    any steerable position, the combined application of full normal 
    steering torque and vertical force equal to 1.33 times the maximum 
    static reaction on the nose gear must be considered in designing the 
    nose gear, its attaching structure, and the forward fuselage structure.
        16. Section 25.561 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 25.561  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) For equipment, cargo in the passenger compartments and any 
    other large masses, the following apply:
        (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, these 
    items must be positioned so that if they break loose they will be 
    unlikely to:
        (i) Cause direct injury to occupants;
        (ii) Penetrate fuel tanks or lines or cause fire or explosion 
    hazard by damage to adjacent systems; or
        (iii) Nullify any of the escape facilities provided for use after 
    an emergency landing.
        (2) When such positioning is not practical (e.g. fuselage mounted 
    engines or auxiliary power units) each such item of mass shall be 
    restrained under all loads up to those specified in paragraph (b)(3) of 
    this section. The local attachments for these items should be designed 
    to withstand 1.33 times the specified loads if these items are subject 
    to severe wear and tear through frequent removal (e.g. quick change 
    interior items).
    * * * * *
        Issued in Washington D.C. on July 14, 1997.
    Barry L. Valentine,
    Acting Administrator.
    [FR Doc. 97-19040 Filed 7-28-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
8/28/1997
Published:
07/29/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-19040
Dates:
August 28, 1997.
Pages:
40702-40706 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 28312, Amdt. No. 25-91
RINs:
2120-AF70: Revised Structural Loads Requirements for Transport Airplanes
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AF70/revised-structural-loads-requirements-for-transport-airplanes
PDF File:
97-19040.pdf
CFR: (18)
14 CFR 25.473(a)(2)
14 CFR 25.723(a)
14 CFR 25.397(b)
14 CFR 25.331
14 CFR 25.335
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