Stage: Final Publications

Regulatory Agency Final Publications

FAA TSO_C27a Twin Seaplane Floats

This technical standard order (TSO) is for manufacturers applying for a TSO
authorization (TSOA) or letter of TSO design approval (LODA). In it, we (the Federal Aviation
Administration, (FAA)) tell you what minimum performance standards (MPS) your floats must
meet for approval and identification with the applicable TSO marking.

FAA Draft AC_20-135_Change_1 Powerplant Installation and Propulsion System Component Fire Protection Test Methods, Standards, and Criteria

This change removes guidance in paragraph 6.c. of AC 20-135, which listed the SAE
401 (propane) Burner as acceptable for main component testing and the propane and
oxy-acetylene torches as acceptable for small component testing. While a propane
burner simulates the heat flux density and the temperature at the test article, it does not
simulate a fire fueled by representative fluids. This change also updates references to
applicable rules and documents

TSA Reopening Comment Period 49 CFR 1552 Flight Training Security Program – Amendment 1

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is finalizing the 2004 interim final rule (IFR) that established the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) (formerly known as the Alien Flight Student Program).

The FTSP implements a statutory requirement under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, as amended by the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act, to prevent flight schools from providing flight training to any individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, and who have not been vetted by the Federal Government to determine whether the flight training candidate is a security threat. The rule also requires security awareness training for certain flight training provider employees. In finalizing this rule, TSA addresses the comments on the IFR, recommendations from the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and additional comments received during a reopened comment period. TSA also is eliminating years of programmatic guidance and clarifications by codifying current and relevant information into the regulatory text. Where possible, TSA is modifying the program to make it more effective and less burdensome.

Finally, TSA is making other technical modifications to its regulations to consolidate in one location the agency’s inspection authority.

ED Decision 2018/006/R CS-FSTD(A) — Issue 2 Issuing the Certification Specifications for Aeroplane Flight Simulation Training Devices

The objective of this Decision is to increase the fidelity of the provisions to support the approach-to-stall and the upset
prevention and recovery training (UPRT) requirements as proposed by EASA Opinion No 06/2017 ‘Loss of control
prevention and recovery training’ (RMT.0581). Furthermore, it proposes to increase the fidelity of the simulation of the
engine and airframe icing effects, and develop and deploy an instructor operating station (IOS) feedback tool.
This Decision amends the Certification Specifications for Aeroplane Flight Simulation Training Devices (CS-FSTD(A))
(Initial issue), and one of its primary objectives is to achieve the maximum alignment possible with FAA CFR 14 Part 60
Change 2, which would support FSTD operators that have dually qualified devices (both FAA- and EASA-qualified), and
with the applicable elements of ICAO Doc 9625 ‘Manual of Criteria for the Qualification of Flight Simulation Training
Devices’, 4th Edition.
The amendments are expected to increase safety by addressing low FSTD fidelity or lack of ability of an FSTD to conduct
certain training tasks that may have contributed to previous incidents and accidents.
The date of entry into force of the proposed requirements and provisions is envisaged for April 2018, followed by a
transition period to ensure alignment with EASA Opinion No 06/2017 that proposed amendments to Annex I (Part-FCL)
to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 (the ‘Aircrew Regulation’).
Besides the update of CS-FSTD(A), Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2017-13 proposed the following:
— AMC/GM to Annex VI (Part-ARA) to the Aircrew Regulation with the inspector competency framework. This
amendment will be issued with a separate decision currently being drafted. The related CRD will be published
with the decision;
— AMC/GM to Annex I (Part-FCL) to the Aircrew Regulation with the training matrix. This amendment was subject to
focused consultation in March 2018. To be published at a later stage with the relevant decision.

FAA Notice N 8900.463 Use of a Complex Airplane During a Commercial Pilot or Flight Instructor Practical Test

This notice outlines a change in policy regarding testing applicants
for a commercial pilot or flight instructor certificate, regardless whether the training was
received under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 or 141.
Specifically, it outlines the policy which no longer requires applicants for a commercial pilot
certificate with an airplane single-engine rating to provide a complex or turbine-powered
airplane for the associated practical test and no longer requires applicants for a flight instructor
certificate with an airplane single-engine rating to provide a complex airplane for the
practical test

FAA Draft AC_00-1.1B Public Aircraft Operations – Manned and Unmanned

This AC provides information
to assist in determining whether government-owned or government-contracted manned
and unmanned aircraft operations conducted within the territory of the United States are
public or civil aircraft operations under the statutory definition of “public aircraft” in
Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) §§ 40102(a)(41) and 40125 (the statute).
Additionally, this AC contains Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy pertaining
to civil aircraft operators that provide contract support to government entities. The intent
of this material is to better define the responsibilities of the parties to these contracts.
This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. Nothing in this AC
changes the legal requirement for public aircraft operators to comply with the statute.

NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU AVIATION SAFETY RULES

The United Kingdom submitted on 29 March 2017 the notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This means that, unless a ratified withdrawal agreement1 establishes another date, all Union primary and secondary law will cease to apply to the United Kingdom from 30 March 2019, 00:00h (CET) (‘the withdrawal date’).2 The United Kingdom will then become a ‘third country’.3
Preparing for the withdrawal is not just a matter for EU and national authorities but also for private parties.
In view of the considerable uncertainties, in particular concerning the content of a possible withdrawal agreement, all stakeholders are reminded of legal repercussions, which need to be considered when the United Kingdom becomes a third country.4
Subject to any transitional arrangement that may be contained in a possible withdrawal agreement, as of the withdrawal date, the EU rules in the field of civil aviation safety will no longer apply to the United Kingdom. This has, in particular, the following consequences in the different areas of civil aviation safety: