AdvisoryU.S.Department ofTmsportation F8deml Aviation Mminlstmtion Circular Subject: CERTIFICATIONOF TRANSPORT Date: 7/30/97 AC No: 29-2B CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Initiatedby: ASW-110 Change:
1. PURPOSE:
a. This is a total revision of AC 29-2A dated 9/16/87, with changes 1, 2, and 3, dated 4/24/89, 9/24/91, and 6/1/95 respectively, incorporated. In addition, new material plus changes to existing paragraphs have been incorporated. This consolidated version is now renumbered as AC 29-2B and replaces AC 29-2A in its entirety. This revises existing material in 25 paragraphs and adds new material for 33 paragraphs.
b. b. 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.
c. 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 29-2A, Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft, September 16, 1987, is canceled in its entirety.
3. BACKGROUND. Based largely on precedents set during rotorcraft certification programs spanning the past 39 years, this AC consolidates guidance contained in earlier correspondence among FAA headquarters, foreign authorities, the rotorcraft industry, and certificating regions.
4. PRINCIPAL CHANGES:
a. Paragraphs 31A} 32, 45, 47, 55, 57, 64, 69, 71, 72, 140A, 245, 337, 596, 618, 619, 621, 633, 641, 652, 653, 726, 765, 775, and 777 are revised to incorporate technical guidance.
b. New paragraphs 42A, 55B, 56, 57A, 58A, 59, 60A, 66A, 67A, 70A, 71A, 72A, 140B, 152A, 205A, 218B, 252A, 254, 329B, 359A, 397B, 398C, 421A, 423C, 447, 454B, 456A, 459A, 460B, 563B, 619B, 619C, 724B, and 765A are added to Chapter 2.
c. New paragraph 781A is added to Chapter 3.
d. Paragraph 447, ~ 29.951, General, is renumbered to Paragraph 446. Paragraph 447 now addresses ~ 29.952, Fuel Systems Crash Resistance.
e. The following appendices have been added:
Appendix 2 One-Engine-Inoperative (OEI) Power Assurance Appendix 3 Rotorburst
f. Use of the term “FAA/AUTHORITY” replaces “FAA as appropriate. “FAA/AUTHORITY” as used in this document means FAA or another ainvorthiness authority that has adopted this AC as a means of compliance with the appropriate regulation referenced.
5. DEVIATIONS. As rotorcraft 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-I 10, or the appropriate ai~orthiness 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 Aircraft Certification Service
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1- PART 21 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS
1.-3.
4.
5.-7 &
9.-11.
12.
13.-15.
16.
17.-23.
24.
25.-30.
Page No.
RESERVED
FAR 21.16 Special Conditions5
RESERVED
FAR21 .31 Type Design9
RESERVED
FAR21 .33 Inspection and Testsl3
RESERVED
FAR21.35 Flight Testsl7
RESERVED
FAR 21.39 Flight Test Instrument Calibration and27
Correction Report
RESERVED CHAPTER 2- PART 29 AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY
ROTORCRAFT SECTION 1. GENERAL
31. FAR 29.1 Applicability35
31A. FAR 29.1 Applicability36
32. FAR 29.2 Special Retroactive Requirements37
33.-41. RESERVED WTION 2, FLIGHT - GENERAL
42. FAR29.21 Proof of Complian=48
42A. FAR29.21 Proof of Compliance50
43. FAR29.25 Weight Limits50
44. FAR29.27 Center of Gravity Limits52
45. FAR 29.29 Empty Weight and Corresponding53
Center of Gravity
46. FAR29.31 Removable Ballast54
47. FAR29.33 Main Rotor Speed and Pitch Limits55
48.-54. RESERVED Ill
SECTION 3. PERFORMANCE
55.
55A.
55B.
56.
57.
57A.
58.
58A.
59.
60.
60A.
Page No.
