[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 136 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32807-32815]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15154]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 136 / Monday, July 16, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 32807]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No.: FAA-2018-0653-; Notice No. 18-04]
RIN 2120-AK89


Yaw Maneuver Conditions--Rudder Reversals

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to add a new load condition to the design 
standards for transport category airplanes. The new load condition 
would require the airplane be designed to withstand the loads caused by 
rapid reversals of the rudder pedals and would apply to transport 
category airplanes that have a powered rudder control surface or 
surfaces. This rule is necessary because accident and incident data 
show that pilots sometimes make rudder reversals during flight, even 
though such reversals are unnecessary and discouraged by flightcrew 
training programs. The current design standards do not require the 
airplane structure to withstand the loads that may result from such 
reversals. If the airplane loads exceed those for which it is designed, 
the airplane structure may fail, resulting in catastrophic loss of 
control of the airplane. This proposal aims to prevent structural 
failure of the rudder and vertical stabilizer that may result from 
these rudder reversals.

DATES: Send comments on or before October 15, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number [Insert docket 
number from heading] using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 
of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning 
this action, contact Robert C. Jones, Propulsion & Mechanical Systems 
Section, AIR-672, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; 
telephone and fax (206) 231-3182; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in 
Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes 
the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation 
Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
Requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged with promoting 
safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations and minimum standards for the design and performance of 
aircraft that the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air 
commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority. It 
prescribes new safety standards for the design of transport category 
airplanes.

I. Overview of Proposed Rule

    The FAA proposes to add a new load condition to the design 
standards in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25. 
The new load condition, to be located in new proposed Sec.  25.353, 
would require that the airplane be designed to withstand the loads 
caused by rapid reversals of the rudder pedals. Specifically, 
applicants would have to show that their proposed airplane design can 
withstand an initial full rudder pedal input, followed by three rudder 
reversals at the maximum sideslip angle, followed by return of the 
rudder to neutral. Due to the rarity of such multiple reversals, the 
proposed rule would specify the new load condition is an ultimate load 
condition rather than a limit load condition. Consequently, the 
applicant would not have to apply an additional factor of safety to the 
calculated load levels.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The terms ``limit,'' ``ultimate,'' and ``factor of safety'' 
are specified in Sec.  25.301, ``Loads,'' Sec.  25.303, ``Factor of 
safety,'' and Sec.  25.305, ``Strength and deformation.'' To 
summarize, design loads are typically expressed in terms of limit 
loads, which are then multiplied by a factor of safety, usually 1.5, 
to determine ultimate loads. In this proposal, the design loads 
would be expressed as ultimate loads, and no additional safety 
factor would be applied.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed rule would affect manufacturers of transport category 
airplanes applying for a new type certificate after the effective date 
of the final rule. The proposed rule may also affect applicants 
applying for an amended or supplemental type certificate as determined 
under 14 CFR 21.101 after the effective date of the final rule. 
Proposed Sec.  25.353 would apply to transport category airplanes that 
have a powered rudder control surface or surfaces, as explained in the 
``Discussion of the Proposal.''

II. Background

A. Statement of the Problem

    Accident and incident data from the events described in section 
II.B.1 show pilots sometimes make multiple and unnecessary rudder 
reversals during flight. In addition, FAA-sponsored

[[Page 32808]]

research \2\ indicates that pilots use the rudder more often than 
previously thought and often in ways not recommended by manufacturers. 
Section 25.1583(a)(3)(ii) requires manufacturers to provide 
documentation that warns pilots against making large and rapid control 
reversals as they may result in structural failures at any speed, 
including below the design maneuvering speed (VA). Despite 
the requirement, and though such rudder reversals are unnecessary and 
discouraged by flightcrew training programs, these events continue to 
occur (see section II.B.1, ``History--Accidents and Incidents'' below).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Report No. DOT/FAA/AM-10/14, ``An International Survey of 
Transport Airplane Pilots' Experiences and Perspectives of Lateral/
Directional Control Events and Rudder Issues in Transport Airplanes 
(Rudder Survey),'' dated October 2010, is available in the Docket 
and on the internet at http://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/2010s/media/201014.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 25.351, the standard for protecting the airplane's vertical 
stabilizer from pilot-commanded maneuver loads, only addresses single, 
full rudder inputs at airspeeds up to the design diving speed 
(VD).\3\ This design standard does not protect the airplane 
from the loads imposed by repeated inputs in opposing directions, or 
rudder reversals.\4\ If the loads on the vertical stabilizer exceed 
those for which it is designed, the vertical stabilizer may fail, 
resulting in the catastrophic loss of airplane control.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ VD is the design diving speed: The maximum speed 
at which the airplane is certified to fly. See 14 CFR 1.2. Advisory 
Circular 25-7C provides additional information related to 
VD.
    \4\ A rudder reversal is a continuous, pilot-commanded pedal 
movement starting from pedal displacement in one direction followed 
by pedal displacement in the opposite direction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Incidents and accidents related to rudder reversals have occurred 
in the past, and the FAA believes that another such event could occur, 
resulting in injuries to occupants or a structural failure that 
jeopardizes continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.

