Special Conditions:

Federal Register Volume 76, Number 121 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)

Rules and Regulations

Pages 36863-36864

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]

FR Doc No: 2011-15706

Page 36863

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25

Docket No. NM448; Special Conditions No. 25-437-SC

Special Conditions: Gulfstream Model GVI Airplane; Electronic

Systems Security Protection From Unauthorized External Access

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions.

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Gulfstream GVI airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features associated with the architecture and connectivity capabilities of the airplane's computer systems and networks, which may allow access by external computer systems and networks. Connectivity by external systems and networks may result in security vulnerabilities to the airplane's systems. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for these design features. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

DATES: Effective Date: July 25, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Will Struck, FAA, Airplane and Flight

Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Standards Staff, Transport

Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2764; facsimile

(425) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On March 29, 2005, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (hereafter referred to as ``Gulfstream'') applied for an FAA type certificate for its new Gulfstream Model GVI passenger airplane. Gulfstream later applied for, and was granted, an extension of time for the type certificate, which changed the effective application date to September 28, 2006. The Gulfstream Model GVI airplane will be an all-new, two- engine jet transport airplane. The maximum takeoff weight will be 99,600 pounds, with a maximum passenger count of 19 passengers.

Type Certification Basis

Under provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, Gulfstream must show that the Gulfstream Model GVI airplane

(hereafter referred to as ``the GVI'') meets the applicable provisions of 14 CFR part 25, as amended by Amendments 25-1 through 25-119, 25- 122, and 25-124. If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the GVI because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of Sec. 21.16.

Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or unusual design features, the special conditions would also apply to the other model under provisions of Sec. 21.101.

In addition to complying with the applicable airworthiness regulations and special conditions, the GVI must comply with the fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36. The FAA must also issue a finding of regulatory adequacy pursuant to section 611 of Public Law 92-574, the ``Noise Control Act of 1972.''

The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance with Sec. 11.38, and they become part of the type certification basis under Sec. 21.17(a)(2).

Novel or Unusual Design Features

The Gulfstream Model GVI airplane will incorporate the following novel or unusual design features: Digital systems architecture composed of several connected networks. The proposed architecture and network configuration may be used for, or interfaced with, a diverse set of functions, including: 1. Flight-safety related control, communication, and navigation systems (aircraft control domain), 2. Airline business and administrative support (airline information domain), 3. Passenger information and entertainment systems (passenger entertainment domain), and 4. The capability to allow access to or by external sources.

Discussion

The proposed Model GVI architecture and network configuration may allow increased connectivity to and access by external airplane sources and airline operations and maintenance systems to the aircraft control domain and airline information domain. The aircraft control domain and airline information domain perform functions required for the safe operation and maintenance of the airplane. Previously these domains had very limited connectivity with external sources.

The architecture and network configuration may allow the exploitation of network security vulnerabilities resulting in intentional or unintentional destruction, disruption, degradation, or exploitation of data, systems, and networks critical to the safety and maintenance of the airplane.

The existing regulations and guidance material did not anticipate these types of airplane system architectures. Furthermore, 14 CFR regulations and current system safety assessment policy and techniques do not address potential security vulnerabilities, which could be exploited by unauthorized access to airplane systems, data buses, and servers. Therefore, these special conditions and a means of compliance are issued to ensure that the security (i.e., confidentiality, integrity, and availability) of airplane systems is not compromised by unauthorized wired or wireless electronic connections.

Discussion of Comments

Notice of proposed special conditions No. 25-11-05-SC for

Gulfstream GVI airplanes was published in the Federal Register on

February 25, 2011 (76 FR 10529). Only one comment was received, which was supportive, so this special condition is adopted as proposed.

Applicability

As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the

Gulfstream Model GVI airplane. Should Gulfstream apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design features, these special conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features of the GVI. It is not a rule of general applicability.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.

The Special Condition

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the following special condition is issued as part of the type

Page 36864

certification basis for Gulfstream GVI airplanes. 1. The applicant must ensure electronic system security protection for the aircraft control domain and airline information domain from access by unauthorized sources external to the airplane, including those possibly caused by maintenance activity. 2. The applicant must ensure that electronic system security threats from external sources are identified and assessed, and that effective electronic system security protection strategies are implemented to protect the airplane from all adverse impacts on safety, functionality, and continued airworthiness.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 2011.

Ali Bahrami,

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

FR Doc. 2011-15706 Filed 6-22-11; 8:45 am

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P