Advisory U.S. Department Circular of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Subject: CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT Date: 2/12/03 AC No: 29-2C CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Initiated ASW-110 Change: Chg 1
7. PURPOSE.
a. This change revises existing material in 21 paragraphs and adds new material for seven paragraphs.
b. The change number and the date of the changed material are shown at the top of each page that contains changed text. The vertical lines in the right and left margins indicate the beginning and end of each change. Pages that have different page numbers but no text changes will retain the previous heading information.
8. CANCELLATION
a. AC 20-95, Fatigue Evaluation of Rotorcraft Structure, May 18, 1976, is canceled in its entirety.
AC 20-137, Dynamic Evaluation of Seat Restraint Systems & Occupant Restraint for Rotorcraft (Normal and Transport), March 30, 1992, is canceled in its entirety, and is replaced by material contained in AC 29.562.
c. AC test containing references to AC 20-95 and AC 20-137 was either changed or deleted in paragraphs AC 29.2, 29.562, 29.613, 29.785A, 29.865A, 29.907, 29.952, MG 8, and MG 12.
9. PRINCIPAL CHANGES.
Paragraphs 29.562, 29.571, 29.805, 29.1303, 29.1309, 29.1353, 29.1419, 29.1505,
29.1529, MG 5, MG 6, MG 11, MG 12, and Appendix B are revised.
b. New paragraphs 29.625A and 29.785B are added to Chapter 2.
c. New paragraphs MG 13, MG 14, MG 15, and MG 16 are added to Chapter 3.
d. Appendix A (previously reserved) is added New figures AC 29.562-1, 29.562-2, 29.562-3, 29.562-4, 29.562-5, 29.562-6, 29.562-7,
29.562-8, 29.1309-1, 29.1309-2, 29.1309-3, 29.1309-4, and 29.1309-5 are added in Chapter 2.
f. New figures AC 29 MG 11-2, 11-4, 11-5, 14-1, 15-1, and 15-2 are added in Chapter 3.
10. WEBSITE AVAILABILITY. To access this AC electronically, log on to http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl and then click on AC's.
AC 29-2C, Chg 1
PAGE CONTROL CHART Remove Pages Dated Insert Pages Dated v thru x .............................................. 9/30/99 xiii thru xxiii....................................... 9/30/99 A-3 thru A-4 ................................. 9/30/99 C-51 thru C-58 ................................. 9/30/99 D-13 thru D-14 ................................. 9/30/99 D-27 thru D-30 ................................. 9/30/99 D-85 thru D-100 ................................ 9/30/99 D-133 thru D-134 .............................. 9/30/99 E-29 thru E-30 . ................................. 9/30/99 E-57 thru E-58 ................................. 9/30/99 E-69 thru E-70 ................................. 9/30/99 E-75 thru E-80 ................................. 9/30/99 F-1 thru F-105 ................................. 9/30/99 G-3 thru G-50 ................................. 9/30/99 MG 5-1 thru MG 5-6 ......................... 9/30/99 MG 6-5 thru MG 6-18 ....................... 9/30/99 MG 8-5 thru MG 8-6 ......................... 9/30/99 MG 11-1 thru MG 11-25 ................... 9/30/99 MG 12-23 thru MG 12-24 ................. 9/30/99 MG 12-37 thru MG 12-38 ................. 9/30/99 MG 12-43 thru MG 12-44 ................. 9/30/99 none none none none none Apdx B-13 thru Apdx B-14 ............... 9/30/99 v thru x ............................................... 2/12/03 xiii thru xxiv....................................... 2/12/03 A-3 thru A-4....................................... 2/12/03 C-51 thru C-96 ................................... 2/12/03 D-13 thru D-14 ................................... 2/12/03 D-27 thru D-30 ................................... 2/12/03 D-85 thru D-100 ................................. 2/12/03 D-133 thru D-134 ............................... 2/12/03 E-29 thru E-30 .................................... 2/12/03 E-57 thru E-58 .................................... 2/12/03 E-69 thru E-70 .................................... 2/12/03 E-75 thru E-80 .................................... 2/12/03 F-1 thru F-120 .................................... 2/12/03 G-3 thru G-52 ..................................... 2/12/03 MG 5-1 thru MG 5-6 .......................... 