AC 29-2C

Change 2Historical

Advisory circular · Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 29-2C CHG 9 is the version in force, approved June 23, 2023.
Approved
April 25, 2006
Last reviewed
December 4, 2008
Family
AC 29-2 · 13 versions
Revision
C, change 2
14 CFR parts
29

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 22, 2025.

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Subject: CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT

CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Date:

Initiated 4/25/06 ASW-110 AC No: 29-2C Change: Chg 2

______________________________________________

1. PURPOSE.

a. This change incorporates all the previously revised AC paragraphs that were posted as accepted and finalized AC material on the FAA RGL website since 2/12/03.

b. This change revises existing material in 25 para graphs and adds new material for one paragraph.

c. The change number and the date of the change d 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.

d. 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.

2. PRINCIPAL CHANGES.

a. Paragraphs 29.45, 29.59A, 29.75A, 29.337, 29.351B, 29.547A, 29.602, 29.631, 29.672, 29.683,

29.777, 29.917A, 29.1321, 29.1333, 29.1351, 29.1585, MG 1, MG 4, MG 8, MG16, Appendix A, and Appendix B are revised.

b. The AC material in paragraphs 29.801 and 29.1411 has been revised.

c. The AC material in MG 12 has been revised and is now contained in AC 29.865B, Subpart D.

d. New paragraph MG 18, Helicopter Terrain Awa reness Warning System (HTAWS), is added to Chapter 3.

e. New figures AC 29.351A-1, 29.351B-1, 29.351B-2, and 29.865B-1 are added in Chapter 2.

f. New figures AC 29 MG 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 18-1, 18-2, and 18-2.1 are added in Chapter 3.

3. WEBSITE AVAILABILITY. To access this AC electronically, log on to http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl and then click on AC’s.

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AC 29-2C, Chg 2 4/25/06

Page ii

AC 29-2C, Chg 2

PAGE CONTROL CHART Remove Pages Dated Insert Pages Dated iii thru x…………………….9/30/99 & 2/12/03 xiii thru xxiv……………….9/30/99 & 2/12/03 B-11 thru B-20 ………………………..9/30/99 B-49 thru B-125………………………..9/30/99 C-5 thru C-6 ………………………..9/30/99 C-13 thru C-96 …………….9/30/99 & 2/12/03 D-1 thru D-159 …………….9/30/99 & 2/12/03 E-37 thru E-48 ………………………..9/30/99 F-43 thru F-44..………………………..9/30/99 F-61 thru F-120 …………….9/30/99 & 2/12/03 G-45 thru G-52 ………………………..9/30/99 MG 1-15 thru MG 1-17………………..9/30/99 MG 4-9 thru MG 4-13…………………9/30/99 MG 8-1 thru MG 8-15……...9/30/99 & 2/12/03 MG 12-1 thru MG 12-44…...9/30/99 & 2/12/03 MG 16-1 thru MG 16-16………………2/12/03 none none Apdx A-47 thru Apdx A-70……………2/12/03 Apdx B-11 thru Apdx B-20...9/30/99 & 2/12/03

iii thru x...............................................4/25/06 xiii thru xxv.........................................4/25/06 B-11 thru B-20....................................4/25/06 B-49 thru B-127..................................4/25/06 C-5 thru C-6........................................4/25/06 C-13 thru C-98....................................4/25/06 D-1 thru D-185....................................4/25/06 E-37 thru E-48 ....................................4/25/06 F-43 thru F-44.....................................4/25/06 F-61 thru F-123...................................4/25/06 G-45 thru G-52....................................4/25/06 MG 1-15 thru MG 1-16 ......................4/25/06 MG 4-9 thru MG 4-13 ........................4/25/06 MG 8-1 thru MG 8-31 ........................4/25/06 MG 12-1..............................................4/25/06 MG 16-1 thru MG 16-18 ....................4/25/06 MG 17-1..............................................4/25/06 MG 18-1 thru MG 18-27 ....................4/25/06 Apdx A-47 thru Apdx A-71................4/25/06 Apdx B-11 thru Apdx B-21 ................4/25/06

David A. Downey Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate Aircraft Certification Service

6/5/2006 (identification #)

Chap (#) Par (#) Page 3

File: O:\AC 29-2C Chg-2--04-25-06/001-0-AC29-2006-covermemo.doc

Subject: CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT

CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Date:

Initiated 2/12/03 ASW-110 AC No: 29-2C Change: Chg 1

______________________________________________

1. 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.

2. CANCELLATION.

a. AC 20-95, Fatigue Evaluation of Rotorcraft Structure, May 18, 1976, is canceled in its entirety.

b. 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.

3. PRINCIPAL CHANGES.

a. 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.

e. 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.

4. 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

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

Subject: CERTIFICATION OF TRANSPORT

CATEGORY ROTORCRAFT Date:

Initiated by:

9/30/99 ASW-110 AC No:

Change:

29-2C

______________________________________________

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 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.

Eric Bries Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 - FAR 21 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS

Page No.

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 ................................................................ FAR 21-6 and Correction Report

CHAPTER 2 - FAR 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 29.27 Center of Gravity LimitsB-4

AC 29.29 Empty Weight and Corresponding Center of GravityB-6

AC 29.31 Removable BallastB-7

AC 29.33 Main Rotor Speed and Pitch LimitsB-7

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. Hover PerformanceB-27

for Rotorcraft

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

SUBPART B - FLIGHT (continued)

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AC 29-2C, Chg 2 4/25/06

PERFORMANCE (continued)

Page No.

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 andB-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-103

AC 29.151 Flight ControlsB-108

AC 29.161 Trim Control........................................................................................................B -109

AC 29.161A Trim ControlB-110

AC 29.171 Stability: GeneralB-110

AC 29.173 Static Longitudinal StabilityB-111

AC 29.175 Demonstration of Static Longitudinal StabilityB-112

AC 29.177 Static Directional StabilityB-116

AC 29.181 Dynamic Stability: Category A RotorcraftB-117

GROUND AND WATER HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

AC 29.231 General (Ground and Water Handling Characteristics)B-118

AC 29.235 Taxiing Condition................................................................................................B-11 8

AC 29.239 Spray CharacteristicsB-119

AC 29.241 Ground ResonanceB-120

MISCELLANEOUS FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS

AC 29.251 VibrationB-125

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SUBPART C - STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS

Page No.

GENERAL

AC 29.301 LoadsC-1

AC 29.303 Factor of Safety......................................................................................................C - 1

AC 29.305 Strength and DeformationC-2

AC 29.307 Proof of StructureC-2

AC 29.307A Proof of Structure.................................................................................................. .C - 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

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

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AC 29-2C, Chg 2 4/25/06 SUBPART C - STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS( continued)

GROUND LOADS (continued)

Page No.

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:C-37

Landing Gear With Tail Wheels

AC 29.501 Ground Loading Conditions:C-39

Landing Gear With Skids

AC 29.501A Ground Loading Conditions:C-40

Landing Gear With Skids

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

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