B. History

1. Accidents and Incidents
    Rudder reversals have caused a number of accidents and incidents. 
On November 12, 2001, American Airlines Flight 587 (AA587), an Airbus 
Model A300-600 series airplane, crashed at Belle Harbor, New York, 
resulting in 265 deaths and the loss of the airplane. The National 
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the probable cause of 
this accident was the in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer 
as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by 
the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs. The 
NTSB also noted that contributing to these rudder pedal inputs were 
characteristics of the Airbus A300-600 rudder system design and 
elements of the American Airlines Advanced Aircraft Maneuvering 
Program.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, ``In-flight 
Separation of Vertical Stabilizer, American Airlines Flight 587, 
Airbus Industrie A300-605R, N14053, Belle Harbor, New York, November 
12, 2001,'' dated October 26, 2004, is available in the Docket and 
on the internet at https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAR0404.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In two additional events--commonly known as the Interflug incident 
\6\ and Miami Flight 903 accident (AA903) \7\--the vertical stabilizer 
of each airplane experienced loads above the ultimate load level due to 
pedal reversals commanded by the pilot after the airplane stalled.\8\ 
While none of the passengers and crew were injured in the Interflug 
incident, a passenger was seriously injured and a crewmember sustained 
minor injuries in the AA903 accident. The AA903 airplane also sustained 
sheared fasteners, deformed nacelles, and engine component damage, but 
landed safely. A catastrophe similar to AA587 was averted in each of 
these events because the vertical stabilizer was stronger than required 
by the design standards.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ On February 11, 1991, an Airbus Model A310 series airplane 
experienced in-flight loss of control over Moscow, Russia.
    \7\ On May 12, 1997, an Airbus Model A300-600 series airplane 
experienced in-flight loss of control near West Palm Beach, Florida, 
after the flightcrew failed to recognize that the airplane had 
entered a stall.
    \8\ The Interflug and Miami Flight 903 events are discussed in 
NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, pp. 103-110. See 
footnote 5 on p. 6.
    \9\ FCHWG Recommendation Report, ``Rudder Pedal Sensitivity/
Rudder Reversal,'' dated November 7, 2013, is available in the 
Docket and on the internet at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/TAEfch-rpsrr-3282011.pdf. See p. 5 of the report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other rudder reversal events have occurred more recently. On 
January 10, 2008, an Airbus Model 319-114 series airplane, operated as 
Air Canada Flight 190 (AC190), encountered a wake vortex while at 
cruise altitude over Washington State.\10\ The pilot responded with 
inputs that included six rudder reversals. The flightcrew eventually 
stabilized the airplane and diverted to an airport capable of handling 
the injured passengers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ TSB Aviation Investigation Report A08W0007, ``Encounter 
with Wake Turbulence,'' is available in the Docket and on the 
internet at http://tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2008/a08w0007/a08w0007.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigated this 
event, along with NTSB accredited representatives, and classified it as 
an accident. Analysis by the TSB showed that the pilot's actions 
resulted in a load on the vertical stabilizer that exceeded its limit 
load by approximately 29 percent. The TSB found that the flightcrew was 
startled by wake turbulence at that altitude, erroneously believed that 
the airplane had malfunctioned, and therefore responded with erroneous 
actions. The pilot had received training to avoid rudder reversals.
    On May 27, 2005, a Bombardier DHC-8-100 series airplane, operated 
by Provincial Airlines Limited for passenger service, experienced a 
stall and uncontrolled descent over Canada.\11\ During climb-out, the 
indicated airspeed gradually decreased, due to the flightcrew's 
inadvertent selection of an incorrect autopilot mode. The airplane 
stalled at an unexpectedly high airspeed, likely due to the formation 
of ice. The flightcrew's failure to recognize the stall resulted in 
incorrect control inputs and the loss of 4,200 feet of altitude in 
approximately 40 seconds before recovery. There were no injuries and 
the airplane was not damaged. During this event, the pilot commanded a 
rudder reversal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ TSB Aviation Investigation Report A05A0059. See footnote 10 
on p. 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. New Transport Airplane Programs
    Since the AA587 accident, the FAA has responded to the risk posed 
by rudder reversals, in part, by requesting that applicants for new 
type certificates show that their designs are capable of continued safe 
flight and landing after experiencing repeated rudder reversals. 
Applicants have been able to show this capability through rudder 
control laws in flight control systems. Applicants have incorporated 
these control laws through software and, therefore, added no weight or 
maintenance cost to the airplanes.
    In 2016, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) began applying 
special conditions to new airplane certification programs. EASA 
mandated these special conditions to address the exact risk of rudder 
reversals explained in this NPRM. The requirements in the EASA special 
conditions are identical to the requirements proposed in this NPRM.
3. FAA Survey of Pilots' Rudder Use
    In 2006, the FAA sponsored a survey \12\ to better comprehend 
transport category pilots' understanding and use of the rudder. This 
survey included

[[Page 32809]]

transport pilots from all over the world. The FAA's analysis of the 
survey data found that--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Report No. DOT/FAA/AM-10/14 (see footnote 2 on p. 5), OMB 
Control No. 2120-0712.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Pilots use the rudder more than previously thought and 
often in ways not recommended by manufacturers.
     Pilots make erroneous rudder pedal inputs, and some 
erroneous rudder pedal inputs include rudder reversals.
     Even after specific training, many pilots are not aware 
that they should not make rudder reversals, even below VA. 
Over the last several years, training and changes to the airplane 
flight manual (AFM) have directed the pilot to avoid making cyclic 
control inputs. The rudder reversals that caused the AC190 incident in 
2008, and the Provincial Airlines Limited incident in 2005, occurred 
despite this effort.
     The survey indicated that pilots in airplane upset 
situations (e.g., wake vortex encounters) may revert to prior training 
and make sequential rudder reversals.

C. Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Activity

    In 2011, the FAA tasked ARAC to consider the need to add a new 
flight maneuver load condition to part 25, subpart C, that would ensure 
airplane structural capability in the presence of rudder reversals and 
increasing sideslip angles (yaw angles) at airspeeds up to 
VD. The FAA also tasked ARAC to consider if other 
airworthiness standards would more appropriately address this concern, 
such as pedal characteristics that would discourage pilots from making 
rudder reversals.\13\ ARAC delegated this task to the Transport 
Airplane and Engine subcommittee, which assigned it to the Flight 
Controls Harmonization Working Group (FCHWG).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ This notice of ARAC tasking was published in the Federal 
Register on March 28, 2011 (76 FR 17183).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FCHWG was tasked to examine several options to protect the 
airplane from pilot-commanded rudder reversals. These options included 
developing new standards for--
     Loads,
     Maneuverability,
     System design,
     Control sensitivity,
     Alerting, and
     Pilot training.
    The FCHWG completed its report in November 2013.\14\ ARAC and the 
FAA accepted the report. The report's findings and recommendations 
guided the formation of this proposal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ FCHWG Recommendation Report, ``Rudder Pedal Sensitivity/
Rudder Reversal,'' dated November 7, 2013, is available in the 
Docket and on the internet at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/TAEfch-rpsrr-3282011.pdf. See footnote 9 on p. 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While multiple rudder reversals are a very low probability event, 
they have occurred in service and cannot be ruled out in the future. 
The FCHWG found that a load condition was the optimal way to protect 
the airplane from the excessive loads that can result from multiple 
rudder reversals. The FCHWG recommended a load condition over the other 
options because it would be a performance-based requirement. The FCHWG 
noted that this would provide applicants for design approval with the 
flexibility to determine the best way to meet a load condition.

D. NTSB Safety Recommendation

    Following the AA587 accident described in section II.B.1 of this 
NPRM, the NTSB provided safety recommendations to the FAA. The NTSB 
stated, ``For airplanes with variable stop rudder travel limiter 
systems, protection from dangerous structural loads resulting from 
sustained alternating large rudder pedal inputs can be achieved by 
reducing the sensitivity of the rudder control system (for example, by 
increasing the pedal forces), which would make it harder for pilots to 
quickly perform alternating full rudder inputs.'' In Safety 
Recommendation A-04-056,\15\ the NTSB recommended that the FAA modify 
part 25 to include a certification standard that will ensure safe 
handling qualities in the yaw axis throughout the flight envelope, 
including limits for rudder pedal sensitivity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ NTSB Safety Recommendation A-04-056 is available in the 
Docket and on the internet at http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-recs/RecLetters/A04_56_62.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This proposed rule would address this recommendation and, if 
incorporated on new airplane designs, would reduce the risk of an event 
similar to AA587. The proposed rule would also respond to the NTSB's 
concern about rudder pedal sensitivity.

E. Other Regulatory Actions

1. 2010 Revisions to Sec.  25.1583
    During its investigation of the AA587 accident, the NTSB found that 
many pilots of transport category airplanes mistakenly believed that, 
as long as the airplane's speed is below VA, they can make 
any control input they desire without risking structural damage to the 
airplane. AA587 exposed the fact that this assumption is incorrect. As 
a result, the NTSB recommended that the FAA amend its regulations to 
clarify that operating at or below VA does not provide 
structural protection against multiple, full control inputs in one 
axis, or full control inputs in more than one axis at the same 
time.\16\ After making its own assessment, the FAA agreed, and revised 
Sec.  25.1583(a)(3) at Amendment 25-130, effective October 15, 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ NTSB Safety Recommendation A-04-60 is available in the 
Docket and on the internet at http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-
recs/recletters/A04_56_62.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 25.1583(a)(3) was revised to change the information that 
applicants must furnish in the AFM explaining the use of VA 
to pilots. The amendment clarified that, depending on the particular 
airplane design, flying at or below VA does not allow a 
pilot to make multiple large control inputs in one airplane axis or 
full control inputs in more than one airplane axis at a time without 
endangering the airplane's structure. However, the AC190 accident shows 
that even a properly trained pilot might make rudder reversals when 
startled or responding to a perceived failure.
2. Airworthiness Directives
    In 2012, the FAA adopted an airworthiness directive (AD) applicable 
to all Airbus Model A300-600 and Model A310 series airplanes.\17\ The 
AD was prompted by the excessive rudder pedal inputs and consequent 
high loads on the vertical stabilizer in the events described 
previously, including AA587. The AD required operators to either 
incorporate a design change to the rudder control system or other 
systems, or install a modification that alerts the pilot to stop making 
rudder inputs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ AD 2012-21-15 was published in the Federal Register on 
November 9, 2012 (77 FR 67526). For more information, see Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0518 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2015, the FAA adopted an AD applicable to all Airbus Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.\18\ That AD was prompted by a 
determination that, in specific flight conditions, the allowable load 
limits on the vertical stabilizer could be reached and possibly 
exceeded. Exceeding allowable load could result in detachment of the 
vertical stabilizer. The AD also required a modification that alerts 
the pilot to stop making rudder inputs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ AD 2015-23-13 was published in the Federal Register on 
December 29, 2015 (77 FR 67526). For more information, see Docket 
No. FAA-2011-0518 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Advisory Material

