1. SFAR 88 (EAPAS) Workshop Talking Points
Issue:
Whether to proceed with rulemaking to require additional Flight Data Recorder (FDR) parameters to monitor the Boeing 737 rudder system on the existing fleet.
About the existing and proposed FDR Rules (FAR & FAR )
(This is from a simplified rudder system perspective)
All airplanes manufactured after August 19, 2002 will have:
Rudder pedal position
Rudder surface position
Rudder pedal force (allows determination of whether pilot was making the input to the system)
All airplanes manufactured before this are required to have only:
The revised FDR FARs would require retrofit of additional parameters, unique to 737s:
Rudder pedal force
Yaw damper status (ON/OFF)
Yaw damper command
Standby rudder status
[737NG airplanes currently being manufactured have all of these parameters recorded]
November 2002

2. FAA Objectives
To facilitate development of required fuel tank system safety assessments (SSAs)
Promptly review and approve SSAs
Determine requirements for design changes
Timely review and approval of operator proposed maintenance program changes to enhance fuel tank system safety

3. FAA aggressively working with industry
FAA Current Effort
FAA aggressively working with industry
Seminar on Nov. 19, 2002
Harmonization
Compliance planning
FAA aggressively working with industry
Seminar planned with industry on Nov. 19, 2002
Discuss FAA criteria for determination of unsafe condition
R&D effort to reduce flammability
Development of database to facilitate operator compliance planning (database contains or references location of FAA approved fuel tank system limitations (maintenance and inspection requirements))
Harmonization of requirements effort with other civil aviation authorities
Working with (multitude of meetings) design certificate holders regarding safety assessment due Dec.6, 2002 and operators plans for changing maintenance programs by June 7, 2004