FAR 29.45 General64
FAR 29.45 General74
FAR 29.45 Generai74
FAR 29.49 Performance at Minimum Operating Speed. Hover81
Performance for Rotorcraft
FAR 29.51 Takeoff Data: General83
FAR 29.51 Takeoff Data: General84
FAR29.53 Takeoff Categoy A85
FAR29.53 Takeoff Categoy A88
FAR29.55 Takeoff Decision Point: Catego~A9O
FAR 29.59 Takeoff Path: Category A90
FAR 29.59, 29.60, 29.61, and29.62 Takeoff Path, Distance ...................................l Ol and Rejected Takeoff Ground Level and Elevated Heliport:
Category A
61.-63. RESERVED
64.
65.
66.
66A.
67.
67A.
68.
69.
70.
70A.
71.
71A.
72.
72A.
FAR 29.63 Takeoff Path: Category B115
RESERVED
FAR29.65 Climb: All Engines Operatingll9
FAR 29.64 and 29.65 Climb: (General and All Engines operating)121
FAR29.67 Climb: One Engine inoperativel23
FAR 29.67 Climb: One Engine inoperativel24
FAR 29.71 Rotorcraft Angle of Glide: Category Bl26
FAR 29.73 Performance at Minimum Operating Speed129
Hover Performance for Rotorcraft
FAR29.75Landingl3l
FAR 29.75, 29.77, 29.79, 29.81, and 29.83 Landingl4l
FAR 29.77 Balked Landing: Catego~Al52
FAR 29.85 Balked Landing: Catego~Al53
FAR 29.79 Limiting Height-Speed Enveiopel54
FAR 29.87 Limiting Height-Speed Envelopel62
73.-78. RESERVED - - SECTION 4, FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
79. FAR 29.141 Flight Characteristics .Generall69
80. FAR 29.143 Controllability and Maneuverabilityl7O
81. FAR 29.151 Flight Controlsl76
82. FAR 29.161 Trim Controll76
82A. FAR 29.161 Trim Controll77
83. FAR 29.171 Stability: Generall78
84. FAR29.173 Static Longitudinal Stabilityl78
Iv
SECTION 4. FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS (continued) Page No.
85. FAR 29.175 Demonstration of Static Longitudinal Stability179
86. FAR 29.177 Static Directional Stability184
87. FAR 29.181 Dynamic Stability: Category A Rotorcrafil85
88.-95. RESERVED SECTION 5. G ROUND AND WATER HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS
96. FAR 29.231 General (Ground and Water Handlingl94
Characteristics)
97. FAR29.235 Taxiing Conditionl94
98. FAR 29.239 Spray Characteristicsl95
99. FAR 29.241 Ground Resonancel96
100.-109. RESERVED SECTION 6. MISCELLANEOUS FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS
110. FAR 29.251 Vibration2l2
111.-120. RESERVED SECTION 7. STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS - GENERAL
121. FAR 29.301 Loads225
122. FAR29.303Factor of Safety225
123. FAR 29.305 Strength and Deformation226
124. FAR29.307Proof of Structure226
124A. FAR 29.307 Proof of Structure227
125. FAR 29.309 Design Limitations228
126.-135. RESERVED SECTION 8. FLIGHT LOADS
136. FAR 29.321 General-Flight Loads239
137. FAR 29.337 Limit Maneuvering Load Factor239
138. FAR 29.339 Resultant Limit Maneuvering Loads242
139. FAR 29.341 Gust Loads242
140. FAR29.351 Yawing Conditions244
140A. FAR 29.351 Yawing Conditions247
140B. FAR 29.351 Yawing Conditions249
141. FAR 29.361 Engine Torque249
142.-151. RESERVED v
SECTIO N9. CONTROL SURFACE AND SYSTEMS LOADS Page No.
