Rotorcraft Report: FAA Seeks Comments on BA609 Certification Proposal

PRODUCTS/AIRFRAMES

The FAA is asking for public comment on proposed airworthiness standards for certification of the Bell/Agusta Aerospace Co. BA609.

The agency’s proposes to set certification standards for the civil tilt-rotor under Section 21.17(b) of the Federal Aviation Regulations. That section includes applicable regulations for special classes of aircraft for which airworthiness standards do not yet exist. The proposed standards would cover "a multi-turbine-engine, powered-lift category, tilt-rotor-class aircraft."

The draft certification standards state that the tilt-rotor rules provide proposed airworthiness standards "for the unique design and performance aspects that are not covered in Parts 23, 25 and 29."

The FAA said it will review and may revise the manufacturer’s application proposal as well as public comments on its proposed standards. Those comments must be received by Jan. 25, 2008. You can find the proposed standards at www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs/