Advisory U.S. Department Circular of Transportation Federal Avlation Administration Subject: CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT Date: 7/30/97 AC No: 29-2B CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Initiated by: 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. 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 airworthiness 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-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.
Toms Eric Bries Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate Aircraft Certification Service
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 - PART 21 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS Page No.
1.-3. RESERVED
4. FAR 21.16 Special Conditions5
5.-7 RESERVED
FAR 21.31 Type Design9
9.-11. RESERVED
12. FAR 21.33 Inspection and Tests ... . 13
13.-15. RESERVED
16. FAR 21.35 Flight Tests. 17
17.-23. RESERVED
24. FAR 21.39 Flight Test Instrument Calibration and.. 27 Correction Report
25.-30. RESERVED CHAPTER 2 - PART 29 AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY
ROTORCRAFT SECTION 1. GENERAL
31. FAR 29.1 Applicability. 35 31A. FAR 29.1 Applicability.. 36
32. FAR 29.2 Special Retroactive Requirements 37
33.41. RESERVED SECTION 2. FLIGHT - GENERAL
42. FAR 29.21 Proof of Compliance48
42A. FAR 29.21 Proof of Compliance..... . 50
43. FAR 29.25 Weight Limits .............. ... 50
44. FAR 29.27 Center of Gravity Limits. . 52
45. FAR 29.29 Empty Weight and Corresponding . .. 53 Center of Gravity
46. FAR 29.31 Removable Ballast54
47. FAR 29.33 Main Rotor Speed and Pitch Limits .. 55
48.-54. RESERVED
SECTION 3. PERFORMANCE Page No.
55. FAR 29.45 General. 64 55A. FAR 29.45 General .74 55B. FAR 29.45 General. 74
56. FAR 29.49 Performance at Minimum Operating Speed. Hover. 81 Performance for Rotorcraft
57. FAR 29.51 Takeoff Data: General 83 57A. FAR 29.51 Takeoff Data: General 84
58. FAR 29.53 Takeoff: Category A 85 58A. FAR 29.53 Takeoff: Category A 88
59. FAR 29.55 Takeoff Decision Point: Category A 90
60. FAR 29.59 Takeoff Path: Category A ... 90 60A. FAR 29.59, 29.60, 29.61, and 29.62 Takeoff Path, Distance 101 and Rejected Takeoff: Ground Level and Elevated Heliport:
Category A
61.-63. RESERVED
64. FAR 29.63 Takeoff Path: Category B 115
65. RESERVED
66. FAR 29.65 Climb: All Engines Operating. 119 66A. FAR 29.64 and 29.65 Climb: (General and All Engines Operating) . 121
67. FAR 29.67 Climb: One Engine Inoperative. 123 67A. FAR 29.67 Climb: One Engine Inoperative. 124
68. FAR 29.71 Rotorcraft Angle of Glide: Category B 126
69. FAR 29.73 Performance at Minimum Operating Speed 129 Hover Performance for Rotorcraft
70. FAR 29.75 Landing. 131 70A. FAR 29.75, 29.77, 29.79, 29.81, and 29.83 Landing. 141
71. FAR 29.77 Balked Landing: Category A 152 71A. FAR 29.85 Balked Landing: Category A 153
72. FAR 29.79 Limiting Height - Speed Envelope 154 72A. FAR 29.87 Limiting Height - Speed Envelope 162
73.-78. RESERVED SECTION 4. FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
79. FAR 29.141 Flight Characteristics - General 169
80. FAR 29.143 Controllability and Maneuverability. . 170
81. FAR 29.151 Flight Controls .... .. 176
82. FAR 29.161 Trim Control... 176 82A. FAR 29.161 Trim Control... 177
83. FAR 29.171 Stability: General. 178
84. FAR 29.173 Static Longitudinal Stability .178 N
SECTION 4. FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS (continued) Page No.
85. FAR 29.175 Demonstration of Static Longitudinal Stability 179
86. FAR 29.177 Static Directional Stability 184
87. FAR 29.181 Dynamic Stability: Category A Rotorcraft 185
88.-95. RESERVED SECTION 5. GROUND AND WATER HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS
96. FAR 29.231 General (Ground and Water Handling. 194 Characteristics)
97. FAR 29.235 Taxiing Condition194
98. FAR 29.239 Spray Characteristics .. 195
99. FAR 29.241 Ground Resonance .. 196
100.-109. RESERVED SECTION 6. MISCELLANEOUS FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS
110. FAR 29.251 Vibration .212
111.-120. RESERVED SECTION 7. STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS - GENERAL
121. FAR 29.301 Loads. 225
122. FAR 29.303 Factor of Safety. 225
123. FAR 29.305 Strength and Deformation .226
124. FAR 29.307 Proof of Structure ..226 124A. FAR 29.307 Proof of Structure 227
125. FAR 29.309 Design Limitations. .228
126.-135. RESERVED SECTION 8. FLIGHT LOADS
136. FAR 29.321 General -Flight Loads. 239
137. FAR 29.337 Limit Maneuvering Load Factor. .239
138. FAR 29.339 Resultant Limit Maneuvering Loads .. .242
139. FAR 29.341 Gust Loads .. .242
140. FAR 29.351 Yawing Conditions. 244 140A. FAR 29.351 Yawing Conditions. .247 140B. FAR 29.351 Yawing Conditions. 249
141. FAR 29.361 Engine Torque. .249
142.-151. RESERVED
SECTION 9. CONTROL SURFACE AND SYSTEMS LOADS Page No.
152. FAR 29.391 General.. ..261 152A. FAR 29.391 General... .261
153. FAR 29.395 Control System... ...261 153A. FAR 29.395 Control System.... ..263
154. FAR 29.397 Limit Pilot Forces and Torques. ..263
155. FAR 29.399 Dual Control System .264
156. FAR 29.401 Auxiliary Rotor Assemblies. ..264 156A. FAR 29.401 Auxiliary Rotor Assemblies. ..265
157. FAR 29.403 Auxiliary Rotor Attachment Structure.. .266 157A. FAR 29.403 Auxiliary Rotor Attachment Structure. ...266
158. FAR 29.411 Ground Clearance: Tail Rotor Guard ..267
159. FAR 29.413 Stabilizing and Control Surfaces ..268 159A. FAR 29.413 Stabilizing and Control Surfaces ..270
160.-161. RESERVED
162. FAR 29.427 Unsymmetrical Loads ..273
163.-169. RESERVED SECTION 10. GROUND LOADS
170. FAR 29.471 General.. 284
171. FAR 29.473 Ground Loading Conditions and Assumptions. .284
172. FAR 29.475 Tires and Shock Absorbers .285
173. FAR 29.477 Landing Gear Arrangement 285
174. FAR 29.479 Level Landing Conditions. .285
175. FAR 29.481 Tail-Down Landing Conditions ..287
176. FAR 29.483 One-Wheel Landing Conditions .287
177. FAR 29.485 Lateral Drift Landing Conditions .287
178. FAR 29.493 Braked Roll Conditions ..288
179. FAR 29.497 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With .288 Tail Wheels
180. FAR 29.501 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With ..290 Skids 180A. FAR 29.501 Ground Loading Conditions: Landing Gear With .292 Skids
181. FAR 29.505 Ski Landing Conditions .292
182. FAR 29.511 Ground Load: Unsymmetrical Loads on Multiple .293 Wheel Units
183.-192. RESERVED VI
SECTION 11. WATER LOADS Page No.
193. FAR 29.519 Hull Type Rotorcraft: Water Based, Amphibian ..304
194. FAR 29.521 Float Landing Conditions ..306
195.-204. RESERVED SECTION 12. MAIN COMPONENT REQUIREMENTS
205. FAR 29.547 Main Rotor Structure. ..317 205A. FAR 29.547 Main Rotor and Tail Rotor Structure ..317
206. FAR 29.549 Fuselage and Rotor Pylon .321
207. FAR 29.551 Auxiliary Lifting Surfaces 321
208.-217. RESERVED SECTION 13. EMERGENCY LANDING CONDITIONS
218. FAR 29.561 General.. 332 218A. FAR 29.561 Emergency Landing Conditions - General. ..334 218B. FAR 29.561 Emergency Landing Conditions - General 334
219. FAR 29.562 Emergency Landing Dynamic Conditions. ..335
220. FAR 29.563 Structural Ditching Provisions 335 220A. FAR 29.563 Structural Ditching Provisions. 335
221.-229. RESERVED SECTION 14. FATIGUE EVALUATION
230. FAR 29.571 Fatigue Evaluation of Flight Structure 347 230A. FAR 29.571 Fatigue Evaluation of Flight Structure .349
231.-239. RESERVED SECTION 15. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - GENERAL
240. FAR 29.601 Design .360
241. FAR 29.603 Materials ..360
242. FAR 29.605 Fabrication Methods.. .361
243. FAR 29.607 Fasteners... .. 362
244. FAR 29.609 Protection of Structure. ..363
245. FAR 29.610 Lightning and Static Electricity Protection ..364
246. FAR 29.611 Inspection Provisions. ..370
247. FAR 29.613 Material Strength Properties and Design ..371 Values VII
SECTION 15, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - GENERAL (continued) Page No.