    The FAA has developed proposed Advisory Circular (AC) 25.353-X, 
``Design Load Conditions for Rudder Control Reversal,'' to be published 
concurrently with this NPRM. This proposed AC would provide guidance

[[Page 32810]]

material on acceptable means, but not the only means, of showing 
compliance with proposed Sec.  25.353. The FAA will post the proposed 
AC on the ``Aviation Safety Draft Documents Open for Comment'' web page 
at http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/.\19\ The FAA requests that 
you submit comments on the proposed AC through that web page.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The proposed AC is also available in the Docket. To ensure 
the FAA receives your comments on the proposed AC, please submit 
them via the instructions found on the ``Aviation Safety Draft 
Documents Open for Comment'' web page.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion of the Proposal

    The FAA proposes to revise 14 CFR by adding new Sec.  25.353 to add 
a design load condition. It would apply to transport category airplanes 
that have a powered rudder control surface or surfaces, as explained 
later in this section. The load condition would require that the 
airplane be able to withstand three full reversals of the rudder pedals 
at the most critical points in the flight envelope. From a neutral 
position, the pedal input would be sudden and to one side and held; 
then, as the maximum sideslip angle is reached, the pedals would be 
suddenly displaced in the opposite direction and held until the 
opposite angle is reached; then again to the first side; then again to 
the second side; then suddenly moved back to the neutral position.
    The reason for this proposal is that pilots make inadvertent and 
erroneous rudder pedal inputs, and the accident and incident data show 
that the loads caused by rudder reversals can surpass the airplane's 
structural limit load and sometimes its ultimate load. Compliance with 
the proposed rule would require a showing that the airplane's vertical 
stabilizer and other airplane structure are strong enough to withstand 
the rudder reversals.
    Ten of the eleven members of the FCHWG recommended proposing some 
form of a new load condition to protect the airplane against rudder 
reversals. During discussions, five members of the FCHWG \20\ 
recommended requiring a load condition that would protect the airplane 
from three, sequential, full rudder reversals. This notice puts forth 
those proposals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), 
EASA, National Civil Aviation Agency--Brazil (ANAC), and Transport 
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), and FAA representatives.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Five members of the FCHWG \21\ recommended a similar load 
condition, which would only protect against a single reversal of the 
rudder pedals. The FAA is not proposing this alternative because a new 
rule that only includes a single rudder reversal, with a safety factor 
of 1.0, would not materially increase the design load level from 
current design loads criteria and would not be effective in preventing 
accidents such as the AA587 accident.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ Airbus, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault Aviation, and Embraer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One member, The Boeing Company (Boeing), took the position that no 
new rulemaking or design standards are required, and that the risk from 
rudder reversals should be addressed by flightcrew training. Boeing 
stated that rudder reversals are always inappropriate and that pilots 
should never make such commands. Boeing argued it is inappropriate to 
issue an airworthiness standard to mitigate a situation caused by 
actions that pilots should avoid. The FAA rejects this alternative 
because, while multiple rudder reversals are a very low probability 
event, they have been seen in service, despite training, and cannot be 
ruled out in the future.
    As indicated previously, yaw maneuver loads are currently specified 
in Sec.  25.351, ``Yaw maneuver conditions.'' The FAA used this 
requirement as a template to develop the proposed new rudder reversal 
design load condition. Therefore, the proposed load condition would be 
similar to the load condition required by Sec.  25.351, except as 
follows:
     Section 25.351 specifies a single, full-pedal command 
followed by a sudden pedal release after the airplane has reached the 
steady-state sideslip angle. Proposed Sec.  25.353 would specify a 
single, full-pedal command followed by three rudder reversals, and 
return to neutral.
     In the proposed rule, the rudder reversals must be 
performed at the maximum sideslip angle, which is referred to as the 
``overswing sideslip angle.'' This term is also used in Sec.  25.351 
and would have the same meaning. The overswing sideslip angle is the 
maximum sideslip angle that occurs following full rudder pedal input 
and includes the additional sideslip that may occur beyond the steady-
state sideslip angle.
     The Sec.  25.353 load requirement would be an ultimate 
design load condition, instead of a limit load condition as in Sec.  
25.351. This means that applicants would apply a safety factor of 1.0, 
rather than 1.5. The proposed rudder reversal maneuver would cover the 
worst-case rudder maneuver expected to occur in service. Because 
service history has shown that three full rudder reversals are unusual, 
the FAA proposes that a safety factor of 1.0 is appropriate.
     The proposed Sec.  25.353 condition would require only 
that the applicant account for the rudder reversals at speeds up to the 
design cruising speed (VC). In contrast, Sec.  25.351 
requires applicants to account for speeds up to VD. The 
reason for this difference is that VC represents the 
majority of the flight envelope, and compliance to VD is not 
necessary due to the infrequency of exposure to such speeds and the low 
probability that a rudder reversal will occur at speeds above 
VC.
     Section 25.351 requires a pilot force of up to 300 pounds, 
depending on the airplane's speed. In contrast, the pilot force 
specified in Sec.  25.353 would be limited to 200 pounds because it 
would be difficult, and therefore very unlikely, for a pilot to 
maintain 300 pounds of force while performing rapid alternating inputs.
     The proposed Sec.  25.353 condition would be evaluated 
only with the landing gear retracted and speed brakes (and spoilers 
when used as speed brakes) retracted. This is because flight loads 
would be more severe with the gear and speed brakes retracted.

