The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes special conditions for the Bell Textron Inc. Model 525 helicopter, which features a novel fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system. This system replaces traditional mechanical linkages with digital technology, reducing the risk of mechanical jams but necessitating new safety standards to ensure full control of the aircraft is maintained. The proposed amendments aim to provide a level of safety equivalent to current regulations by requiring comprehensive analysis and testing of the FBW system's reliability. The proposal invites public comments until March 15, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to make sure a new type of helicopter, which uses computers to help it fly instead of long cables, is super safe. They are making new rules to test this computer system and asking everyone to share their thoughts about it until March 15, 2021.