You are on page 1of 4

40648 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No.

137 / Tuesday, July 18, 2006 / Rules and Regulations

(1) Communicate in any manner that ADDRESSES: You must mail two copies addressed, stamped postcard on which
a director, officer, attorney, employee, of your comments to: Federal Aviation the docket number appears. We will
or agent of a Bank, directly or indirectly, Administration, Transport Airplane stamp the date on the postcard and mail
supports the nomination or election of Directorate, Attn: Rules Docket (ANM– it back to you.
a particular person for an elective 113), Docket No. NM349, 1601 Lind
Background
directorship; or Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
(2) Take any other action to influence 98055–4056. You may deliver two On August 18, 2004, Dassault
votes for a directorship. copies to the Transport Airplane Aviation applied for an amendment to
Directorate at the above address. You the type design for the installation and
§ 915.16 [Amended] operation of an infrared enhanced flight
must mark your comments: Docket No.
■ 5. Amend the last sentence of NM349. Comments may be inspected in visibility system (EFVS) on Model
§ 915.16(e) by revising the reference the Rules Docket weekdays, except Falcon 900EX airplanes with
‘‘§ 915.8(e)’’ to read ‘‘§ 915.8(f)’’. Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and modification M3083 installed, and
4 p.m. Model Falcon 2000EX airplanes with
§ 915.17 [Amended] modification M1691 installed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dale
■ 6. Amend the last sentence of Commercially, these airplanes are
Dunford, FAA, Transport Standards
§ 915.17(b)(1) by revising the reference identified as the Falcon 900EX EASy
Staff, ANM–111, Transport Airplane
‘‘§ 915.8(b)’’ to read ‘‘§ 915.8(c)’’. and the Falcon 2000EX EASy. In this
Directorate, Aircraft Certification
document, all references to Falcon
Dated: July 12, 2006. Service, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
900EX EASy and Falcon 2000EX EASy
By the Board of Directors of the Federal Renton, Washington 98055–4056;
airplanes mean airplanes with the
Housing Finance Board. telephone (425) 227–2239; fax (425)
applicable modification installed. The
Ronald A. Rosenfeld, 227–1320; e-mail:
original type certificate for the Model
Chairman. dale.dunford@faa.gov.
Falcon 900EX airplane is A46EU,
[FR Doc. E6–11306 Filed 7–17–06; 8:45 am] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA revision 13, dated February 27, 2006.
BILLING CODE 6725–01–P has determined that the substance of The original type certificate for the
these special conditions has previously Model Falcon 2000EX airplane is
been subject to the public comment A50NM revision 3, dated September 21,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION process. These particular special 2004.
conditions were recently issued and The Dassault Aviation Model Falcon
Federal Aviation Administration only three non-substantive comments 900EX and Falcon 2000EX are transport
were received during the public category airplanes that operate with a
14 CFR Part 25 comment period. The FAA therefore crew of two. The Model Falcon 900EX
finds that good cause exists for making has a wing span of 63 feet 5 inches, a
[Docket No. NM349; Special Conditions No.
25–319–SC] these special conditions effective upon length of 66 feet 4 inches, a maximum
issuance. takeoff gross weight of 48,300 pounds,
Special Conditions: Dassault Aviation is powered by three Allied Signal
Comments Invited Engines TFE 731–60–1C turbofan
Model Falcon 900EX and Falcon
2000EX Airplanes; Enhanced Flight We invite interested people to take engines, and has a maximum range of
Visibility System (EFVS) part in this rulemaking by sending 4,500 nautical miles. The Model Falcon
written comments, data, or views. The 2000EX airplane has a wing span of 63
AGENCY: Federal Aviation most helpful comments reference a feet 5 inches, a length of 66 feet 4
Administration (FAA), DOT. specific portion of the special inches, a maximum takeoff gross weight
ACTION: Final special conditions; request conditions, explain the reason for any of 41,300 pounds, is powered by two
for comments. recommended change, and include Pratt & Whitney Canada Model PW308C
supporting data. We ask that you send turbofan engines, and has a maximum
SUMMARY: These special conditions are us two copies of written comments. range of 3,800 nautical miles.
issued for certain Dassault Aviation We will file in the docket all The electronic infrared image
Model Falcon 900EX and Falcon comments we receive, as well as a displayed between the pilot and the
2000EX airplanes. These airplanes will report summarizing each substantive forward windshield represents a novel
have an advanced enhanced flight public contact with FAA personnel or unusual design feature in the context
visibility system (EFVS). The EFVS is a about these special conditions. You can of 14 CFR 25.773. Section 25.773 was
novel or unusual design feature which inspect the docket before and after the not written in anticipation of such
consists of a head up display (HUD) comment closing date. If you wish to technology. The electronic image has
system modified to display forward- review the docket in person, go to the the potential to enhance the pilot’s
looking infrared (FLIR) imagery. The address in the ADDRESSES section of this awareness of the terrain, hazards and
applicable airworthiness regulations do preamble between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., airport features. At the same time, the
not contain adequate or appropriate Monday through Friday, except Federal image may partially obscure the pilot’s
safety standards for this design feature. holidays. direct outside compartment view.
These special conditions contain the We will consider all comments we Therefore, the FAA needs adequate
additional safety standards that the receive by the closing date for safety standards to evaluate the EFVS to
Administrator considers necessary to comments. We will consider comments determine that the imagery provides the
establish a level of safety equivalent to filed late if it is possible to do so intended visual enhancements without
that established by the existing without incurring expense or delay. We undue interference with the pilot’s
mstockstill on PROD1PC68 with RULES

