FAA PROPOSES AMENDMENTS TO HELICOPTER NOISE CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
Last week, the FAA proposed to adopt more stringent noise certification standards for helicopters that are certificated in the U.S. The rule published in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) would apply to applications for a new helicopter type design and for a supplemental type certificate for those new type designs. A helicopter type certificated under this standard would be designated as a Stage 3 helicopter.
This rule proposes to incorporate the same standards for helicopters adopted in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 16, Volume 1, Chapter 8 and Chapter 11 (Amendment 7), which is consistent with the FAA goal of harmonization of regulations with international standards.
FAA proposes the following changes to 14 CFR Part 36:
- Amend 14 CFR 36.1 noise certification standards for the issuance of type and airworthiness certificates for helicopters, including new definitions and an applicability date for the standards;
- Revise 14 CFR 36.11 acoustical change requirements to include Stage 3 helicopters;
- Amend 14 CFR 36.805 to add dates of applicability for the new Stage 3 noise limits prescribed in 14 CFR Part 36 Appendices H and J;
- Amend 14 CFR Part 36 Appendix H to include new noise certification limits for Stage 3 helicopters of all helicopter weights; and
- Amend 14CFR Part 36 Appendix J to include a new noise certification limit for Stage 3 helicopters of 7,000 pounds or less.
Comments are due on or before November 19, 2012. If you have any questions regarding the proposed amendments or require assistance preparing or submitting comments, please contact our office.