Advisory U.S. Department of Transportation Circular Federal Aviation Administration Subject: SYSTEMS AND Date: 11/17/2011 AC No: 23-17C EQUIPMENT GUIDE FOR Initiated by: ACE-100 CERTIFICATION OF PART 23
AIRPLANES AND AIRSHIPS This advisory circular (AC) sets forth an acceptable means of showing compliance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 23, for the certification of systems and equipment in normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes and airships. The policy in this AC is considered applicable for airship projects; however, the certifying office should only use specific applicability and requirements if they are determined to be reasonable, applicable and relevant to the airship project. This AC applies to Subpart D from § 23.671 and Subpart F. This AC both consolidates existing policy documents, and certain ACs that cover specific paragraphs of the regulations, into a single document and adds new guidance.
This document is intended to provide guidance for the original issue of part 23 and the various amendments through Amendment 23-62.. This version of the AC covers policy available through December 31, 2007. Policy that became available after December 31, 2007, will be consolidated in future revisions to the AC.
JoiN Carmy FoR Earl Lawrence Manager, Small Airplane Directorate Aircraft Certification Service
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraph Page No.
Introduction1
1. Purpose1
2. Applicability1
3. Cancellation or Superseding1
4. Background2
5. Paragraphs Keyed To Part 232
6. Related Publications2
7. Related 14 CFR, Part 23 Regulations7
Chapter 1 – Subpart D-Design and Construction11
Section 1. Control Systems11
23.671 General11
23.672 Stability augmentation and automatic and power-operated systems12
23.673 Primary flight controls13
23.675 Stops14
23.677 Trim systems15
23.679 Control system locks18
23.681 Limit load static tests20
23.683 Operation tests21
23.685 Control system details29
23.687 Spring devices30
23.689 Cable systems31
iii TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Paragraph Page No.
23.691 Artificial stall barrier system32
23.693 Joints34
23.697 Wing flap controls35
23.699 Wing flap position indicator36
23.701 Flap interconnection37
23.703 Takeoff warning system42
Section 2. Landing Gear43
23.721 General43
23.723 Shock absorption tests44
23.725 Limit drop tests45
23.726 Ground load dynamic tests46
23.727 Reserve energy absorption drop test47
23.729 Landing gear extension and retraction system48
23.731 Wheels52
23.733 Tires53
23.735 Brakes64
23.737 Skis81
23.745 Nose/tail wheel steering82
Section 3. Floats and Hulls83
23.751 Main float buoyancy83
23.753 Main float design84
iv TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Paragraph Page No.
23.755 Hulls85
23.757 Auxiliary floats86
Section 4. Personnel and Cargo Accommodations87
23.771 Pilot compartment87
23.773 Pilot compartment view88
23.775 Windshields and windows90
23.777 Cockpit controls93
23.779 Motion and effect of cockpit controls96
23.781 Cockpit control knob shape97
23.783 Doors98
23.785 Seats, berths, litters, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses101
23.787 Baggage and cargo compartments113
23.791 Passenger information signs117
23.803 Emergency evacuation118
23.805 Flight crew emergency exits119
23.807 Emergency exits120
23.811 Emergency exit marking130
23.812 Emergency lighting132
23.813 Emergency exit access133
23.815 Width of aisle134
23.831 Ventilation135
v TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Paragraph Page No.
Section 5. Pressurization139
23.841 Pressurized cabins139
23.843 Pressurization tests146
Section 6. Fire Protection147
23.851 Fire extinguishers147
23.853 Passenger and crew compartment interiors148
23.855 Cargo and baggage compartment fire protection155
23.856 Thermal/Acoustic insulation materials157
23.859 Combustion heater fire protection159
23.863 Flammable fluid fire protection160
23.865 Fire protection of flight controls , engine mounts, and other flight
structure161
Section 7. Electrical Bonding and Lightning Protection164
23.867 Electrical bonding and protection against lightning and static
electricity164
Section 8. Miscellaneous167
23.871 Leveling means167
Chapter 2 – Subpart F—Equipment168
Section 1. General168
23.1301 Function and installation168
23.1303 Flight and navigation instruments179
23.1305 Powerplant instruments186
vi TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Paragraph Page No.
23.1307 Miscellaneous equipment201
23.1308 High-intensity Radiated Fi elds (HIRF) Protection202
23.1309 Equipment, systems, and installations206
23.1310 Power source capacity and distribution223
Section 2. Instruments: Installation224
23.1311 Electronic display instrument systems224
23.1321 Arrangement and visibility230
23.1322 Warning, caution, and advisory lights233
23.1323 Airspeed indicating system235
23.1325 Static pressure system239
23.1326 Pitot heat indication systems244
23.1327 Magnetic direction indicator247
23.1329 Automatic pilot system250
23.1331 Instruments using a power source263
23.1335 Flight director systems268
23.1337 Powerplant instruments installation269
Section 3. Electrical Systems And Equipment272
23.1351 General272
23.1353 Storage battery desi gn and installation276
23.1357 Circuit protective devices282
23.1359 Electrical system fire protection287
vii TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Paragraph Page No.