airworthiness standards. may change these special conditions outside compartment view. The FAA
DATES: The effective date of these based on the comments we receive. intent is that the pilot will be able to use
special conditions is July 7, 2006. We If you want us to let you know we a combination of the information seen
must receive your comments by received your comments on these in the image and the natural view of the
September 1, 2006. special conditions, send us a pre- outside scene seen through the image, as

VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:08 Jul 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18JYR1.SGM 18JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 18, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 40649

safely and effectively as a pilot issue of the ‘‘pilot compartment view,’’ include any other model that
compartment view without an EVS as was done by Special Conditions No. incorporates the same novel or unusual
image that is compliant with § 25.773. 25–180–SC, but also to define the scope design feature, the special conditions
Although the FAA has determined of intended function consistent with would also apply to the other model.
that the existing regulations are not § 91.175(l) and (m).
Novel or Unusual Design Features
adequate for certification of EFVSs, it
Type Certification Basis The Dassault Aviation Model Falcon
believes that EFVSs could be certified
through application of appropriate Under the provisions of 14 CFR 900EX EASy and Falcon 2000EX EASy
safety criteria. Therefore, the FAA has 21.101, Dassault Aviation must show airplanes will incorporate an EFVS,
determined that special conditions that the Model Falcon 900EX and which is a novel or unusual design
should be issued for certification of Falcon 2000EX airplanes, as modified, feature. The EFVS is a novel or unusual
EFVS to provide a level of safety comply with the regulations in the U.S. design feature because it projects a
equivalent to that provided by the type certification basis established for video image derived from a forward-
standard in § 25.773. those airplanes. The U.S. type looking infrared (FLIR) camera through
certification basis for the airplanes is the HUD. The EFVS image is projected
Note: The term ‘‘enhanced vision system’’
(EVS) has been commonly used to refer to a
established in accordance with §§ 21.21 in the center of the ‘‘pilot compartment
system comprised of a head-up display, and 21.17, and the type certification view,’’ which is governed by § 25.773.
imaging sensor(s), and avionics interfaces application date. The U.S. type The image is displayed with HUD
that displayed the sensor imagery on the certification basis for the Model Falcon symbology and overlays the forward
head up display (HUD) and overlaid it with 900EX airplanes is listed in Type outside view. Therefore, § 25.773 does
alpha-numeric and symbolic flight Certificate Data Sheet No. A46EU, not contain appropriate safety standards
information. However, the term has also been revision 13, dated February 27, 2006, for the EFVS display.
commonly used in reference to systems which covers all variants of the Model Operationally, during an instrument
which displayed the sensor imagery, with or Falcon 900 airplanes, including the approach, the EFVS image is intended
without other flight information, on a head
Falcon 900EX EASy. The U.S. type to enhance the pilot’s ability to detect
down display. To avoid confusion, the FAA
created the term ‘‘enhanced flight visibility certification basis for the Model Falcon and identify ‘‘visual references for the
system’’ (EFVS) to refer to certain EVS 2000EX airplanes is listed in Type intended runway’’ [see § 91.175(l)(3)] to
systems that meet the requirements of the Certificate Data Sheet No. A50NM, continue the approach below decision
new operational rules—in particular the revision 3, dated September 21, 2004, height or minimum descent altitude.
requirement for a HUD and specified flight which covers all variants of the Model Depending on atmospheric conditions
information—and can be used to determine Falcon 2000 airplanes, including the and the strength of infrared energy
‘‘enhanced flight visibility.’’ EFVSs can be Falcon 2000 EX EASy. emitted and/or reflected from the scene,
considered a subset of systems otherwise In addition, the certification basis the pilot can see these visual references
labeled EVSs. in the image better than he or she can
includes certain special conditions and
On January 9, 2004, the FAA exemptions that are not relevant to these see them through the window without
published revisions to operational rules special conditions. Also, if the EFVS.
in 14 CFR parts 1, 91, 121, 125, and 135 regulations incorporated by reference do Scene contrast detected by infrared
to allow aircraft to operate below certain not provide adequate standards with sensors can be much different from that
altitudes during a straight-in instrument respect to the change, the applicant detected by natural pilot vision. On a
approach while using an EFVS to meet must comply with certain regulations in dark night, thermal differences of
visibility requirements. effect on the date of application for the objects which are not detectable by the
Prior to this rule change, the FAA change. naked eye will be easily detected by
issued Special Conditions No. 25–180– If the Administrator finds that the many imaging infrared systems. On the
SC, which approved the use of an EVS applicable airworthiness regulations other hand, contrasting colors in visual
on Gulfstream Model G–V airplanes. (i.e., part 25 as amended) do not contain wavelengths may be distinguished by
Those special conditions addressed the adequate or appropriate safety standards the naked eye but not by an imaging
requirements for the pilot compartment for the Dassault Aviation Model Falcon infrared system. Where thermal contrast
view and limited the scope of the 900EX and Falcon 2000EX, modified by in the scene is sufficiently detectable,
intended functions permissible under Dassault Aviation, because of a novel or the pilot can recognize shapes and
the operational rules at the time. The unusual design feature, special patterns of certain visual references in
intended function of the EVS imagery conditions are prescribed under the the infrared image. However, depending
was to aid the pilot during the approach provisions of § 21.16. on conditions, those shapes and
and allow the pilot to detect and In addition to the applicable patterns in the infrared image can
identify the visual references for the airworthiness regulations and special appear significantly different than they
intended runway down to 100 feet conditions, the Dassault Aviation Model would with normal vision. Considering
above the touchdown zone. However, Falcon 900EX EASy and Falcon 2000EX these factors, the EFVS image needs to
the EVS imagery alone was not to be EASy airplanes must comply with the be evaluated to determine that it can be
used as a means to satisfy visibility fuel vent and exhaust emission accurately interpreted by the pilot.
requirements below 100 feet. requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the The image may improve the pilot’s
The recent operational rule change noise certification requirements of 14 ability to detect and identify items of
expands the permissible application of CFR part 36. interest. However, the EFVS needs to be
certain EVSs that are certified to meet The FAA issues special conditions, as evaluated to determine that the imagery
the new EFVS standards. The new rule defined in § 11.19, under § 11.38 and allows the pilot to perform the normal
will allow the use of EFVSs for they become part of the type duties of the flightcrew and adequately
mstockstill on PROD1PC68 with RULES

operation below the minimum descent certification basis under § 21.101. see outside the window through the
altitude (MDA) or decision height (DH) Special conditions are initially image, consistent with the safety intent
to meet new visibility requirements of applicable to the model for which they of § 25.773(a)(2).
§ 91.175(l). The purpose of these special are issued. Should the type certificate Compared to a HUD displaying the
conditions is not only to address the for those models be amended later to EFVS image and symbology, a HUD that

VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:08 Jul 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18JYR1.SGM 18JYR1
40650 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 18, 2006 / Rules and Regulations

only displays stroke-written symbols is by § 91.175(l), and to visually monitor effectively as the pilot would use a pilot
easier to see through. Stroke symbology the integrity of the approach, as compartment view without an EVS
illuminates a small fraction of the total described in FAA Order 6750.24D image that is compliant with § 25.773.
display area of the HUD, leaving much (‘‘Instrument Landing System and This is the fundamental objective of the
of that area free of reflected light that Ancillary Electronic Component special conditions.
could interfere with the pilot’s view out Configuration and Performance The FAA will also apply additional
the window through the display. Requirements,’’ dated March 1, 2000). certification criteria, not as special
However, unlike stroke symbology, the Based on this approved functionality, conditions, for compliance with related
video image illuminates most of the users would seek to obtain operational regulatory requirements, such as
total display area of the HUD approval to conduct approaches— §§ 25.1301 and 25.1309. These
(approximately 30 degrees horizontally including approaches to Type I additional criteria address certain image
and 25 degrees vertically) which is a runways—in visibility conditions much characteristics, installation,
significant fraction of the pilot lower than those for conventional demonstration, and system safety.
compartment view. The pilot cannot see Category I. Image characteristics criteria include
around the larger illuminated portions The purpose of these special the following:
of the video image, but must see the conditions is to ensure that the EFVS to • Resolution,
outside scene through it. be installed can perform the following • Luminance,
Unlike the pilot’s external view, the functions: • Luminance uniformity,
EFVS image is a monochrome, two- • Present an enhanced view that • Low level luminance,
dimensional display. Many, but not all, would aid the pilot during the • Contrast variation,
of the depth cues found in the natural approach. • Display quality,
view are also found in the image. The • Provide enhanced flight visibility to • Display dynamics (e.g., jitter,
quality of the EFVS image and the level the pilot that is no less than the flicker, update rate, and lag), and
of EFVS infrared sensor performance visibility prescribed in the standard • Brightness controls.
could depend significantly on instrument approach procedure. Installation criteria address visibility
conditions of the atmospheric and • Display an image that the pilot can and access to EFVS controls and
external light sources. The pilot needs use to detect and identify the ‘‘visual integration of EFVS in the cockpit.
adequate control of sensor gain and references for the intended runway’’ The EFVS demonstration criteria
image brightness, which can required by § 91.175(l)(3) to continue address the flight and environmental
significantly affect image quality and the approach with vertical guidance to conditions that need to be covered.
transparency (i.e., the ability to see the 100 feet height above the touchdown The FAA also intends to apply
outside view through the image). zone elevation. certification criteria relevant to high
Certain system characteristics could Depending on the atmospheric intensity radiated fields (HIRF) and
create distracting and confusing display conditions and the particular visual lightning protection.
artifacts. Finally, because this is a references that happen to be distinctly Applicability
sensor-based system intended to visible and detectable in the EFVS
image, these functions would support As discussed above, these special
provide a conformal perspective
its use by the pilot to visually monitor conditions are applicable to Dassault
corresponding with the outside scene,
the integrity of the approach path. Aviation Model Falcon 900EX airplanes
the system must be able to ensure
Compliance with these special with modification M3083 installed
accurate alignment.
Therefore, safety standards are needed conditions does not affect the (Falcon 900EX EASy) and Model Falcon
for each of the following factors: applicability of any of the requirements 2000EX airplanes with modification
• An acceptable degree of image of the operating regulations (i.e., 14 CFR M1691 installed (Falcon 2000EX EASy).
transparency; parts 91, 121, and 135). Furthermore, Should Dassault Aviation apply at a
• Image alignment; use of the EFVS does not change the later date for an amendment to the type
• Lack of significant distortion; and approach minima prescribed in the design to modify any other model
• The potential for pilot confusion or standard instrument approach included on Type Certificates No.
misleading information. procedure being used; published A46EU or A50NM to incorporate the
Section 25.773, Pilot compartment minima still apply. same novel or unusual design feature,
view, specifies that ‘‘Each pilot The FAA certification of this EFVS is the special conditions would apply to
compartment must be free of glare and limited as follows: those models as well.
reflection that could interfere with the • The infrared-based EFVS image will
Conclusion
normal duties of the minimum flight not be certified as a means to satisfy the
crew * * *.’’ In issuing § 25.773, the requirements for descent below 100 feet This action affects only certain novel
FAA did not anticipate the development height above touchdown (HAT). or unusual design features on Dassault
of EFVSs and does not consider § 25.773 • The EFVS may be used as a Aviation Model Falcon 900EX EASy
to be adequate to address the specific supplemental device to enhance the and Falcon 2000EX EASy airplanes
issues related to such a system. pilot’s situational awareness during any modified by Dassault Aviation. It is not
Therefore, the FAA has determined that phase of flight or operation in which its a rule of general applicability.
special conditions are needed to address safe use has been established. The substance of these special
the specific issues particular to the An EFVS image may provide an conditions has been subjected to the
installation and use of an EFVS. enhanced image of the scene that may notice and comment period in several
compensate for any reduction in the prior instances and has been derived
Discussion clear outside view of the visual field without substantive change from those
mstockstill on PROD1PC68 with RULES

