the flightcrew to quickly disengage those functions. The im plication of failures that preclude the quick disengagement from functioning should be assessed consistent with the guidelines of AC 25.1309-1A. [See § 25.1329(b)] This assessment should consider the effects of failure to disengage the autopilot and/or autothrust functions during the approach using the quick disengagement controls. The feasibility of the use of the alternative means of disengagement defined in Chapter 3, paragraph 27b(4), Alternative Means of Autopilot Disengagement, should be assessed. If the assessment indicates the aircraft can be landed manually with the autopilot and/or autothrust engaged, this should be demonstrated in flight test.
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Chapter 9 Compliance Demonstration Using Flgiht Test and Simulation
98. General.
a. Methods of Compliance Demonstration. Validation of the performance and integrity of FGS operation will typically be accomplished by a combination of analysis, laboratory test, simulation, and flight test. This chapter focuses on compliance demonstration by flight test or simulation with flightcrew participation. The chapter includes the evaluation necessary to confirm acceptable performance of intended functions, including the human-machine interface and the acceptability of failure scenarios. The specific requirements for flight or simulator evaluation will consider the specifics of the applicant’s design, the supporting engineering analysis, and the scope and depth of the applicant’s laboratory testing. The type and extent of the various validation methods may vary, depending upon the FGS functionality, certification considerations, the applicant’s facilities, and other practical and economic constraints.
b. Criteria for Establishing Compliance. The criteria to be used for establishing compliance with §§ 25.1301, 25.1309, and 25.1329 may be found in Chapters 3 through 8 of this document.
c. Elements of Certification Flight Test. The certification flight test program should investigate representative phases of flight and aircraft configurations used by the FGS. The program should evaluate all of the FGS modes through appropriate maneuvers and representative environmental conditions, including turbulence. Combinations of FGS elements (for example, autopilot engaged and autothrust disengaged) should be considered. Certain failure scenarios may require flight or simulator demonstration. The airplane should be equipped with sufficient instrumentation to record the parameters appropriate to the test. Examples of parameters that could be recorded include normal acceleration, airspeed, height, pitch, and roll angles, and autopilot engagement state. The flight test instrumentation should not affect the behavior of the FGS or any other system.
d. Pilot–in–the–Loop Evaluation. An important part of the pilot-in-the-loop evaluation is validation of human factors. A thorough evaluation of the human–machine interface is required to ensure safe, effective, and consistent FGS operation. Portions of this evaluation will be conducted during flight test. Representative simulators can be used to accomplish the evaluation of human factors and workload studies. The level and fidelity of the simulator used should be commensurate with the certification credit being sought, and its use should be agreed upon with the FAA.
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e. Other Applicable Guidance Material for FGS Ta keoff and/or Approach Modes.
(1) Criteria to Consider. The following criteria should be considered for applicability in developing the overall and integrated flight test and simulation requirements:
(a) AC 120-29A, Criteria for Approval of Category I and II Weather Minima for Approach.
(b) AC 120-28D, Criteria for A pproval of Category III Weather Minima for Takeoff, Landing, and Rollout need to be included in the requirements to be tested.
(2) Procedures to Show Compliance. Procedures that may be used to show compliance are provided in AC 25-7C, Flight Test Guide For Certification of Transport Category Airplanes (See paragraph 181, Automatic Pilot System - § 25.1329).
f. Relationship of AC Chapters. Figure 9-1 depicts the relationship between this chapter and the other chapters contained within this AC.
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Figure 9-1 Relationship Betw een AC Chapters
Safety Assessment Analysis Only FGS AnalysisCHAPTER 8 Flight Validation Failure Conditions Flight Test & Simulation
CHAPTER 10 AFM Flight Test Simulator Test Criteria CHAPTER 9 Test Methods FGS Function CHAPTERS 3 - 7
AC 25-7C
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99. Performance and demonstration (fault free): § 25.1301.
a. General .
(1) Certification Plan. The certification plan should identify the specific functionality provided by the FGS. The flight test and/or simulator program will typically assess this functionality under representative operational conditions, including applicable airplane configurations and a representative range of airplane weight, center of gravity (CG), and operational envelope.