2/12/03 MG 6-5 thru MG 6-20 ........................ 2/12/03 MG 8-5 thru MG 8-6 .......................... 2/12/03 MG 11-1 thru MG 11-22.................... 2/12/03 MG 12-23 thru MG 12-24.................. 2/12/03 MG 12-37 thru MG 12-38.................. 2/12/03 MG 12-43 thru MG 12-44.................. 2/12/03 MG 13-1 thru 13-6 ............................. 2/12/03 MG 14-1 thru 14-8 ............................. 2/12/03 MG 15-1 thru 15-18 ........................... 2/12/03 MG 16-1 thru 16-16 ........................... 2/12/03 Apdx A-1 thru Apdx A-70 ................. 2/12/03 Apdx B-13 thru Apdx B-14 ............... 2/12/03 David A. Downey Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate Aircraft Certification Service 2
Advisory Circular _____________________________________________ U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Subject: CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT Date: 9/30/99 AC No: 29-2C CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Initiated by: ASW-110 Change:
1. PURPOSE:
a. This is a total revision of AC 29-2B dated 7/30/97, with Change 1 dated 9/30/98, incorporated. In addition, new material plus changes to existing paragraphs are incorporated. This consolidated version is now renumbered as AC 29-2C and replaces AC 29-2B in its entirety. This revises existing material in 12 paragraphs, adds new material for two paragraphs, and renumbers paragraphs to correspond with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) numbering.
b. Requests from the rotorcraft industry to make the document easier to use resulted in renumbering the AC paragraphs to correspond with FAR numbering. The figure numbers are also renumbered accordingly.
c. This AC does not change regulatory requirements and does not authorize changes in, or deviations from, regulatory requirements. This AC establishes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of compliance. Since the guidance material presented in this AC is not regulatory, terms having a mandatory definition, such as “shall” and “must,” etc., as used in this AC, apply either to the reiteration of a regulation itself, or to an applicant who chooses to follow a prescribed method of compliance without deviation.
d. This advisory circular provides information on methods of compliance with 14 CFR Part 29, which contains the Airworthiness Standards for Transport Category Rotorcraft. It includes methods of compliance in the areas of basic design, ground tests, and flight tests.
2. CANCELLATION. AC 29 -2B, Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft, dated 7/30/97, is canceled in its entirety.
3. BACKGROUND. Based largely on precedents set during rotorcraft certification programs spanning over 40 years, this AC consolidates guidance contained in earlier correspondence among FAA headquarters, foreign authorities, the rotorcraft industry, and certificating regions.
4. PRINCIPAL CHANGES:
a. Chapter 3 is now titled "Miscellaneous Guidance (MG), Transport Category Rotorcraft," with the following changes:
• Paragraphs that correspond to a FAR number are merged into existing AC text in Chapter 2.
• Paragraphs that do not correspond with a FAR number either remain in Chapter 3 and are renumbered as MG paragraphs, or are now an appendix.
• In order to stay aligned with FAR numbering, Appendices A, C, and D are reserved for future AC material.
b. Paragraphs revised to incorporate technical guidance are AC 21.35, 29.561, 29.610, 29.863,
29.952, 29.1093, 29.1305, 29.1309, 29.1351, 29.1353, and MG 4 (FADEC). Paragraph AC
29.661, Rotorblade Clearance, contains new material added as a result of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations.
c. New paragraphs added are 29.602, Critical Parts, and MG 12, External Loads. These paragraphs correspond with recent harmonized regulatory changes. Also, figure 29.863- 1 is new.
d. The AC is now divided by Subparts and page numbers reflect the relevant FAR Subpart.
e. “FAA/AUTHORITY” as used in this document means FAA or another airworthiness authority that has adopted this AC as a means of compliance with the appropriate regulation referenced.