The EFVS is intended to function by framed by the HUD combiner. The pilot previously issued. It is unlikely that
presenting an enhanced view during the must be able to use this combination of prior public comment would result in a
approach. This enhanced view would information seen in the image and the significant change from the substance
help the pilot to see and recognize natural view of the outside scene seen contained herein. Therefore, because a
external visual references, as required through the image as safely and delay would significantly affect the

VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:08 Jul 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18JYR1.SGM 18JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 18, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 40651

certification of the airplane, which is c. A readily accessible control must be c. Enabling the pilot to use the EFVS
imminent, the FAA has determined that provided that permits the pilot to imagery to detect and identify the
prior public notice and comment are immediately deactivate and reactivate ‘‘visual references for the intended
unnecessary and impracticable, and display of the EFVS image on demand. runway,’’ required by § 91.175(l)(3), to
good cause exists for adopting these d. The EFVS image on the HUD must continue the approach with vertical
special conditions upon issuance. The not impair the pilot’s use of guidance guidance to 100 feet height above
FAA is requesting comments to allow information or degrade the presentation touchdown zone elevation.
interested persons to submit views that and pilot awareness of essential flight 5. Use of EFVS for instrument
may not have been submitted in information displayed on the HUD, such approach operations must be in
response to the prior opportunities for as alerts, airspeed, attitude, altitude and accordance with the provisions of
comment described above. direction, approach guidance, § 91.175(l) and (m). Appropriate
windshear guidance, TCAS resolution limitations must be stated in the
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
advisories, or unusual attitude recovery Operating Limitations section of the
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting cues. airplane flight manual to prohibit the
and recordkeeping requirements. e. The EFVS image and the HUD use of the EFVS for functions that have
■ The authority citation for these symbols—which are spatially referenced not been found to be acceptable.
special conditions is as follows: to the pitch scale, outside view and Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 7,
image—must be scaled and aligned (i.e., 2006.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
44702, 44704. conformal) to the external scene. In Ali Bahrami,
addition, the EFVS image and the HUD Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
The Special Conditions symbols—when considered singly or in Aircraft Certification Service.
■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority combination—must not be misleading, [FR Doc. E6–11367 Filed 7–17–06; 8:45 am]
delegated to me by the Administrator, cause pilot confusion, or increase BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
the following special conditions are workload. There may be airplane
issued as part of the type certification attitudes or cross-wind conditions
basis for Dassault Aviation Model which cause certain symbols (e.g., the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Falcon 900EX airplanes with zero-pitch line or flight path vector) to
modification M3083 installed (Falcon reach field of view limits, such that they Federal Aviation Administration
900EX EASy) and Model Falcon 2000EX cannot be positioned conformally with
airplanes with modification M1691 the image and external scene. In such 14 CFR Part 71
installed (Falcon Model 2000EX EASy). cases, these symbols may be displayed
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24243; Airspace