(2) Evaluating Performance. The performance of the FGS in each of its guidance and control modes should be evaluated. The acceptability of the performance of the FGS may be based on test pilot assessment, taking into account the experience acquired from similar equipment capabilities and the general behavior of the airplane.
The FGS should be evaluated for its low and high maneuvering capability. AC 25-7C, Flight Test Guide for Certification of Transport Category Airplanes, provides additional information on FGS test procedures.
(3) Evaluating Compatibility of Mode Controls, Indications, and Alerts. The acceptability of mode controls and annunciations, any associated alerts, and general compatibility with cockpit displays should be evaluated. The FGS should be free from unexpected disengagement, and no confusion should result from FGS mode changes.
Additional considerations relating to the assessment of human factors is provided in Chapter 9, paragraph 103, Assessment of Human Factors.
b. Normal Performance.
(1) Demonstration. Normal performance is considered to be performance during operations well within the airplane’s flight envelope and with routine atmospheric and environmental conditions. Normal performance should be demonstrated over a range of conditions that represent typical conditions experienced in operational use.
(2) Evaluation. The FGS should be evaluated to determine the acceptability of the following characteristics:
(a) Stability and tracking of automatic control elements.
(b) Controllability and tracking of guidance elements.
(c) Acquisition of fli ght paths for capture modes.
(d) Consistency of integrat ion of modes (of this chapter).
(3) Expected Errors. Performance should be assessed in the presence of errors that can reasonably be expected in operation (for example, the incorrect selection of approach speed).
c. Performance in “Other Than Normal” Conditions. Other than normal conditions are the combination of “rare normal” and “non-normal” conditions. Performance in “other than normal conditions” is considered to be performance of the system under conditions that are experienced infrequently by the airplane during operational use.
Examples of rare normal and non-normal conditions are given in Chapter 5, paragraphs 54, Performance in Rare Normal Conditions, and 56, Performance in Non-Normal Conditions.
(1) Test Program. The test program should assess the FGS performance in more challenging environmental conditions (for example, winds, wind gradients, and various levels of turbulence) as the opportunity presents itself. Rare environmental conditions may require the FGS to operate at the limits of its capabilities. The intent of the evaluation is to assess the performance of the FGS under more demanding conditions that may be experienced infrequently in-service. Due to the severity of some environmental conditions, such as severe and extreme turbulence or flights into severe windshear, it is neither recommended nor required that the FGS flight evaluations include demonstration under those conditions. Those conditions are more appropriately addressed by simulator evaluation.
(2) Evaluation of FGS. The FGS should be evaluated to determine the acceptability of the following characteristics:
(a) Stability of automatic contro l elements and ability to resume tracking following any upset.
(b) Controllability of guidance elements and ability to resume tracking following any upset.
(c) Acceptability of mode transitions and overall cockpit system integration.
(3) Additional Guidance for Windshear. If the FGS provides windshear escape guidance, performance demonstration requirements should be conducted consistent with AC 25-12, Airworthiness Criteria for the Approval of Airborne Windshear Warning Systems in Transport Category Airplanes.
d. Specific Performance Conditions. The following paragraphs identify specific performance conditions requiring evaluation by flight test and/or simulation.
(1) Icing Considerations. The FGS performance and safety in icing conditions should be demonstrated by flight test and/or simulation tests and be supported by analysis where necessary. The implications of continued use of the automatic flight control 89
elem ents of the FGS in icing conditions should be assessed. Ice accumulation on the airplane wings and surfaces can progressively change the aerodynamic characteristics and stability of the airplane. Even though the FGS may perform safely under these conditions, its continued use may mask this change, which, in turn, can lead to pilot handling difficulties and potential loss of control, should the autopilot become disengaged (either automatically or manually).
(a) Test Program. A test program should assess the potential vulnerability of the FGS to icing conditions by evaluating autopilot performance during artificial ice shape tests or during natural icing tests.
1 Sufficient autopilot testing a nd analysis should be conducted to ensure that the autopilot's performance is acceptable. This testing and analysis should include evaluation of the low speed protection threshold in the event that stall warning parameters are adjusted to account for icing conditions. See Chapter 5, paragraph 55, Icing Considerations in Normal and Rare Normal Conditions, for more information.
