PROGRESS TOWARD DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL AIRWORTHINESS CRITERIA FOR POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT

This report summarizes the results of a joint NASA-FAA research program directed toward development of civil airworthiness flight-criteria for power-lift transports. Tentative criteria are proposed for performance and handling characteristics for powered-lift transport aircraft in commercial service. The aircraft considered are primarily wing-supported vehicles which rely upon the propulsion system for a significant portion of lift and control. VTOL aircraft are excluded. The flight criteria treat primarily the approach and landing flight phases, because it is in these flight phases that the greatest use of powered lift is made, and the greatest differences from conventional aircraft tend to appear. Consequently, the flight task tends to become most demanding. The tentative criteria are based on simulation and flight experience with a variety of powered-lift concepts. These concepts have not employed flight director, advanced displays, or advanced augmentation systems. The tentative criteria proposed were formulated by a working group comprised of representatives of the U.S., British, French, and Canadian airworthiness authorities, as well as research personnel of the NASA and other organizations. It is recognized that more work is needed to assure general applicability of the critera. (Author)