LAFD s new 412EP incorporates more than 36 subsystems and 96 individual components into the airframe. The FAA has proposed changes to U.S. noise certification regulations, with the aim of creating a uniform, international noise certification standard. The long-sought industry goal of regulatory harmonization would make helicopter production less costly and more efficient, since companies could produce and market rotorcraft based on a single standard. It also would simplify airworthiness approvals for import and export purposes. But under a proposal negotiated by the FAA, JAA, and ICAO, there would be a uniform noise certification standard for helicopters certificated in the United States and Europe.
Analysts say it s all part of the growing convergence of national and regional markets.
Such convergence, they say, affects all economic sectors, but aviation in particular. The FAA s proposed changes were published in the Federal Register October 5. The agency accepted comments on the proposed changes through January 4, and is expected to issue a final rule later this year. The Osprey s hydraulic system has been the source of much concern and is largely responsible for the December 11 crash. In fact, though, many helicopter flight control actuation systems rely on high-pressure hydraulic tubes to supply the hydraulic pressure needed to move each control actuator.