2 In general, it is not necessary to conduct an autopilot evaluation that encompasses all weights, CG positions (including lateral asymmetry), altitudes, and deceleration device configurations. However, if the autopilot performance with ice accretion shows a significant difference from the non–contaminated airplane or testing indicates marginal performance, additional tests may be necessary.
3 If significant autopilot inputs ar e required to compensate for the icing conditions, then the acceptability of the indication of a significant out of trim condition should be assessed, and the subsequent response of the airplane when the autopilot disengages (manual or automatic) should be determined. See Chapter 3, paragraph 27b, Autopilot Disengagement, and Chapter 4, paragraph 45d, Awareness of Potential Significant Transient Condition (“Bark Before Bite”), for more information.
(b) De-icing. If the airplane is configured with a de-icing system, the autopilot should demonstrate satisfactory performance during the shedding of ice from the airplane.
(c) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Limitations. Where degradation is noted which is not significant enough to require changes to the autopilot system or to de-icing or anti-icing systems, appropriate limitations and procedures should be established and presented in the AFM.
(2) Low-Speed Protection. The FGS should be assessed for the acceptability of the low speed protection performance under the following conditions:
(a) High altitude cruise w ith a simulated engine failure.
(b) Climb to altitude capture at lo w altitude with a simulated engine failure during capture.
(c) Vertical speed with insufficient climb power.
(d) Approach with speed abuse.
(3) High-Speed Protection. The FGS should be assessed for the acceptability of the high-speed protection performance under the following conditions:
(a) High altitude level f light with autothrust function.
(b) High altitude level f light without autothrust function.
(c) High altitude descending flight with autothrust function.
(4) Go-Around.
(a) Mode Assessment. The objective of the Go–Around mode (see Chapter 6, paragraph 65b, Go-Around Mode) is to quickly change the flight path of the airplane from approach to landing to a safe climbout trajectory. The mode has specific utility in low visibility conditions when operations are predicated on a DA/H, and a go-around is necessary if visual references are not acquired at the DA/H. Therefore, the assessment of the Go-Around mode may be conducted in conjunction with the evaluation of the FGS to support low visibility operations, using additional criteria contained in AC 120-28D and AC 120-29A.
(b) Flight Evaluation. The flight evaluation should be conducted to assess the rotation characteristics of the airplane and the performance of the airplane in acquiring and maintaining a safe flight path. The acceptability of the operation if contact is made with the runway during the missed approach or balked landing should be established.
1 Factors to be considered. A demonstration program should be established that confirms acceptable operation when the following factors are considered:
(aa) Airplane weight and CG.
(bb) Various landing configurations.
(cc) Use of manual thrust or autothrust.
(dd) Consequences of thrust de–rates with selection of Go-Around mode.
(ee) An engine failu re at the initiation of go-around.
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(ff) An engine failure during go–around after go–around power is reached.
(gg) Initiation altitude (f or example, in ground effect, not in ground effect during flare).
2 Characteristics to be evaluated:
(aa) The pitch response of th e airplane during the initial transition.
(bb) Speed performance dur ing airplane reconfiguration and climbout.
(cc) Integrated aut opilot and autothrust operation.
(dd) Transition to missed approach altitude.
(ee) Lateral performance during an engine failure.
3 Go-Around Initiation Heights. Where height loss during a go– around maneuver is significant or is required to support specific operational approval, demonstrated values for various initiation heights should be included in the AFM.
(5) Steep Approach [special authorization].
(a) Flight Test/Simulator Demonstration. Typical approach operations include glidepath angles between 2.75 and 3.77 degrees. Application for approval to conduct operations on glidepath angles of greater than 3.77 degrees requires additional evaluation. See AC 120-29A, section 4.3, Landing, for further discussion. For such an approval, the FGS flight test and simulator demonstration should include the following:
1 Approach path capture, tracking, and speed control.
2 Recovery of the system from a buse cases (for example, glidepath angle and speed).
3 Assessment of autopilot disengagement transient.
4 Demonstration of Go–Around mode from a steep approach.
(b) Autopilot Use on Steep Approaches. For autopilot use at approach angles greater than 4.5 degrees, the criteria of AC 25-7C, Flight Test Guide for Certification of Transport Category Airplanes, Chapter 8, Airworthiness-Miscellaneous Items, should be satisfied. This advisory material contains airworthiness and transition criteria for steep approaches. In addition, the criteria of AC 120-29A, Criteria for 92
Approval of Category I and II W eather Minima for Approach, paragraph 6.2.8, Approach Ban Applicability, should be assessed depending on the operational and low visibility requirements.