152. FAR29.391 General26l
152A. FAR 29.391 General261
153. FAR 29.395 Control System26l
153A. FAR 29.395 Control System263
154. FAR 29.397 Limit Pilot Forces and Torques263
155. FAR 29.399 Dual Control System264
156. FAR 29.401 Auxiliary Rotor Assemblies264
156A. FAR 29.401 Auxiliary Rotor Assemblies265
157. FAR 29.403 Auxiliary Rotor Attachment Structure266
157A. FAR 29.403 Auxiliary Rotor Attachment Structure266
158. FAR 29.411 Ground Clearance: Tail Rotor Guard267
159. FAR 29.413 Stabilizing and Control Surfaces268
159A. FAR 29.413 Stabilizing and Control Surfaces270
160.-161. RESERVED
162. FAR29.427 Unsymmetrical Loads273
163.-169. RESERVED SEC TION 10. GRO UND LOADS
170. FAR 29.471 General284
171. FAR 29.473 Ground Loading Conditions and Assumptions284
172. FAR 29.475 Tires and Shock Absorbers285
173. FAR29.477 Landing Gear Arrangement285
174. FAR29.479 Level Landing Conditions285
175. FAR 29.481 Tail-Down Landing Conditions287
176. FAR 29.483 One-Wheel Landing Conditions287
177. FAR 29.485 Lateral Drift Landing Conditions287
178. FAR 29.493 Braked Roll Conditions288
179. FAR 29.497 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With288
Tail Wheels
180. FAR 29.501 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With290
Skids
180A. FAR 29.501 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With292
Skids
181. FAR29.505Ski Landing Conditions292
182. FAR 29.511 Ground Load: Unsymmetrical Loads on Multiple293
Wheel Units
183.-192. RESERVED VI
SECTION 11. WATER LOADS Page No.
193. FAR 29.519 Hull Type Rotorcraft: Water Based, Amphibian304
194. FAR 29.521 Float Landing Conditions3O6
195.-204. RESERVED SECTION 12. MAIN COM ONENP T RFQUI REMENTS
205. FAR 29.547 Main Rotor Structure3l7
205A. FAR 29.547 Main Rotor and Tail Rotor Structure3l7
206. FAR 29.549 Fuselage and Rotor Pylon32l
207. FAR 29.551 Auxiliary Lifting Surfaces32l
208.-217. RESERVED SECTION 13, EMERGE NCY I ANDING CO NDITIONS
218. FAR29.561 General332
218A. FAR 29.561 Emergency Landing Conditions .General334
218B. FAR29.561 Emergency Landing Conditions .General334
219. FAR 29.562 Emergency Landing Dynamic Conditions335
220. FAR 29.563 Structural Ditching Provisions335
220A. FAR 29.563 Structural Ditching Provisions335
221.-229. RESERVED SECTION 14. FATIGU E EVALUATION
230. FAR 29.571 Fatigue Evaluation of Flight Structure347
230A. FAR 29.571 Fatigue Evaluation of Flight Structure349
231.-239. RESERVED
240.
241.
242.
243.
244.
245.
246.
247.
SECTION 15. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - GENERAL
FAR29.601 Design36O
FAR29.603Materials36O
FAR29.605 Fabrication Methods36l
FAR 29.607 Fasteners362
FAR 29.609 Protection of Structure363
FAR 29.610 Lightning and Static Electricity Protection364
FAR 29.611 Inspection Provisions37O
FAR 29.613 Material Strength Properties and Design37l
Values Vll
SFCTION 15. DESIGN AND CONSTRU CTION - GENERAL (continued] Page No.
247A. FAR 29.613 Material Strength Properties and Design373
Values
248. FAR 29.613 Special Factors373
249. FAR 29,621 Casting Factors374
250. FAR 29.623 Bearing Factors384
251. FAR 29.625 Fitting Factors385
252. FAR 29.629 Flutter386
252A. FAR29.629 Flutter and Divergence386
253. RESERVED
254. FAR29.631 Bird Strike38g
255.-264. RESERVED SECTION 16, ROTORS
265. FAR 29.653 Pressure Venting and Drainage of Rotor Blades400
266. FAR29.659 Mass Balance4OO
267. FAR29.661 Rotor Blade Clearance4OO
268. FAR29.663 Ground Resonance Prevention Means401
268A, FAR29.663 Ground Resonance Prevention Means403
269.-275. RESERVED SECTIO N 17. CO NTROL SYSTEMS
276.
