1. New regulatory guidance
FADEC & the DPE
New regulatory guidance
Pilot Examiner Annual Meeting
Bob Jex, ASI, North Florida FSDO

2. Overview Explanation of term “FADEC”
New regulatory guidance: Notice N
New definition of “Complex” Airplane!
Multi-Engine piston aircraft with FADEC
Practical Tests: Single-Engine ops
Your Questions

3. What is “FADEC”?
F – Full A – Authority D – Digital E – Engine C – Control
In other words:
Computerized engine control!

4. FAA Notice N 8000.331 New regulatory guidance, eff. Nov 2006
Redefines “Complex Airplane” two ways
If FADEC installed:
Retractable Landing Gear
+ Flaps
+ FADEC
= Complex Airplane!
If FADEC not installed:
Use conventional definition!
Most significance for light piston twins

5. New Piston Twin with FADEC
Diamond Aircraft
DA42 “Twin Star”
TAA
Diesel engines (typ)
LE critical!
FADEC
G1000 Avionics
Carbon fiber
Training role
Mfr. website:

6. DA42 “Twin Star” Cockpit
ECU Sw’s

7. Practical Tests: Single-engine ops in FADEC piston twins

8. FADEC Single-engine operations
Troubleshooting steps are minimal
Fewer things to check: focus is back on flying
ECU doing most of the work. New Term: “ECU Swap”
Autofeather provision
Zero-Thrust settings
Not published (yet) for DA42

9. Intentional feathering
Retard thrust
ECU Sw. Off
Prop feathers!
Restart:
Reverse steps!
Diesels use compression for ignition!

10. Your Questions…?