(6) Indication Of and Response To an Out Of Trim Condition. An assessment should be performed to determine the acceptability of the out of trim annunciation and subsequent response to disengagement. (See Chapter 4, paragraph 45d, Awareness of Potential Significant Transient Condition (“Bark Before Bite”)).
e. Flight Director (FD)/Head Up Display (HUD).
(1) General. The guidance aspect of an FGS may be provided by a head down FD or a HUD. Head down displays (HDD) normally utilize FD guidance cues that provide steering commands—such as a cross pointer or single “V”—for the pilot to follow. HUDs normally display a flight path vector that represents the instantaneous flight path. The vector is based on the aircraft energy state and directional vectors.
Various new display media are evolving (for example, enhanced vision system (EVS) and simulated vision system) that may integrate guidance elements with situational elements.
(a) Flight Test or Simulator Program. The flight test or simulator program should demonstrate that the FD or HUD guidance elements provide smooth, accurate, and damped guidance in all applicable modes to achieve satisfactory control task performance without pilot compensation or excessive workload.
(b) Performance. The FD guidance should provide adequate performance for operations under the conditions listed below. Some pilot compensation may be acceptable for these conditions:
1 Stability augmentation off.
2 Alternate fly-by-wire control m odes (for example, direct law), if any.
3 An engine inoperative.
(c) Non–Stationary Tracking Reference. Flight directors designed to work with a non-stationary tracking reference (such as a flight path angle or flight path vector which are commonly used with HUD guidance) should be evaluated in conditions which bring these guidance symbols to the field of view limits of the display. Crosswinds and certain combinations of airspeed, gross weight, CG, and flap/slat/gear configurations might cause such conditions. At these limits the dynamics of the guidance response to pilot control inputs can differ, with potentially adverse affects on tracking performance, pilot compensation, and workload.
(d) Primary Instrument References. It should be demonstrated that movement of the FD and its tracking reference do not interfere with primary instrument references throughout their range of motion. The pilot’s ability to interpret the guidance and essential flight information should not be adversely affected by the movement dynamics or range of motion.
(2) Specific Demonstrations For HUD.
(a) Compliance. These demonstrations are intended to show compliance with the following paragraphs of this AC:
1 Chapter 3, paragraph 28, FD Engagement, Disengagement, and Indications
2 Chapter 4, paragraph 44, FGS Mode Selection, Annunciation, and Indication
3 Chapter 4, paragraph 46, FGS Considerations for Head Up Displays (HUD)
4 Chapter 5, paragraph 53, Normal Performance (specifically, criteria for FD guidance)
(b) Demonstrations Required. When the pilot flying (PF) is using the HUD, the HUD is where the pilot is looking for the basic flight information, and the pilot is less likely to be scanning the head down instruments. Therefore, the following should be demonstrated:
1 The location and presentation of the HUD information (for example, guidance, flight information, and alerts/annunciations) does not distract the pilot or obscure the pilot’s outside view. For example, the pilot should be able to track the guidance to the runway without having the view of runway references or hazards along the flight path obscured by the HUD symbology.
2 Pilot awareness of primary f light information, annunciations, and alerts is satisfactory when using any HUD display mode. Some display modes that are designed to minimize “clutter” could degrade pilot awareness of essential information.
For example, a “digital–only” display mode may not provide sufficient speed and altitude awareness during high–speed descents.
3 It should be demonstrated that the pilot can positively detect cases when conformal symbology is field of view limited.
4 Approach mode guidance, if provided, should be satisfactory throughout the intended range of conditions, including at the minimum approach speed and maximum crosswind with expected gust components, for which approval is sought.