277.
278.
279.
280.
281.
282.
283.
284.
285.
286.
287.
FAR29.671 General4l2
FAR 29,672 Stability Augmentation, Automatic412
and Power-Operated Systems
FAR29.673Prima~ Flight Controls4l3
FAR29.674 Interconnected Controls4l4
FAR29.675Stops4l4
FAR29.679 Control System Locks4l6
FAR 29.681 Limit Load Static Tests4l7
FAR29.683 Operation Tests4l7
FAR29.685 Control System Details4l8
FAR 29.687 Spring Devices42O
FAR 29.691 Autorotation Control Mechanism42O
FAR 29.695 Power Boost and Power-Operated Control System421
288.-297. RESERVED
7/30/97 SECTION 18, LA NDING GEAR AC 29-2B Page No.
298. FAR 29.723 Shock Absorption Tests434
299. FAR 29.725 Limit Drop Test437
300. FAR 29.727 Reserve Energy Absorption Drop Test437
300A. FAR 29.727 Reserve Energy Absorption Drop Test438
301. FAR 29.729 Retracting Mechanism, Landing Gear439
302. FAR 29.731 Wheels44l
303. FAR 29.733 Tires ................0441
304. FAR 29.735 Brakes443
305. FAR 29.737 Skis445
306.-315. RESERVED SECT ION 19. FLOATS AND HULLS
316. FAR 29.751 Main Float Buoyancy457
317. FAR 29.753 Main Float Design457
318. FAR 29.755 Hull Buoyancy46O
319. FAR 29.757 Hull and Auxiliary Float Strength462
320.-326. RESERVED SEC TION 20. PERSONNEL AN D CARGO ACCO MMODATIONS
327. FAR 29.771 Pilot Compartment470
328. FAR29.773Pilot Compadment View47l
329. FAR 29.775 Windshields and Wndows477
329A. FAR 29.775 Windshields and wndows478
329B. FAR 29.775 Windshields and Wndows478
330. FAR 29.777 Cockpit Controls478
331. FAR 29.779 Motion and Effect of Cockpit Controls48O
332.-333. RESERVED
334. FAR 29.783 Doors485
334A. FAR 29.783 Doors488
335. FAR 29.785 Seats, Safety Belts, and Harnesses489
335A. FAR 29.785 Seats, Berths, Belts, Safety Belts, and49l
Harnesses
336. FAR 29.787 Cargo and Baggage Compadments493
336A. FAR 29.787 Cargo and Baggage Compartments .......................................o494
337. FAR 29.801 Ditching494
lx
SECTION 20. PERSONNEL AND CARGO ACCOMMODATIONS (continued) Page No.
338. FAR 29.803 Emergency Evacuation5ol
338A. FAR 29.803 Emergency Evacuation5O2
339. FAR 29.805 Flightcrew Emergency Exits5o3
339A. FAR 29.805 Flightcrew Emergency Exits5o3
340. FAR 29.807 Passenger Emergency Exits5o4
340A. FAR 29.805 Emergency Exits505
341. FAR 29.809 Emergency Exit Arrangement506
341A. FAR 29.809 Emergency Exit Arrangement5o7
342. FAR 29.811 Emergency Exit Marking5O8
342A. FAR 29.811 Emergency Exit Marking510
343. FAR 29.812 Emergency Lighting511
344. FAR 29.813 Emergency Exit Access511
345. FAR 29.815 Main Aisle Width5l3
346. FAR 29.831 Ventilation5l4
347. FAR 29.833 Heaters515
348.-356. RESERVED SECTION 21. FIRE PROTECTION
357. FAR29.851 Fire Extinguishers526
358. FAR29.853 Compartment interiors526
359. FAR29.855Cargo and Baggage Compatiments529
359A. FAR 29.855 Cargo and Baggage Compafiments53l
360. FAR 29.859 Combustion Heater Fire Protection ..................................................53 I
361. FAR 29.861 Fire Protection of Structure, Controls, and535
Other Parts
361A. FAR 29.861 Fire Protection of Structure, Controls, and538
Other Parts
362. FAR 29.863 Flammable Fluid Fire Protection538
363.-372. RESERVED SECTION 22, EXTERNAL LOAD ATTACHING MEANS
373. FAR 29.865 External Load Attaching Means55l
373A. FAR 29.865 External Load Attaching Means556
374.-383. RESERVED x
SECTION 23. MISCE OUS ( )LLANE ,DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Page No.