5. DEVIATIONS. As rotorc raft designs vary from conventional configurations, it may become necessary to deviate from the methods and procedures outlined in this AC. These procedures are only one acceptable means of compliance with Part 29. Any alternate means proposed by an applicant will be given due consideration. Applicants are encouraged to use their technical ingenuity and resourcefulness to develop more efficient and less costly methods of achieving the objectives of Part 29. Regulatory personnel and designees should respond to such efforts by the use of engineering judgment in fostering any such efforts as long as the letter and spirit of Part 29 and the Federal Aviation Act are respected. It is recommended that unusual or unique projects be coordinated a sufficient time in advance with the Rotorcraft Standards Staff, ASW-110, or the appropriate airworthiness authority, to ensure timely and uniform consideration.
6. APPLICABILITY. This material is not to be construed as having any legally binding status and must be treated as advisory only. However, to ensure standardization in the certification process, these procedures should be considered during all rotorcraft type certification and supplemental type certification activities.
7. PARAGRAPHS KEYED TO FAR PART 29. Each paragraph has the applicable amendment to Part 29 shown in the title. All of the original guidance material has been retained as appropriate, even as changes are made to the regulations. This is accomplished through the use of “A,” “B,” etc., paragraphs, which follow the original numbered paragraphs. These subsequent paragraphs provide updated guidance information or changes to policy that parallel a specific rule change.
The guidance material in the original paragraph (for earlier amendments) still applies and is modified as explained in each of the later paragraphs for later amendments. The applicable amendment number will only appear in the title line for the “A,” “B,” etc., paragraphs. The guidance material in the initial paragraph is intended to apply to all amendments except as modified by the later paragraphs. Each ensuing “A,” “B,” etc., paragraph will be identified with an amendment level to indicate the rule change that precipitated the policy change.
8. RELATED PUBLICATIONS. FAA Certification personnel and designees should be familiar with Order 8110.4, Type Certification, and Order 8100.5, Aircraft Certification Directorate Procedures.
Eric Bries Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate 2
CONTENTS Page No.
CHAPTER 1 - PART 21 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR
PRODUCTS AND PARTS AC 21.16 Special Conditions .......................................................................... FAR 21-1 AC 21.31 Type Design.................................................................................... FAR 21-2 AC 21.33 Inspection and Tests....................................................................... FAR 21-2 AC 21.35 Flight Tests ..................................................................................... FAR 21-2 AC 21.39 Flight Test Instrument Calibration and Correction Report ............... FAR 21-6 CHAPTER 2 - PART 29 AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS:
TRANSPORT CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT
SUBPART A - GENERAL
GENERAL
AC 29.1 ApplicabilityA-1
AC 29.1A ApplicabilityA-2
AC 29.2 Special Retroactive RequirementsA-3
SUBPART B - FLIGHT
GENERAL
AC 29.21 Proof of ComplianceB-1
AC 29.21A Proof of ComplianceB-3
AC 29.25 Weight LimitsB-3
AC 29.25A Weight LimitsB-4
AC 29.27 Center of Gravity LimitsB-5
AC 29.29 Empty Weight and Corresponding Center of GravityB-6
AC 29.31 Removable BallastB-8
AC 29.33 Main Rotor Speed and Pitch LimitsB-8
PERFORMANCE
AC 29.45 Performance - GeneralB-10
AC 29.45A Performance - GeneralB-20
AC 29.45B Performance - GeneralB-20
AC 29.49 Performance at Minimum Operating Speed...................................... B-26.2
AC 29-2C, Chg 5 6/13/2014 Page No.