A. Expected Methods of Compliance

    The proposed rule is performance-based. For example, an applicant 
could choose to comply with the proposed standard by using control 
system architecture and control laws to limit the airplane response to 
rudder reversals, and thereby reduce structural loads on the airplane. 
An applicant could also choose to comply by increasing the capability 
of the airplane to withstand the maximum expected structural loads that 
could result from the proposed load condition.

B. Proposed Applicability

    After examining all the data and considering stakeholder opinions, 
the FAA has determined that the proposed rule should apply to new type 
certification programs of transport category airplane designs and to 
amended or supplemental type certificate programs as determined under 
Sec.  21.101. The proposed rule would affect manufacturers of transport 
category airplanes. In the future, applicants who want to certify new 
airplanes under part 25 would have to comply with proposed Sec.  
25.353.
    As noted previously, this proposed rule would apply only to 
airplanes that use powered rudder control surfaces. In this proposed 
rule, a powered rudder control surface is one in which the force 
required to deflect the surface against the airstream is generated or 
augmented by hydraulic or electric systems. An unpowered rudder control 
surface is

[[Page 32811]]

one for which the force required to deflect the surface against the 
airstream is transmitted from the pilot's rudder pedal directly through 
mechanical means, without any augmentation from hydraulic or electrical 
systems. Powered rudder control systems include fly-by-wire (FBW) and 
hydro-mechanical systems. Unpowered rudder control systems are also 
referred to as mechanical systems. Incorporation of a powered yaw 
damper into an otherwise unpowered rudder control system does not 
constitute a powered rudder control surface, for the purpose of this 
proposed rule. The reasons that the FAA proposes to exclude airplanes 
with unpowered (mechanical) rudder control surfaces are as follows, and 
the FAA seeks comment on these reasons:
    1. The only U.S. transport category airplane models, currently in 
production, that use unpowered rudder control surfaces are small 
business jets. Small airplanes typically have a minimal delay between 
pilot yaw control inputs and airplane response. The pilots of these 
airplanes receive more immediate feedback of airplane response to their 
yaw control inputs and, therefore, are less likely to execute 
inappropriate pedal movements resulting in rudder reversals.
    2. The only U.S. transport category airplane models, currently in 
production, that use an unpowered rudder control surface are also 
equipped with a yaw damper. The FAA has assessed the design of this yaw 
damper and determined its normal operation would be adequate to reduce 
yaw overshoot loads resulting from rudder reversals to acceptable 
levels. However, the yaw damper system on these airplanes is not 
required to be operational on any given flight. The yaw damper is 
included in these airplanes primarily to improve ride quality for 
passenger comfort (as opposed to providing adequate stability about the 
yaw axis to ensure airplane safety). Since the yaw damper may not be 
available on a given flight, the manufacturer of these airplanes has 
stated it might need to add structure or an improved yaw damper to any 
new type certificated airplanes to comply with the proposed rule.\22\ 
This would significantly increase design, production, and operation 
costs. The FAA considers that, for these airplanes, the cost to comply 
with the proposed, new load condition through structural modification 
is not justified by the relatively low risk these airplanes face from 
rudder reversals. Further, the FAA considers it unlikely that many of 
these airplanes would fly for extended periods without an operable yaw 
damper that provides acceptable ride quality. Therefore, most of these 
airplanes have protection against yaw overshoot loads, even if they are 
not required to demonstrate this protection during certification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ A record of this conversation between the FAA and airplane 
manufacturer is available in the Docket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. The use of unpowered rudder control surfaces is diminishing in 
the transport category airplane fleet. The FAA expects that most, if 
not all, new type certificate applications to which this proposed rule 
would apply will employ powered rudder control surfaces.
    4. The FAA has reviewed the accident and incident records and has 
found no events in which pilots commanded inappropriate rudder 
reversals on airplanes with unpowered rudder control surfaces. This 
alone does not mean such systems cannot be affected by pilot-commanded 
inappropriate rudder reversals. However, the absence of any previous 
incidents indicates that excluding these designs would not appreciably 
increase the future risk of such events above acceptable levels.

C. Summary

    The proposed design criteria would provide a practical, relatively 
low-cost solution that would be achievable on future designs without 
the requirement to significantly strengthen the vertical stabilizer, or 
make significant changes to system design. In fact, some current 
airplanes would be able to meet the proposed criteria with no changes 
whatsoever. This proposal should require a minimal increment of 
applicant resources to show compliance. While an applicant might choose 
to comply with this performance-based standard by strengthening the 
airplane structure, the FAA believes that most applicants would use 
control laws to comply with this proposed rule. These control laws are 
a part of the flight control computer, and they adjust control surface 
deflections based on pilot input and other factors like airspeed. Since 
control laws are typically implemented through systems and software, 
there would be little to no incremental cost in the form of weight, 
equipment, maintenance, or training.

