Certification of Propfan Propulsion Systems and Aircraft

Several advanced propulsion systems with many novel and unusual design features, and transport aircraft incorporating these systems, have been presented to the FAA for type certification. The FAA has determined that many of these features are not addressed by current airworthiness regulations. To accommodate the certification programs and to ensure that the airplanes and propulsion systems achieve the level of safety intended by the regulations, the FAA will promulgate special conditions covering the novel features which they have identified by meeting with industry and other airworthiness authorities.

This paper will review these novel features and their related certification issues.