SUBPART B - FLIGHT (continued) PERFORMANCE (continued)
AC 29.51 Takeoff Data - GeneralB-29
AC 29.51A Takeoff Data - GeneralB-30
AC 29.53 Takeoff: Category AB-31
AC 29.53A Takeoff: Category AB-34
AC 29.55 Takeoff Decision Point: Category AB-36
AC 29.59 Takeoff Path: Category AB-36
AC 29.59A Takeoff Path, Distance and Rejected Takeoff, Ground Level and ... B-46 Elevated Heliport: Category A
AC 29.63 Takeoff: Category BB-57
AC 29.65 Climb: (All Engines Operating)B-60
AC 29.65A Climb: (General and All Engines Operating)B-61
AC 29.67 Climb: One Engine InoperativeB-63
AC 29.67A Climb: One Engine InoperativeB-65
AC 29.71 Rotorcraft Angle of Glide: Category BB-66
AC 29.73 Performance at Minimum Operating SpeedB-69
AC 29.75 LandingB-71
AC 29.75A LandingB-80
AC 29.77 Balked Landing: Category AB-91
AC 29.79 Limiting Height - Speed EnvelopeB-92
AC 29.85 Balked Landing: Category AB-100
AC 29.87 Limiting Height - Speed EnvelopeB-101
FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
AC 29.141 Flight Characteristics – GeneralB-102
AC 29.143 Controllability and ManeuverabilityB-104
AC 29.143A Controllability and ManeuverabilityB-106
AC 29.151 Flight ControlsB-108
AC 29.161 Trim ControlB-109
AC 29.161A Trim ControlB-110
AC 29.171 Stability: GeneralB-110
AC 29.173 Static Longitudinal StabilityB-111
AC 29.173A Static Longitudinal StabilityB-111
AC 29.175 Demonstration of Static Longitudinal Stability................................... B-112.2
AC 29.175A Demonstration of Static Longitudinal StabilityB-116
AC 29.177 Static Directional Stability.................................................................. B- AC 29.177A Static Directional Stability.................................................................. B-116.5
AC 29.181 Dynamic Stability: Category A RotorcraftB-117
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SUBPART B - FLIGHT (continued)
GROUND AND WATER HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS
AC 29.231 General (Ground and Water Handling Characteristics)B-118
AC 29.235 Taxiing ConditionB-118
AC 29.239 Spray CharacteristicsB-119
AC 29.241 Ground ResonanceB-120
MISCELLANEOUS FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS
AC 29.251 VibrationB-125
SUBPART C - STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL
AC 29.301 LoadsC-1
AC 29.303 Factor of SafetyC-1
AC 29.305 Strength and DeformationC-2
AC 29.307 Proof of StructureC-2
AC 29.307A Proof of StructureC-3
AC 29.309 Design LimitationsC-4
FLIGHT LOADS
AC 29.321 General - Flight LoadsC-5
AC 29.337 Limit Maneuvering Load FactorC-5
AC 29.339 Resultant Limit Maneuvering LoadsC-8
AC 29.341 Gust LoadsC-8
AC 29.351 Yawing ConditionsC-10
AC 29.351A Yawing ConditionsC-13
AC 29.351B Yawing ConditionsC-15
AC 29.361 Engine TorqueC-18
CONTROL SURFACE AND SYSTEM LOADS
AC 29.391 Control Surface and System Loads - GeneralC-20
AC 29.391A Control Surface and System Loads - GeneralC-20
AC 29.395 Control SystemC-20
AC 29.395A Control SystemC-22
AC 29.397 Limit Pilot Forces and TorquesC-22
AC 29.399 Dual Control SystemC-23
AC 29.401 Auxiliary Rotor AssembliesC-23
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AC 29-2C, Chg 5 6/13/2014 Page No.
