Subject: SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT GUIDE
FOR CERTIFICATION OF PART 23 AIRPLANES Date: 6/27/02 Initiated By: ACE-100 AC No: 23-17A Change:
1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only 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. This AC applies to Subpart D from § 23.671 and Subpart F. This AC both consolidates existing policy documents, and certain AC's 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.
2. CANCELLATION. The following AC is canceled:
AC 23-17, Systems and Equipment Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes.
3. BACKGROUND. In 1968, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instituted an extensive review of the airworthiness standards of part 23. Since then, the regulations have been amended through Amendment 23-53. 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. This version of the advisory circular covers policy available through June 30, 2001. Policy that became available after June 30, 2001, will be covered in future amendments to the advisory circular.
4. APPLICABILITY. This AC is applicable only to the original applicant seeking issuance of a Type Certificate (TC), an Amended TC, or a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 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 advisory circular covers policy available through June 30, 2001. Policy that became available after that date will be covered in future amendments to the advisory circular.
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5. PARAGRAPHS KEYED TO PART 23. Each paragraph has the applicable part 23 amendment 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. Free Orders and AC's Copies of current publications of the following free Orders and AC’s listed below can be obtained from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th Avenue, Landover, MD 20785: The website where these orders and advisory circulars can be found is www.faa.gov/.
FAA Order 8110.4B, Type Certification.
FAA Order 8100.5, Aircraft Certification Directorate Procedures.
AC 20-30B, Aircraft Position Light and Anticollision Light Installation.
AC 20-36S, Index of Articles Certified Under the Technical Standard Order System.
AC 20-41A, Substitute Technical Standard Order (TSO) Aircraft Equipment.
AC 20-42C, Hand Fire Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft.
AC 20-67B, Airborne VHF Communications Equipment Installations.
AC 20-73, Aircraft Ice Protection.
AC 20-74, Aircraft Position and Anticollision Light Measurements.
AC 20-112, Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Airborne Systems to be Used in Lieu of a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).
AC 20-115B, Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, Inc., Document RTCA/DO- 178B.
AC 20-118A, Emergency Evacuation Demonstration.
AC 20-121A, Airworthiness Approval of Airborne Loran-C Navigation Systems for Use in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS).
iii AC 20-124, Water Ingestion Testing for Turbine Powered Airplanes.
AC 20-TCAS (Draft), Airworthiness Approval and Operational Use of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS I).
AC 20-128A, Design Considerations for Minimizing Hazards Caused by Uncontained Turbine Engine and Auxiliary Power Unit Rotor Failure.
AC 20-131A, Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II) and Mode S Transponders.
AC 20-136, Protection of Aircraft Electrical/Electronic Systems Against the Indirect Effects of Lightning.
AC 20-138, Airworthiness Approval of Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation Equipment for Use as a VFR and IFR Supplemental Navigation System.
AC 21-16D, Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) Document DO-160D.
AC 21-25A, Approval of Modified Seats and Berths Initially Approved Under a Technical Standard Order.
AC 21-34, Shoulder Harness-Safety Installations.
AC 23-2, Flammability Tests.
AC 23-18, Installation of Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) Approved for Part 23 Airplanes.
AC 23.143-1, Ice Contaminated Tailplane Stall.
AC 23.562-1, Dynamic Testing of Part 23 Airplane Seat/Restraint Systems and Occupant Protection.
AC 23.1309-1C, Equipment, Systems, and Installations in Part 23 Airplanes.
AC 23.1311-1A, Installation of Electronic Display Instrument Systems in Part 23 Airplanes.
AC 23.1419-2A, Certification of Part 23 Airplanes for Flight in Icing Conditions.
AC 23-28, Airframe Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes.
iv AC 25-11, Transport Category Airplane Electronic Display Systems.
AC 90-79, Recommended Practices and Procedures for the Use of Electronic Long-Range Navigation.
AC 120-31A, Operational and Airworthiness Approval of Airborne Omega Radio Navigation Systems as a Means of Updating Self-Contained Navigation Systems.
AC 120-37, Operational and Airworthiness Approval of Airborne Omega Radio Navigation Systems as a Sole Means of Long-Range Navigation Outside the United States.
AC 121-13, and Change 1 and 2, Self-Contained Navigation Systems (Long Range).
