Stage 3 Helicopter Noise Certification Standards

This rulemaking proposes to adopt more stringent noise certification standards for helicopters that are certificated in the United States (U.S.). This rule would apply to applications for a new helicopter type design and for a supplemental type certificate for those new type designs. A helicopter type certificated under this standard would be designated as a Stage 3 helicopter. This rule proposes to adopt the same noise certification standards for helicopters that exist in the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The proposal of these more stringent noise certification standards into U.S. regulations is consistent with the FAA's goal of harmonizing U.S. regulations with international standards.

Agency Contact: For technical questions concerning this proposed rule contact Sandy Liu, AEE-100, Office of Environment and Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 493-4864; facsimile (202) 267-5594; email: sandy.liu@faa.gov. For legal questions concerning this proposed rule contact Karen Petronis, AGC-200, Office of the Chief Counsel, Regulations Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267- 3073; email: karen.petronis@faa.gov.