23.1361 Master switch arrangement288
23.1365 Electric cables and equipment290
23.1367 Switches292
Section 4. Lights293
23.1381 Instrument lights293
23.1383 Taxi and landing lights294
23.1385 Position light system installation299
23.1387 Position light system dihedral angles301
23.1389 Position light distribution and intensities303
23.1391 Minimum intensities in the horiz ontal plane of position lights304
23.1393 Minimum intensities in any vert ical plane of position lights305
23.1395 Maximum intensities in overlap ping beams of position lights306
23.1397 Color specifications307
23.1399 Riding light308
23.1401 Anticollision light system309
Section 5. Safety Equipment313
23.1411 General313
23.1413 Safety Belts and Harnesses [Removed]314
23.1415 Ditching equipment315
23.1416 Pneumatic de-icer boot system316
23.1419 Ice protection317
viii TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Paragraph Page No.
Section 6. Miscellaneous Equipment318
23.1431 Electronic equipment318
23.1435 Hydraulic systems322
23.1437 Accessories for multiengine airplanes324
23.1438 Pressurization and pneumatic systems325
23.1441 Oxygen equipment and supply327
23.1443 Minimum mass flow of supplemental oxygen331
23.1445 Oxygen distribution system334
23.1447 Equipment standards for oxygen dispensing units335
23.1449 Means for determining use of oxygen339
23.1450 Chemical oxygen generators340
23.1451 Fire protection for oxygen equipment341
23.1453 Protection of oxygen equipment from rupture342
23.1457 Cockpit voice recorders343
23.1459 Flight recorders354
23.1461 Equipment containing high energy rotors361
1 Introduction
1. Purpose. This advisory circular (AC) sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only means, of showing compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 23, for the certification of systems and equipment in normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes and airships. The policy in this AC is considered applicable for airship projects;
however, the certifying office should only use specific applicability and requirements if they are determined to be reasonable, applicable and relevant to the airship project. This AC applies to Subpart D from § 23.671 and Subpart F. This AC both consolidates existing policy documents, and certain ACs that cover specific paragraphs of the regulations, into a single document and adds new guidance. Material in this AC is neither mandatory nor regulatory in nature and does not constitute a regulation. Preamble materials are excerpts from Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) and final rules. The relevant NPRMs and final rules are the official sources.
2. Applicability. This AC is applicable only to the original applicant seeking issuance of a type certificate (TC), an amended type certificate (ATC), a supplemental type certificate (STC), or a parts manufacturer approval (PMA) for the initial approval of the new type design or a change in the approved type design. This material is not to be construed as having any legal status and should be treated accordingly. This version of the AC covers policy available through December 31, 2007. Policy that became available after then will be covered in future revisions to the AC.
3. Cancellation. The following AC is canceled and the policy statements are superseded as follows:
a. AC 23-17B, “Systems and Equipment Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes and Airships,” April 12, 2005.
b. PS-ACE100-2002-005, “Circuit Breakers and Fuses,” February 23, 2004.
c. PS-ACE100-2002-007, “Pitot Heat Indication Systems,” August 5, 2004.
d. PS-ACE100-2004-10023, “Flammability of Electrical Wire Used in Part 23 Aircraft per 14 CFR, part 23, §§ 23.853 and 23.1359,” July 9, 2004.
e. PS-ACE100-2005-10039, “Standardization and Clarification of Application of 14 CFR Part 23, §§ 23.1301 and 23.1309, Regarding Environmental Qualification,” February 16, 2006.
f. PS-ACE100-2006-001, “14 CFR Part 23 §§ 23.1383 through 23.1395, and 23.1401, Installation of Non-Required Lights in Part 23 Aircraft and Airships,” July 24, 2007.
g. PS-ACE100-2007-002; “14 CFR Part 23, §§ 23.853, 23.855, 23.863 and 23.1359, Flammability of MIL-C-17/60, /93, /94, /113, /127, and /128 Coaxial Cable,” October 15, 2007.
4. Background. In 1968, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began an extensive review of the airworthiness standards of part 23. Since then, the regulations have been amended
2 through amendment 23-62. These amendments have changed most of the sections of part 23.
This document is intended to provide guidance for the original issue of part 23 and the various amendments.
NOTE: Amendment 23-56 refers to an NPRM for Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) that has not been issued as a final rule (Docket Number FAA- 2005- 20245). This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was issued as a final rule as Amendment 23-58.
5. Paragraphs Keyed To Part 23. Each paragraph has the applicable part 23 amendments shown in the title. As part 23 changes occur, the appropriate revisions will be made to the affected paragraphs of this AC.
6. Related Publications. These documents are provided as a quick reference source of documents that are acceptable for use in 14 CFR, part 23 certification programs/projects.
a. Copies of the latest versions of the following publications of the following are also available on http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/ in addition to http://rgl.faa.gov/.
(1) PS-ACE100-2001-004, “Guidance for Review ing Certification Plans to Address Human Factors for Certification of Part 23 Small Airplanes”, August 29, 2002.
(2) PS-ACE100-2002-004, “Diesel Engi ne Installation,” May 22, 2003.