Copies of current publications of the following “for sale” AC’s may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, P. O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; make check or money order payable to the Superintendent of Documents:
AC 20-88A, Guidelines on the Marking of Aircraft Powerplant Instruments (Displays).
AC 20-101C, Airworthiness Approval of Omega/VLF Navigation Systems for Use in the United States NAS and Alaska.
AC 21.303-2H, Announcement of Availability: Parts Manufacturer Approvals1992 (Microfiche).
AC 23-16, Powerplant Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes.
AC 23-8A and Change 1, Flight Test Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes.
AC 43.13-1B, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and PracticesAircraft Inspection and Repair.
AC 43.13-2A and Change 2, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and PracticesAircraft Alterations (includes Change 1).
NOTE: Republishing these AC documents as a part of this AC was not considered to be the best utilization of FAA resources.
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b. Industry Documents
(1) To obtain a copy of the Technical Standard Orders (TSO’s), write to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th Avenue, Landover, MD 20785, or use the website www.faa.gov/:
TSO-C9c, Automatic Pilots.
TSO-C62d, Aircraft Tires.
TSO-C22g, Safety Belts.
TSO-C26c, Aircraft Wheels and Wheel-Brakes Assemblies, with Addendum I.
TSO-C39b, Aircraft Seats and Berths.
TSO-C55, Fuel and Oil Quantity Instruments (For Reciprocating Engine Aircraft).
TSO-C114, Torso Restraint Systems.
TSO-C151a, Terrain Awareness and Warning System.
(2) The RTCA documents listed below are available from RTCA, Inc., Suite 1020, 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036-4001:
RTCA/DO-160D, Environmental Test Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment.
RTCA/DO-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification.
(3) SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers. The SAE documents listed below are available from the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001:
ARP 597C, Wheels and Brakes, Supplementary Criteria Design for EnduranceCivil Transport Aircraft.
ARP 813A, Maintainability Recommendations for Aircraft Wheels and Brakes.
ARP 1619A, Replacement and Modified Brakes and Wheels.
AIR 1064B, Brake Dynamics.
vi AS 1145A, Aircraft Brake Temperature Monitor System.
SAE J384, Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Anchorage’s Test Procedure.
SAE Recommended Practice, 1979 SAE Handbook, Volume 2, pages 33.08-33.09.
SAE ARP 5412, Aircraft Lightning Environment and Related Test Waveforms.
SAE ARP 5413, Certification of Aircraft Electrical/Electronic Systems for the Indirect Effects of Lightning, (it is being converted to an AC 20-136A).
SAE ARP 5414, Aircraft Lightning Zoning.
SAE ARP 5475, Abuse Load Testing for In-Seat Deployable Video Systems.
(4) The Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), Inc., document listed below can be obtained from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112:
UL 1418, Implosion Protected Cathode Ray Tubes for Television Type Appliances, Revised 1992.
c. Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) Documents Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR's) and guidance materials, Advisory Circular, Joint (ACJ's), are available by subscription from the JAA website at www.jaa.nl/ then click on JAR's.
d. NASA Document NSS 1740.15, NASA Safety Standard for Oxygen and Oxygen Systems, Revised January 1996.
