Avionics News March 2012 - 18

F R O M R I C P E R I A EA V I C E P R ES I D E N T O F G OV E R N M E N T & I N D U ST RY A F FA I RS

The Aircraft Electronics Association’s international membership continues to grow. Currently, the AEA represents avionics businesses in more than 40 countries throughout the world. To better serve the needs of the AEA’s international membership, the “International News and Regulatory Updates” section of Avionics News offers a greater focus on international regulatory activity, international industry news and an international “Frequently Asked Questions” column to help promote standardization. If you have comments about this section, send emails to avionicsnews@aea.net.

News & Regulatory Updates
Proposed Technical Standard Order-C151c, Terrain Awareness and Warning System
On Feb. 3, 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration announced the availability of, and request for public comments on a second draft of Technical Standard OrderC151c, Terrain Awareness and Warning System. Comments received from the initial June 2011 release resulted in changes to the proposed document significant enough to require this public comment offering. Comments must be received on or before March 5, 2012. A copy of the proposed TSO-C151c may be obtained from the FAA at www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs.

UNITED STATES

AC No: 20-PANEL FLAM; Flammability Testing of Aircraft Cabin Interior Panels After Alterations
This advisory circular describes acceptable methods to test aircraft cabin interior materials when new finishes are used on existing aircraft cabin interior panels, typically done on supplemental type certificates or major alterations. Apply this AC to materials for self-extinguishing flammability only. This AC does not apply to materials that must meet heat release or smoke emissions standards established by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 25 amendment 25-61 and 14 CFR Part 121 amendment 121-289. This AC is written for applicants, offering several methods for demonstrating compliance, which may be more cost effective and less time consuming than current methods. Comments are due March 18, 2012.

AC No: 20-138C Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems
This revision corrects and clarifies minor errors in advisory circular 20-138B. For example, in paragraphs 14-6.8 and 14-8.13, “the” is changed to “a” before “glideslope warning function,” and a clarification note has been added. Appendix 2, paragraph A2-4.c, replaces “bank angle up to 30 degrees” with “bank angle up to 25 degrees” for consistency with AC 90-101A. Additionally, this revision incorporates updates necessary due to new TSO revisions, TSO cancellations and lessons learned since AC 20-138B was published. Those submitting comments are encouraged to use the comment form to expedite comment resolution and processing. Comments are due March 9, 2012.
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avionics news

PS-ACE 23-01 Policy Statement; Installation of Mounting Devices and Wiring Integration
The policy statement clarifies Federal Aviation Administration certification policy for modifying normal, utility, acrobatic and commuter category airplanes with attached portable electronic devices. The proliferation of portable, uncertified electronic displays has led to confusion regarding their proper attachment requirements and intended use. These devices may include, but are not limited to, portable GPS units and portable electronic displays, as well as the basic functionality of an electronic flight bag. Comments are due March 23, 2012.

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http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs

Avionics News March 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News March 2012