IV. Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic 
analyses. First, Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct 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 (Pub. L. 96-354), 
as codified in 5 U.S.C. 603 et seq., requires agencies to analyze the 
economic impact of regulatory changes on small entities. Third, the 
Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), 19 U.S.C. Chapter 13, 
prohibits agencies from setting standards that create unnecessary 
obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. In developing 
U.S. standards, the Trade Agreements Act requires agencies to consider 
international standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis 
of U.S. standards. Fourth, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(Pub. L. 104-4), as codified in 2 U.S.C. Chapter 25, requires agencies 
to prepare a written assessment of the costs, benefits, and other 
effects of proposed or final rules that include a Federal mandate 
likely to result in the expenditure by State, local, or tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more annually (adjusted for inflation with base year of 
1995). This portion of the preamble summarizes the FAA's analysis of 
the economic impacts of this proposed rule.
    In conducting these analyses, FAA has determined that this proposed 
rule has benefits that justify its costs and is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' as defined in section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866. The rule is also not ``significant'' as defined in DOT's 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The proposed rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
will not create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the 
United States, and will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, 
or tribal governments, or on the private sector by exceeding the 
threshold identified previously.

A. Regulatory Evaluation

    Department of Transportation Order 2100.5 prescribes policies and 
procedures for simplification, analysis, and review of regulations. If 
the expected cost impact is so minimal that a proposed or final rule 
does not warrant a full evaluation, this order permits a statement to 
that effect and the basis for it to be included in the preamble if a 
full regulatory evaluation of the costs and benefits is not prepared. 
Such a determination has been made for this proposed rule. The 
reasoning for this determination follows.
1. Background
    The genesis of this proposed rule is the crash of American Airlines 
Flight 587 (AA587), near Queens, New York,

[[Page 32812]]

on November 12, 2001, resulting in the death of all 260 passengers and 
crew aboard, and the death of five persons on the ground. The airplane 
was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire.
    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the 
probable cause of the accident was ``the in-flight separation of the 
vertical stabilizer [airplane fin] as a result of loads above ultimate 
design created by the first officer's unnecessary and excessive rudder 
pedal inputs.'' \23\ Ultimate loads on the airplane structure are the 
limit loads (1.0) multiplied by a safety factor, usually 1.5 (as for 
the vertical stabilizer). An airplane is expected to experience a limit 
load once in its lifetime and is never expected to experience an 
ultimate load.\24\ For the AA587 accident, loads exceeding ultimate 
loads ranged from 1.83 to 2.14 times the limit load on the vertical 
stabilizer,\25\ as a result of four, full, alternating rudder inputs 
known as ``rudder reversals.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, p. 160. See 
footnote 5 on p. 6.
    \24\ NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, p. 31, n. 53.
    \25\ NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, p. 104.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Significant rudder reversals events are unusual in the history of 
commercial airplane flight, having occurred during just five notable 
accidents and incidents, with AA587 being the only catastrophic 
accident resulting from rudder reversals.\26\ Ultimate loads were 
exceeded in two of the other notable rudder reversal accidents, the 
Interflug incident (Moscow, February 11, 1991) and American Airlines 
Flight 903 (AA903) (near West Palm Beach, Florida, May 12, 1997).\27\ 
For the Interflug incident, with multiple rudder reversals, loads of 
1.55 and 1.35 times the limit load were recorded; and for AA903 (eight 
rudder reversals), a load of 1.53 times the limit load was 
recorded.\28\ A catastrophe similar to AA587 was averted in these two 
events only because the vertical stabilizer was stronger than required 
by design standards.\29\ In a fourth event--Air Canada Flight 190 
(AC190) (over the state of Washington, January 10, 2008)--with four 
rudder reversals, the limit load was exceed by 29 percent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ FAA Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee. Flight Controls 
Harmonization Working Group. Rudder Pedal Sensitivity/Rudder 
Reversal Recommendation Report, Nov. 7, 2013. (ARAC Rudder Reversal 
Report). This Report identifies four notable rudder events to which 
we add the Interflug incident discussed in the NTSB AA587 Report.
    \27\ NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, pp. 106-109.
    \28\ NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, pp. 104.
    \29\ NTSB Aircraft Accident Report NTSB/AAR-04/04, pp. 38-39.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In transport category airplanes, rudder inputs are generally 
limited to aligning the airplane with the runway during crosswind 
landings and controlling engine-out situations, which occur 
predominately at low speeds. At high speeds, the pilot normally 
directly rolls the airplane using the ailerons.\30\ If the pilot does 
use the rudder to control the airplane at high speeds, there will be a 
significant phase lag between the rudder input and the roll response 
because the roll response is a secondary effect of the yawing moment 
generated by the rudder.\31\ The roll does not result from the rudder 
input directly. Even if the rudder is subsequently deflected in the 
opposite direction (rudder reversal), the airplane can continue to roll 
and yaw in one direction before reversing because of the phase lag. The 
relationship between rudder inputs and the roll and yaw response of the 
airplane can become confusing to pilots, particularly with the large 
yaw and roll rates that would result from large rudder inputs, causing 
the pilots to input multiple rudder reversals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ An aileron is a hinged control service on the trailing edge 
of the wing of a fixed-wing aircraft, one aileron per wing.
    \31\ The yaw axis is defined to be perpendicular to the wings 
and to the normal line of flight. A yaw movement is a change in the 
direction of the aircraft to the left or right around the yaw axis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Following the AA587 accident, in November 2004 the NTSB released 
Safety Recommendation A-04-56 recommending that the FAA modify part 25 
``to include a certification standard that will ensure safe handling 
qualities in the yaw axis throughout the flight envelope. . . .'' \32\ 
In 2011, the FAA tasked the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee 
(ARAC) to consider the need for rulemaking to address the rudder 
reversal issue. ARAC delegated this task to the Transport Airplane and 
Engine subcommittee, which assigned it to the Flight Controls 
Harmonization Working Group (FCHWG). One of the recommendations of the 
ARAC Rudder Reversal Report, issued on November 7, 2013, was to require 
transport category airplanes to be able to safely withstand the loads 
imposed by three rudder reversals. This proposed rule adopts that 
recommendation. The ARAC report indicates that requiring transport 
category airplanes to safely operate with the vertical stabilizer loads 
imposed by three full-stroke rudder reversals accounts for most of the 
attainable safety benefits. With more than three rudder reversals, the 
FCHWG found little increase in vertical stabilizer loads.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ NTSB Safety Recommendation A-04-56, Nov. 10, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Costs and Benefits of This Proposed Rule
    Since the catastrophic AA587 accident, the FAA has responded to the 
risk posed by rudder reversals by requesting, through the issue paper 
process, that applicants for new type certificates show that their 
designs are capable of continued safe flight and landing after 
experiencing repeated rudder reversals. For airplanes with FBW systems, 
manufacturers have been able to show capability by means of control 
laws, incorporated through software changes and, therefore, adding no 
weight and imposing no additional maintenance cost to the airplanes. 
Many if not all of these designs have demonstrated tolerance to three 
or more rudder reversals. Aside from converting to an FBW system, 
alternatives available to manufacturers specializing in airplane 
designs with mechanical or hydro-mechanical rudders include increasing 
the reliability of the yaw damper and strengthening the airplane 
vertical stabilizer.
    To estimate the cost of the proposed rule, the FAA solicited unit 
cost estimates from U.S. industry and incorporated these estimates into 
an airplane life cycle model. The FAA received one estimate for large 
part 25 airplanes and two estimates for small part 25 airplanes 
(business jets).
    One of the business jet estimates was provided by a manufacturer 
specializing in mechanical rather than FBW rudder systems; therefore, 
that estimate reflects significantly higher compliance costs. This 
manufacturer's most cost-efficient approach to addressing the proposed 
requirement--although high in comparison to manufacturers who use FBW 
systems exclusively--is to comply with a strengthened vertical 
stabilizer. The cost of complying with a more reliable yaw damper was 
higher than strengthening the vertical stabilizer, and higher yet if 
complying by converting to a FBW rudder system for new models.
    As a result of these high costs and other reasons set forth in the 
preamble, the FAA has decided that the proposed rule would not apply to 
airplanes with ``unpowered'' (mechanical) rudder control surfaces. An 
``unpowered'' rudder control surface is one whose movement is affected 
through mechanical means, without any augmentation from hydraulic or 
electrical systems. Accordingly, the proposed rule would not apply to 
models with mechanical rudder control systems, but would apply only to 
models with FBW or hydro-mechanical