s/ Michael Gallagher Manager, Small Airplane Directorate Aircraft Certification Service
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CONTENTS Subpart D—Design and Construction
CONTROL SYSTEMS Section PAGE
23.671 General1
23.672 Stability augmentation and automatic and power-operated systems2
23.673 Primary flight controls3
23.675 Stops4
23.677 Trim systems5
23.679 Control system locks7
23.681 Limit load static tests8
23.683 Operation tests9
23.685 Control system details18
23.687 Spring devices19
23.689 Cable systems20
23.691 Artificial stall barrier system21
23.693 Joints23
23.697 Wing flap controls24
23.699 Wing flap position indicator25
23.701 Flap interconnection26
23.703 Takeoff warning system30
LANDING GEAR
23.721 General31
23.723 Shock absorption tests32
23.725 Limit drop tests33
23.726 Ground load dynamic tests34
23.727 Reserve energy absorption drop test35
23.729 Landing gear extension and retraction system36
23.731 Wheels40
23.733 Tires41
23.735 Brakes54
23.737 Skis71
23.745 Nose/tail wheel steering72
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FLOATS AND HULLS Section PAGE
23.751 Main float buoyancy73
23.753 Main float design74
23.755 Hulls75
23.757 Auxiliary floats76
PERSONNEL AND CARGO ACCOMMODATIONS
23.771 Pilot compartment77
23.773 Pilot compartment view78
23.775 Windshields and windows79
23.777 Cockpit controls81
23.779 Motion and effect of cockpit controls84
23.781 Cockpit control knob shape85
23.783 Doors86
23.785 Seats, berths, litters, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses89
23.787 Baggage and cargo compartments102
23.791 Passenger information signs105
23.803 Emergency evacuation106
23.805 Flight crew emergency exits107
23.807 Emergency exits108
23.811 Emergency exit marking116
23.812 Emergency lighting117
23.813 Emergency exit access118
23.815 Width of aisle119
23.831 Ventilation120
PRESSURIZATION
23.841 Pressurized cabins121
23.843 Pressurization tests125
FIRE PROTECTION
23.851 Fire extinguishers126
23.853 Passenger and crew compartment interiors127
23.855 Cargo and baggage compartment fire protection131
23.859 Combustion heater fire protection132
23.863 Flammable fluid fire protection133
23.865 Fire protection of flight controls, engine mounts, and other
flight structure134
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ELECTRICAL BONDING AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION Section PAGE
23.867 Electrical bonding and protection against lightning and
static electricity136
MISCELLANEOUS
23.871 Leveling means138
Subpart F—Equipment
GENERAL
23.1301 Function and installation139
23.1303 Flight and navigation instruments145
23.1305 Powerplant instruments152
23.1307 Miscellaneous equipment161
23.1309 Equipment, systems, and installations162
INSTRUMENTS: INSTALLATION
23.1311 Electronic display instrument systems165
23.1321 Arrangement and visibility166
23.1322 Warning, caution, and advisory lights167
23.1323 Airspeed indicating system168
23.1325 Static pressure system169
23.1326 Pitot heat indication systems170
23.1327 Magnetic direction indicator171
23.1329 Automatic pilot system173
23.1331 Instruments using a power source185
23.1335 Flight director systems188
23.1337 Powerplant instruments installation189
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
23.1351 General190
23.1353 Storage battery design and installation191
23.1357 Circuit protective devices194
23.1359 Electrical system fire protection196
23.1361 Master switch arrangement197
23.1365 Electric cables and equipment198
23.1367 Switches199
x LIGHTS Section PAGE
23.1381 Instrument lights200
23.1383 Taxi and landing lights201
23.1385 Position light system installation202
23.1387 Position light system dihedral angles203
23.1389 Position light distribution and intensities204
23.1391 Minimum intensities in the horizontal plane of position lights205
23.1393 Minimum intensities in any vertical plane of position lights206
23.1395 Maximum intensities in overlapping beams of position lights207
23.1397 Color specifications208
23.1399 Riding light209
23.1401 Anticollision light system210
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
23.1411 General211
23.1413 Safety Belts and Harnesses [Removed]212
23.1415 Ditching equipment213
23.1416 Pneumatic de-icer boot system214
23.1419 Ice protection215
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT
23.1431 Electronic equipment217
23.1435 Hydraulic systems219
23.1437 Accessories for multiengine airplanes220
23.1438 Pressurization and pneumatic systems221
23.1441 Oxygen equipment and supply222
23.1443 Minimum mass flow of supplemental oxygen224
23.1445 Oxygen distribution system225
23.1447 Equipment standards for oxygen dispensing units226
23.1449 Means for determining use of oxygen228
23.1450 Chemical oxygen generators229
23.1451 Fire protection for oxygen equipment230
23.1453 Protection of oxygen equipment from rupture231
23.1457 Cockpit voice recorders232
23.1459 Flight recorders233
23.1461 Equipment containing high energy rotors234
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT GUIDE FOR CERTIFICATION OF PART 23 AIRPLANES Subpart D—Design and Construction
CONTROL SYSTEMS
23.671 General No FAA policy is available as of June 30, 2001. JAA ACJ 23.671 is acceptable for FAA certification.
23.672 Stability augmentation and automatic and power-operated systems Amendment 23-45 and Subsequent This rule is applicable only if the system is required to show compliance with the flight characteristic requirements of part 23.