384. FAR 29.871 Leveling Marks576
385. FAR 29.873 Ballast Provisions576
386. FAR 29.877 Ice Protection577
387.-396. RESERVED SECTIO N 24. POWERPLANT - GENERAL
397. FAR 29.901 Installation608
397A. FAR 29.901 Installation615
397B. FAR 29.901 Installation .....................o6l5
398. FAR 29.903 Engines616
398A. FAR 29.903 Engines6l8
398B. FAR 29.903 Engines620
398C. FAR 29.903 Turbine Engine Installation62O
399. FAR 29.907 Engine Vibration62O
400. FAR 29.908 Cooling Fans621
400A. FAR 29.908 Cooling Fans622
401.-420. RESERVED SECTION 25. ROTOR 17RIVE SYSTEM
421. FAR 29.917 Design645
421A. FAR 29.917 Design646
422. FAR 29.921 Rotor Brake649
423. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism65l
Tests
423A. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism657
Tests
423B. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism664
Tests
423C. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism664
Tests
424. FAR 29.927 Additional Tests666
424A. FAR 29.927 Additional Tests668
425. FAR 29.931 Shafting Critical Speeds67l
426. FAR 29.935 Shafting Joints676
427. FAR 29.939 Turbine Engine Operating Characteristics676
428.-445. RESERVED xl
AC 29-26 SECTION 26. FUEL SYSTEM 7/30/97 Page No.
446. FAR 29.951 General697
447. FAR 29.952 Fuel System Crash Resistance699
448. FAR 29.953 Fuel System independence725
449. FAR 29.954 Fuel System Lightning Protection726
450. FAR 29.955 Fuel Flow727
450A. FAR 29.955 Fuel Flow731
451. FAR29.957 Flow Between Interconnected Tanks735
452. FAR 29.959 Unusable Fuel Supply735
453. FAR 29.961 Fuel System Hot Weather Operation736
453A. FAR 29.961 Fuel System Hot Weather Operation738
454. FAR29.963 Fuel Tanks: General739
454A. FAR29.963 Fuel Tanks: General739
4546. FAR29.963 Fuel Tanks: General74O
455. FAR29.965Fuel Tank Tests74l
456. FAR 29.967 Fuel Tank Installation743
456A. FAR 29.967 Fuel Tank installation745
457. FAR 29.969 Fuel Tank Expansion Space746
457A. FAR 29.969 Fuel Tank Expansion Space746
458. FAR 29.971 Fuel Tank Sump746
458A. FAR 29.971 Fuel Tank Sump748
459. FAR29.973Fuel Tank Filler Connection749
459A. FAR 29.973 Fuel Tank Filler Connection749
460. FAR 29.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents751
460A. FAR 29.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents751
4606. FAR 29.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents752
461. FAR29.977Fuel Tank Outlet753
462. FAR 29.979 Pressure Refueling and Fueling Provisions Below Fuel Level753
463.-482. RESERVED SECTION 27. FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS
483. FAR29.991 Fuel Pumps775
483A. FAR29.991 Fuel Pumps776
484. FAR 29.993 Fuel System Lines and Fittings776
485. FAR29.995 Fuel Valves777
486. FAR 29.997 Fuel Strainer or Filter777
486A. FAR 29.997 Fuel Strainer or Filter778
487. FAR 29.999 Fuel System Drains779
487A. FAR 29.999 Fuel System Drains779
488. FAR 29.1001 Fuel Jettisoning78O