(3) PS-ANM100-2001-00078, “Guidance on Use of Previously Approved Compliance Data from Foreign Sources,” September 13, 2001.
(4) FAA Order 8110.4C, Change 3, “Typ e Certification,” March 15, 2010.
(5) FAA Order 8100.5A, “Aircraft Certifica tion Service Mission, Responsibilities, Relationship and Programs,” September 30, 2003.
(6) FAA Order 8110.42C, “Parts Manufacturer Approval Procedures,” June 30, 2008.
(7) AC 20-30B, “Aircraft Position Light and An ticollision Light Installations,” July 20, 1981.
(8) AC 20-41A , “Substitute Technical Standard Order (TSO) Aircraft Equipment,” April 5, 1977.
(9) AC 20-42D, “Hand Fire Extinguishers fo r Use in Aircraft,” January 14, 2011.
(10) AC 20-67B, “Airborne VHF Communications Equipment Installations,” January 16, 1986.
(11) AC 20-73A, “Aircraft Ic e Protection,” August 16, 2006.
(12) AC 20-112, “Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Airborne Systems to be Used in Lieu of a Ground Proximity Warning System(s) (GPWS),” February 19, 1981.
(13) AC 20-115B, “Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautic, Inc., Document RTCA/DO-178B,” January 11, 1993.
(14) AC 20-118A, “Emergency Evacuation Demonstration,” March 9, 1989.
(15) AC 20-124, “Water Ingestion Testing for Turbine Powered Airplanes,” September 30, 1985.
(14) AC 20-128A, “Design Considerations for Minimizing Hazards Caused by Uncontained Turbine Engine and Auxiliary Power Unit Rotor Failure,” March 25, 1997.
(15) AC 20-131A, “Airworthiness Approval of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II) and Mode S Transponders,” March 29, 1993.
(16) AC 20-136A, “Protection of Aircraft El ectrical/Electronic Systems Against the Indirect Effects of Lightning,” December 21, 2006.
(17) AC 20-138B, “Airworthiness Approval of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Equipment,” September 27, 2010.
(18) AC 20-146, “Methodology for Dynamic Seat Ce rtification by Analysis for Use in Part 23, 25, 27, and 29 Airplanes and Rotorcraft,” May 19, 2003.
(19) AC 20-155, “SAE Documents to S upport Aircraft Lightning Protection Certification,” April 28, 2006.
(20) AC 20-156, “Aviation Databus Assurance,” August 4, 2006.
(21) AC 20-158, “The Certification of Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Systems for Operation in the High-Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) Environment,” July 30, 2007.
(22) AC 21-4B, “Special Flight Permits for Op eration of Overweight Aircraft,” July 30, 1969.
(23) AC 21-25A, “Approval of Modified Sea ting Systems Initially Approved Under a Technical Standard Order,” June 3, 1997.
(24) AC 21-34, “Shoulder Harness-Safety Belt Installations,” June 4, 1993.
(25) AC 23-2A, “Flammability Tests,” May 11, 2007.
(26) AC 23-18, “Installation of Terrain Aw areness and Warning System (TAWS) Approved for Part 23 Airplanes,” April 30, 2007.
(27) AC 23-19A, “Airframe Guide for Certifi cation of Part 23 Airplanes,” April 30, 2007.
(28) AC 23-22, “Guidance for Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificated (STC) Approval of Part 23 Airplane Avionics Installations,” January 27, 2005.
(29) AC 23-23, “Standardization Guide for Integr ated Cockpits in Part 23 Airplanes,” September 30, 2004.
(30) AC 23-24, “Airworthiness Complian ce Checklists for Common Part 23 Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Projects,” August 24, 2005.
(31) AC 23-26, “Synthetic Vision and Pathwa y Depictions on the Primary Flight Display,” December 22, 2005.
(32) AC 23.562-1, “Dynamic Testing of Part 23 Airplane Seat/Restraint Systems and Occupant Protection,” June 22, 1989.
(33) AC 23.1309-1E, “System Safety Analysis and Assessment for Part 23 Airplanes,” November 17, 2011.
(34) AC 23.1311-1C, “Installation of Electr onic Display in Part 23 Airplanes,” November 17, 2011.
(35) AC 23.1419-2D, Change 1, “Certification of Part 23 Airplanes for Flight in Icing Conditions,” June 28, 2007.
(36) AC 25-11A, “Electronic Flight Deck Displays,” June 21, 2007.
(37) AC 90-79, “Recommended Practices and Pr ocedures for the Use of Electronic Long-Range Navigation,” July 14, 1980.
(38) AC 121-13, Change 2, “Self-Contained Navigation Systems (Long Range),” December 21, 1970.
b. Copies of current publications of the following are available on http://rgl.faa.gov/.
(1) AC 20-88A, “Guidelines on the Marking of Aircraft Powerplant Instruments (Displays),” September 30, 1985.
(2) AC 23-16A, “Powerplant Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes and Airships,” February 23, 2004.
(3) AC 23-8C, “Flight Test Guide for Certifi cation of Part 23 Airplanes,” November 16, 2011.