247A. FAR 29.613 Material Strength Properties and Design .373 Values
248. FAR 29.613 Special Factors... .373
249. FAR 29.621 Casting Factors .. ..374
250. FAR 29.623 Bearing Factors.. ...384
251. FAR 29.625 Fitting Factors..... ..385
252. FAR 29.629 Flutter ..... ..386 252A. FAR 29.629 Flutter and Divergence 386
253. RESERVED
254. FAR 29.631 Bird Strike... 389
255.-264. RESERVED SECTION 16. ROTORS
265. FAR 29.653 Pressure Venting and Drainage of Rotor Blades .400
266. FAR 29.659 Mass Balance..... ..400
267. FAR 29.661 Rotor Blade Clearance. .400
268. FAR 29.663 Ground Resonance Prevention Means .401 268A. FAR 29.663 Ground Resonance Prevention Means .403
269.-275. RESERVED SECTION 17. CONTROL SYSTEMS
276. FAR 29.671 General. 412
277. FAR 29.672 Stability Augmentation, Automatic, 412 and Power-Operated Systems
278. FAR 29.673 Primary Flight Controls 413
279. FAR 29.674 Interconnected Controls ..414
280. FAR 29.675 Stops ... .414
281. FAR 29.679 Control System Locks.. .416
282. FAR 29.681 Limit Load Static Tests .417
283. FAR 29.683 Operation Tests.. ‚417
284. FAR 29.685 Control System Details. 418
285. FAR 29.687 Spring Devices ... .420
286. FAR 29.691 Autorotation Control Mechanism. .420
287. FAR 29.695 Power Boost and Power-Operated Control System .421
288.-297. RESERVED VIII
7/30/97/ AC 29-2B SECTION 18. LANDING GEAR Page No.
298. FAR 29.723 Shock Absorption Tests.. .434
299. FAR 29.725 Limit Drop Test.. .437
300. FAR 29.727 Reserve Energy Absorption Drop Test.. .437 300A. FAR 29.727 Reserve Energy Absorption Drop Test. .438
301. FAR 29.729 Retracting Mechanism, Landing Gear .439
302. FAR 29.731 Wheels.... ..441
303. FAR 29.733 Tires... .441
304. FAR 29.735 Brakes. .443
305. FAR 29.737 Skis.. ,445
306.-315. RESERVED SECTION 19. FLOATS AND HULLS
316. FAR 29.751 Main Float Buoyancy.. 457
317. FAR 29.753 Main Float Design 457
318. FAR 29.755 Hull Buoyancy.. 460
319. FAR 29.757 Hull and Auxiliary Float Strength .462
320.-326. RESERVED SECTION 20, PERSONNEL AND CARGO ACCOMMODATIONS
327. FAR 29.771 Pilot Compartment.. .470
320. FAR 29.773 Pilot Compartment View.. .471
329. FAR 29.775 Windshields and Windows. ,477 329A. FAR 29.775 Windshields and Windows. ..478 329B. FAR 29.775 Windshields and Windows. .478
330. FAR 29.777 Cockpit Controls ... ,478
331. FAR 29.779 Motion and Effect of Cockpit Controls.. .480
332.-333. RESERVED
334. FAR 29.783 Doors... .485 334A. FAR 29.783 Doors.. .488
335. FAR 29.785 Seats, Safety Belts, and Harnesses .... .489 335A. FAR 29.785 Seats, Berths, Belts, Safety Belts, and. .491 Harnesses
336. FAR 29.787 Cargo and Baggage Compartments. .493 336A. FAR 29.787 Cargo and Baggage Compartments. .494
337. FAR 29.801 Ditching... .494
SECTION 20. PERSONNEL AND CARGO ACCOMMODATIONS (continued) Page No.
338. FAR 29.803 Emergency Evacuation ..501 338A. FAR 29.803 Emergency Evacuation ..502
339. FAR 29.805 Flightcrew Emergency Exits ..503 339A. FAR 29.805 Flightcrew Emergency Exits ..503
340. FAR 29.807 Passenger Emergency Exits 504 340A. FAR 29.805 Emergency Exits... 505
341. FAR 29.809 Emergency Exit Arrangement .506 341A. FAR 29.809 Emergency Exit Arrangement. .507
342. FAR 29.811 Emergency Exit Marking ..508 342A. FAR 29.811 Emergency Exit Marking. 510
343. FAR 29.812 Emergency Lighting 511
344. FAR 29.813 Emergency Exit Access 511
345. FAR 29.815 Main Aisle Width513
346. FAR 29.831 Ventilation.. 514
347. FAR 29.833 Heaters.. 515
348.-356. RESERVED SECTION 21. FIRE PROTECTION
357. FAR 29.851 Fire Extinguishers.. 526
358. FAR 29.853 Compartment Interiors 526 FAR 29.855 Cargo and Baggage Compartments.. 529 FAR 29.855 Cargo and Baggage Compartments 531 FAR 29.859 Combustion Heater Fire Protection 531 FAR 29.861 Fire Protection of Structure, Controls, and 535 Other Parts 361A. FAR 29.861 Fire Protection of Structure, Controls, and .538 Other Parts
362. FAR 29.863 Flammable Fluid Fire Protection 538
363.-372. RESERVED SECTION 22. EXTERNAL LOAD ATTACHING MEANS
373. FAR 29.865 External Load Attaching Means. .551 373A. FAR 29.865 External Load Attaching Means .556
374.-383. RESERVED
SECTION 23. MISCELLANEOUS (DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION) Page No.