1. The EFVS imagery on the HUD but with an altered appearance which Docket No. 06–AWP–11]
must not degrade the safety of flight or makes the pilot aware that they are no
interfere with the effective use of longer displayed conformally (for Revocation of Class D Airspace; Elko,
outside visual references for required example, ‘‘ghosting’’). NV
pilot tasks during any phase of flight in f. A HUD system used to display
which it is to be used. EFVS images must, if previously AGENCY: Federal Aviation
2. To avoid unacceptable interference certified, continue to meet all of the Administration (FAA), DOT.
with the safe and effective use of the requirements of the original approval. ACTION: Direct final rule, request for
pilot compartment view, the EFVS 3. The safety and performance of the comments.
device must meet the following pilot tasks associated with the use of the
pilot compartment view must not be SUMMARY: This action revokes the Class
requirements:
a. The EFVS design must minimize degraded by the display of the EFVS D airspace area for Elko Municipal-J.C.
unacceptable display characteristics or image. These tasks include the Harris Field, Elko, NV. The FAA is
artifacts (e.g. noise, ‘‘burlap’’ overlay, following: taking this action due to the closure of
running water droplets) that obscure the a. Detection, accurate identification the Elko Municipal Airport Traffic
desired image of the scene, impair the and maneuvering, as necessary, to avoid Control Tower (ATCT).
pilot’s ability to detect and identify traffic, terrain, obstacles, and other DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC
visual references, mask flight hazards, hazards of flight. October 26, 2006.
distract the pilot, or otherwise degrade b. Accurate identification and Comment Date: Comments for
task performance or safety. utilization of visual references required inclusion in the Rules Docket must be
b. Control of EFVS display brightness for every task relevant to the phase of received on or before August 17, 2006.
must be sufficiently effective in flight. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
dynamically changing background 4. Compliance with these special direct final rule to the Docket
(ambient) lighting conditions to prevent conditions will enable the EFVS to be Management System, U.S. Department
full or partial blooming of the display used during instrument approaches in of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400
that would distract the pilot, impair the accordance with § 91.175(l) such that it Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
pilot’s ability to detect and identify may be found acceptable for the 20590–0001. You must identify the
visual references, mask flight hazards, following intended functions: docket number FAA–2006–25243/
or otherwise degrade task performance a. Presenting an image that would aid Airspace Docket No. 06–AWP–11, at the
or safety. If automatic control for image the pilot during a straight-in instrument beginning of your comments. You may
brightness is not provided, it must be approach. also submit comments on the Internet at
shown that a single manual setting is b. Enabling the pilot to determine that http://dms.dot.gov. You may review the
mstockstill on PROD1PC68 with RULES

satisfactory for the range of lighting there is sufficient ‘‘enhanced flight public docket final rule, any comments
conditions encountered during a time- visibility,’’ as required by § 91.175(l)(2), received, and any final disposition in
critical, high workload phase of flight for descent and operation below person in the Dockets Office between 9
(e.g., low visibility instrument minimum descent altitude/decision a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
approach). height (MDA)/(DH). Friday, except Federal holidays. The

VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:08 Jul 17, 2006 Jkt 208001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18JYR1.SGM 18JYR1

You might also like