SUBPART C - STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS (continued) CONTROL SURFACE AND SYSTEM LOADS (continued)
AC 29.401A Auxiliary Rotor AssembliesC-24
AC 29.403 Auxiliary Rotor Attachment StructureC-25
AC 29.403A Auxiliary Rotor Attachment StructureC-25
AC 29.411 Ground Clearance: Tail Rotor GuardC-26
AC 29.413 Stabilizing and Control SurfacesC-27
AC 29.413A Stabilizing and Control SurfacesC-29
AC 29.427 Unsymmetrical LoadsC-29
GROUND LOADS
AC 29.471 Ground Loads - GeneralC-33
AC 29.473 Ground Loading Conditions and AssumptionsC-33
AC 29.475 Tires and Shock AbsorbersC-34
AC 29.477 Landing Gear ArrangementC-34
AC 29.479 Level Landing ConditionsC-34
AC 29.481 Tail-Down Landing ConditionsC-36
AC 29.483 One-Wheel Landing ConditionsC-36
AC 29.485 Lateral Drift Landing ConditionsC-36
AC 29.493 Braked Roll ConditionsC-37
AC 29.497 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With Tail WheelsC-37
AC 29.501 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With SkidsC-39
AC 29.501A Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With SkidsC-40
AC 29.505 Ski Landing ConditionsC-41
AC 29.511 Ground Load: Unsymmetrical Loads on Multiple- Wheel UnitsC-41
WATER LOADS
AC 29.519 Hull Type Rotorcraft: Water -Based, AmphibianC-43
AC 29.521 Float Landing ConditionsC-45
MAIN COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS
AC 29.547 Main Rotor StructureC-46
AC 29.547A Main Rotor and Tail Rotor StructureC-46
AC 29.549 Fuselage and Rotor PylonC-50
AC 29.551 Auxiliary Lifting SurfacesC-50
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SUBPART C - STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS (continued)
EMERGENCY LANDING CONDITIONS
AC 29.561 Emergency Landing Conditions - GeneralC-51
AC 29.561A Emergency Landing Conditions - GeneralC-53
AC 29.561B Emergency Landing Conditions - GeneralC-54
AC 29.562 Emergency Landing Dynamic ConditionsC-55
AC 29.563 Structural Ditching ProvisionsC-92
AC 29.563A Structural Ditching ProvisionsC-92
FATIGUE EVALUATION
AC 29.571 Fatigue Evaluation of Flight StructureC-94
AC 29.571A Fatigue Evaluation of Flight StructureC-97
AC 29.571B Fatigue Tolerance Evaluation of Metallic StructureC-98
AC 29.573 Damage Tolerance and Fatigue Evaluation of CompositeC-130
Rotorcraft Structures
SUBPART D - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
GENERAL
AC 29.601 DesignD-1
AC 29.602 Critical PartsD-2
AC 29.603 MaterialsD-4
AC 29.605 Fabrication MethodsD-5
AC 29.607 FastenersD-5
AC 29.609 Protection of StructureD-6
AC 29.610 Lightning and Static Electricity ProtectionD-8
AC 29.611 Inspection ProvisionsD-12
AC 29.613 Material Strength Properties and Design ValuesD-13
AC 29.613A Material Strength Properties and Design ValuesD-14
AC 29.619 Special FactorsD-17
AC 29.621 Casting FactorsD-17
AC 29.623 Bearing FactorsD-27
AC 29.625 Fitting Factors ................................................................................... D-28.1 AC 29.625A Fitting Factors .................................................................................. D-28.1
AC 29.629 FlutterD-29
AC 29.629A Flutter and DivergenceD-29
AC 29.631 Bird StrikeD-31
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AC 29-2C, Chg 5 6/13/2014 Page No.
SUBPART D - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (continued) ROTORS
AC 29.653 Pressure Venting and Drainage of Rotor BladesD-32
AC 29.659 Mass BalanceD-32
AC 29.661 Rotor Blade ClearanceD-32
AC 29.663 Ground Resonance Prevention MeansD-34
AC 29.663A Ground Resonance Prevention MeansD-36
CONTROL SYSTEMS
AC 29.671 Control Systems - GeneralD-37
AC 29.672 Stability Augmentation, Automatic, and Power-Operated Systems... D-37
AC 29.673 Primary Flight ControlsD-38
AC 29.674 Interconnected ControlsD-39
AC 29.675 StopsD-39
AC 29.679 Control System LocksD-41