384. FAR 29.871 Leveling Marks . 576
385. FAR 29.873 Ballast Provisions 576
386. FAR 29.877 Ice Protection ..577
387.-396. RESERVED SECTION 24. POWERPLANT - GENERAL
397. FAR 29.901 Installation ..608 397A. FAR 29.901 Installation 615 397B. FAR 29.901 Installation ..615
398. FAR 29.903 Engines 616 398A. FAR 29.903 Engines ...618 398B. FAR 29.903 Engines .620 398C. FAR 29.903 Turbine Engine Installation ..620
399. FAR 29.907 Engine Vibration .620
400. FAR 29.908 Cooling Fans. .621 400A. FAR 29.908 Cooling Fans. ..622
401.-420. RESERVED SECTION 25. ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM
421. FAR 29.917 Design ..645 421A. FAR 29.917 Design .646
422. FAR 29.921 Rotor Brake ..649
423. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism 651 Tests 423A. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism .657 Tests 423B. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism .664 Tests 423C. FAR 29.923 Rotor Drive System and Control Mechanism ..664 Tests
424. FAR 29.927 Additional Tests.. .666 424A. FAR 29.927 Additional Tests... 668
425. FAR 29.931 Shafting Critical Speeds 671
426. FAR 29.935 Shafting Joints........ ...676
427. FAR 29.939 Turbine Engine Operating Characteristics .676
428.-445. RESERVED
SECTION 26. FUEL SYSTEM Page No.
446. FAR 29.951 General... ..697
447. FAR 29.952 Fuel System Crash Resistance ..699
448. FAR 29.953 Fuel System Independence ..725
449. FAR 29.954 Fuel System Lightning Protection ...726
450. FAR 29.955 Fuel Flow... .727 450A. FAR 29.955 Fuel Flow... .731
451. FAR 29.957 Flow Between Interconnected Tanks ...735
452. FAR 29.959 Unusable Fuel Supply 735
453. FAR 29.961 Fuel System Hot Weather Operation.. ..736 453A. FAR 29.961 Fuel System Hot Weather Operation ..738
454. FAR 29.963 Fuel Tanks: General 739 454A. FAR 29.963 Fuel Tanks: General .739 454B. FAR 29.963 Fuel Tanks: General .740
455. FAR 29.965 Fuel Tank Tests..... .741
456. FAR 29.967 Fuel Tank Installation .743 456A. FAR 29.967 Fuel Tank Installation .745
457. FAR 29.969 Fuel Tank Expansion Space .746 457A. FAR 29.969 Fuel Tank Expansion Space .746
458. FAR 29.971 Fuel Tank Sump .... .746 458A. FAR 29.971 Fuel Tank Sump .... .748
459. FAR 29.973 Fuel Tank Filler Connection .749 459A. FAR 29.973 Fuel Tank Filler Connection .749
460. FAR 29.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents 751 460A. FAR 29.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents .751 460B. FAR 29.975 Fuel Tank Vents and Carburetor Vapor Vents ..752
461. FAR 29.977 Fuel Tank Outlet753
462. FAR 29.979 Pressure Refueling and Fueling Provisions Below Fuel Level .753
463.-482. RESERVED SECTION 27. FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS
483. FAR 29.991 Fuel Pumps . ..775 483A. FAR 29.991 Fuel Pumps .. .776
484. FAR 29.993 Fuel System Lines and Fittings ..776
485. FAR 29.995 Fuel Valves.. 777
486. FAR 29.997 Fuel Strainer or Filter.. ..777 486A. FAR 29.997 Fuel Strainer or Filter .778
487. FAR 29.999 Fuel System Drains .. ...779 487A. FAR 29.999 Fuel System Drains. .779
488. FAR 29.1001 Fuel Jettisoning ... ..780
489.-497. RESERVED XIl