This AMC replaces FAA AC 29-2C, § AC 29.903B and should be used when showing compliance with CS 29.903(e).
(a) Explanation
CS 29.903(e) requires that any engine must have a restart capability that has been demonstrated throughout a flight envelope to be certificated for the rotorcraft.
(b) Procedures
Compliance is usually shown by conducting actual in-flight restarts during flight tests or other tests in accordance with an approved test plan. However, CS 29.903(e)(2) does not require in-flight demonstration of restart capability for single-engine rotorcraft or for all-engine shutdown of multi-engine rotorcraft. In the past, engine restart capability for single-engine rotorcraft has been demonstrated on the ground taking into account altitude effects, warm engine characteristics, depleted battery, etc. However, latest-technology engines embody electronic engine controls (EEC or FADEC) that may have sophisticated starting or restarting laws. For these designs the engine restart capability demonstrated on ground may not provide the level of representativeness required and therefore applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the capability in flight. The minimum restart envelope for category A rotorcraft is discussed in AC 29.903A. The restart capability can consider windmilling of the engine as part of this restart capability; however, most rotorcraft airspeeds and the locations of the engines do not support engine windmilling up to start speeds. Only electrical power requirements were considered for restarting; however, other factors that may affect this capability are permitted to be considered. Engine restart capability following an in-flight shutdown of the engine in single-engine rotorcraft, or all engines in a multi-engine rotorcraft, is the primary requirement, and the means of providing this capability is left to the applicant. To minimise any potential altitude loss following the failure of one or more engines, engine restart should be available at the earliest opportunity. The engine certification should be checked to ensure that the flight manual instructions for in-flight restart are consistent with any specific engine restart requirements. If the procedure was only demonstrated on ground, this should be stated in the RFM.
[Amdt No: 29/11]
AMC 2 29.903(e) explains engine restart capability demonstration for rotorcraft, covering in-flight vs ground tests, EEC/FADEC considerations, windmilling, and RFM documentation.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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