AC 29.681 Limit Load Static TestsD-42
AC 29.683 Operation TestsD-42
AC 29.685 Control System DetailsD-43
AC 29.687 Spring DevicesD-45
AC 29.691 Autorotation Control MechanismD-45
AC 29.695 Power Boost and Power-Operated Control SystemD-46
LANDING GEAR
AC 29.723 Shock Absorption TestsD-49
AC 29.725 Limit Drop TestD-52
AC 29.727 Reserve Energy Absorption Drop TestD-52
AC 29.727A Reserve Energy Absorption Drop TestD-53
AC 29.729 Retracting Mechanism, Landing GearD-53
AC 29.731 WheelsD-55
AC 29.733 TiresD-56
AC 29.735 BrakesD-58
AC 29.737 SkisD-59
FLOATS AND HULLS
AC 29.751 Main Float BuoyancyD-61
AC 29.753 Main Float DesignD-61
AC 29.755 Hull BuoyancyD-64
AC 29.757 Hull and Auxiliary Float StrengthD-65
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SUBPART D - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (continued)
PERSONNEL AND CARGO ACCOMMODATIONS
AC 29.771 Pilot CompartmentD-67
AC 29.773 Pilot Compartment ViewD-68
AC 29.775 Windshields and WindowsD-74
AC 29.775A Windshields and WindowsD-74
AC 29.775B Windshields and WindowsD-74
AC 29.777 Cockpit ControlsD-75
AC 29.779 Motion and Effect of Cockpit ControlsD-76
AC 29.783 DoorsD-78
AC 29.783A DoorsD-82
AC 29.785 Seats, Safety Belts, and HarnessesD-83
AC 29.785A Seats, Berths, Belts, Safety Belts, and HarnessesD-85
AC 29.785B Seats, Berths, Litters, Safety Belts, and HarnessesD-87
AC 29.787 Cargo and Baggage CompartmentsD-88
AC 29.787A Cargo and Baggage CompartmentsD-88
AC 29.801 DitchingD-89
AC 29.803 Emergency EvacuationD-97
AC 29.803A Emergency EvacuationD-97
AC 29.805 Flightcrew Emergency ExitsD-98
AC 29.805A Flightcrew Emergency ExitsD-98
AC 29.807 Passenger Emergency ExitsD-99
AC 29.807A Emergency ExitsD-100
AC 29.809 Emergency Exit ArrangementD-101
AC 29.809A Emergency Exit ArrangementD-102
AC 29.811 Emergency Exit MarkingD-103
AC 29.811A Emergency Exit MarkingD-105
AC 29.812 Emergency LightingD-106
AC 29.813 Emergency Exit AccessD-106
AC 29.815 Main Aisle WidthD-108
AC 29.831 VentilationD-109
AC 29.833 HeatersD-110
FIRE PROTECTION
AC 29.851 Fire ExtinguishersD-112
AC 29.853 Compartment InteriorsD-113
AC 29.855 Cargo and Baggage CompartmentsD-115
AC 29.855A Cargo and Baggage CompartmentsD-117
AC 29.859 Combustion Heater Fire ProtectionD-117
AC 29.861 Fire Protection of Structure, Controls, and Other PartsD-121
AC 29.861A Fire Protection of Structure, Controls, and Other PartsD-124
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Page No.
SUBPART D - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (continued) FIRE PROTECTION (continued)
AC 29.863 Flammable Fluid Fire ProtectionD-124
EXTERNAL LOAD ATTACHING MEANS
AC 29.865 External Load Attaching MeansD-129
AC 29.865A External Load Attaching MeansD-134
AC 29.865B External Load Attaching Means (SEE MG 12)D-140
MISCELLANEOUS (DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION)
AC 29.871 Leveling MarksD-165
AC 29.873 Ballast ProvisionsD-165
AC 29.877 Ice ProtectionD-166
SUBPART E - POWERPLANT
GENERAL
AC 29.901 InstallationE-1
AC 29.901A InstallationE-8
GENERAL (continued)
AC 29.901B InstallationE-8
AC 29.903 EnginesE-9
AC 29.903A EnginesE-11
AC 29.903B EnginesE-12
AC 29.903C Turbine Engine InstallationE-13
AC 29.907 Engine VibrationE-29
AC 29.908 Cooling FansE-29
AC 29.908A Cooling FansE-30
ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM
AC 29.917 DesignE-33
AC 29.917A DesignE-34
AC 29.921 Rotor Brake....................................................................................... E-37.2
AC 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism Tes tsE-39
AC 29.923A Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism TestsE-45
AC 29.923B Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism TestsE-52
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