[[Page 32813]]

rudder systems. The FAA solicits comments on the exclusion of airplanes 
with unpowered rudder control surfaces from the proposed rule and the 
corresponding inclusion of FBW and hydro-mechanical models.
    The FAA estimates the costs of the proposed rule using unit cost 
per model estimates from industry for FBW models and our estimates of 
the number of new large airplane and business jet certifications with 
FBW rudder systems in the ten years after the effective date of the 
proposed rule. These estimates are shown in table 1. The FAA solicits 
comments, with detailed cost estimates, on our estimates.

                                    Table 1--Cost Estimated for Proposed Rule
                                                    [$ 2016]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Number of new
                                                                  Cost per model  FBW models (10       Costs
                                                                                       yrs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Airplanes.................................................        $300,000               2        $600,000
Business Jets...................................................         235,000               2         470,000
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total Costs.................................................  ..............  ..............       1,070,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With these cost estimates, the FAA finds the proposed rule to be 
minimal cost, with expected net safety benefits from the reduced risk 
of rudder reversal accidents.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) (RFA) 
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall 
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable 
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale 
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions 
subject to regulation. To achieve this principle, agencies are required 
to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain 
the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given 
serious consideration.'' The RFA covers a wide range of small entities, 
including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and small 
governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA. 
However, if an agency determines that a rule is not expected to have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the head of the agency may so 
certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. The 
certification must include a statement providing the factual basis for 
this determination, and the reasoning should be clear. As noted above, 
because manufacturers with FBW rudder systems have been able to show 
compliance by means of low-cost changes to control laws incorporated 
through software changes, the FAA estimates the costs of this proposed 
rule to be minimal. Therefore, as provided in section 605(b), the head 
of the FAA certifies that this proposed rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

C. International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities 
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United 
States. Pursuant to this Act, the establishment of standards is not 
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the 
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as the protection of safety, and does not operate in a 
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also 
requires consideration of international standards and, where 
appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards.
    The FAA has assessed the effect of this proposed rule and 
determined that its purpose is to protect the safety of U.S. civil 
aviation. Therefore, the proposed rule is in compliance with the Trade 
Agreements Act.

D. Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement 
assessing the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final 
agency rule that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more 
(in 1995 dollars) in any one year by State, local, and tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector; such a mandate 
is deemed to be a ``significant regulatory action.'' The FAA currently 
uses an inflation-adjusted value of $155.0 million in lieu of $100 
million.
    This proposed rule does not contain such a mandate. Therefore, the 
requirements of Title II of the Act do not apply.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)) requires 
that the FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information 
collection burdens imposed on the public. The FAA has determined that 
there would be no new requirement for information collection associated 
with this proposed rule.

F. International Compatibility and Cooperation

    (1) In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation, it is FAA policy to conform to 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and 
Recommended Practices to the maximum extent practicable. The FAA has 
determined that there are no ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices 
that correspond to these proposed regulations.
    (2) Executive Order 13609, ``Promoting International Regulatory 
Cooperation,'' promotes international regulatory cooperation to meet 
shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security, 
environmental, and other issues and to reduce, eliminate, or prevent 
unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. The FAA has 
analyzed this action under the policies and agency responsibilities of 
Executive Order 13609, and has determined that this action would have 
no effect on international regulatory cooperation.

G. Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1E identifies FAA actions that are categorically 
excluded

[[Page 32814]]

from preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact 
statement under the National Environmental Policy Act in the absence of 
extraordinary circumstances. The FAA has determined this rulemaking 
action qualifies for the categorical exclusion identified in paragraph 
312f of Order 1050.1E and involves no extraordinary circumstances.

V. Executive Order Determinations

A. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The FAA has analyzed this proposed rule under the principles and 
criteria of Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism.'' The agency has 
determined that this action would not have a substantial direct effect 
on the States, or the relationship between the Federal Government and 
the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among 
the various levels of government, and, therefore, would not have 
Federalism implications.

B. Executive Order 13211, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    The FAA analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, 
``Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (May 18, 2001). The agency has 
determined that it would not be a ``significant energy action'' under 
the executive order and would not be likely to have a significant 
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy.

C. Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs

    This proposed rule is not expected to be an E.O. 13771 regulatory 
action because this proposed rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

VI. Additional Information

A. Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The agency 
also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, 
or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in 
this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion 
of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit only one time.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before 
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed 
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The agency may change this proposal in 
light of the comments it receives.
    Proprietary or Confidential Business Information: Commenters should 
not file proprietary or confidential business information in the 
docket. Such information must be sent or delivered directly to the 
person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this document, and marked as proprietary or confidential. If submitting 
information on a disk or CD-ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD-
ROM, and identify electronically within the disk or CD-ROM the specific 
information that is proprietary or confidential.
    Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), if the FAA is aware of proprietary 
information filed with a comment, the agency does not place it in the 
docket. It is held in a separate file to which the public does not have 
access, and the FAA places a note in the docket that it has received 
it. If the FAA receives a request to examine or copy this information, 
it treats it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(5 U.S.C. 552). The FAA processes such a request under Department of 
Transportation procedures found in 49 CFR part 7.

B. Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    An electronic copy of rulemaking documents may be obtained from the 
internet by--
    1. Searching the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov);
    2. Visiting the FAA's Regulations and Policies web page at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies or
    3. Accessing the Government Printing Office's web page at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.
    Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9680. 
Commenters must identify the docket or notice number of this 
rulemaking.
    All documents the FAA considered in developing this proposed rule, 
including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed from 
the internet through the Federal eRulemaking Portal referenced in item 
(1) above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend chapter I of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 25--AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES

0
1. The authority citation for part 25 continues to read as follows:

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


0
2. Add Sec.  25.353 to read as follows:


Sec.  25.353   Rudder control reversal conditions.

    For airplanes with a powered rudder control surface or surfaces, 
the airplane must be designed to withstand the ultimate loads that 
result from the yaw maneuver conditions specified in paragraphs (a) 
through (e) of this section at speeds from VMC or the 
highest airspeed for which it is possible to achieve maximum rudder 
deflection at zero sideslip, whichever is greater, up to VC/
MC. The applicant must evaluate these conditions with the 
landing gear retracted and speed brakes (and spoilers when used as 
speed brakes) retracted. In computing the loads on the airplane, the 
applicant may assume yawing velocity to be zero. The applicant must 
assume a pilot force of 200 pounds when evaluating each of these 
conditions:
    (a) With the airplane in unaccelerated flight at zero yaw, the 
flight deck rudder control is displaced as specified in Sec.  25.351(a) 
and (b).
    (b) With the airplane yawed to the overswing sideslip angle, the 
flight deck rudder control is suddenly displaced in the opposite 
direction.
    (c) With the airplane yawed to the opposite overswing sideslip 
angle, the flight deck rudder control is suddenly displaced in the 
opposite direction.
    (d) With the airplane yawed to the subsequent overswing sideslip 
angle, the flight deck rudder control is suddenly displaced in the 
opposite direction.
    (e) With the airplane yawed to the opposite overswing sideslip 
angle, the flight deck rudder control is suddenly returned to neutral.


[[Page 32815]]


    Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f) and 44701(a) 
in Washington, DC, on July 2, 2018.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-15154 Filed 7-13-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


