Avionics News June 2012 - 17

FAA Advisory Circular 43-6
The FAA is proposing to amend AC 43-6. This advisory circular provides information concerning acceptable methods of testing altimeters, static systems, altitude encoders and air traffic control transponder systems. This guidance also applies to the above articles when part of 1090 megahertz extended squitter or universal access transceiver ADS-B systems. Like all advisory material, this AC is not in itself mandatory and does not constitute a

regulation. It provides a means, but not the only means, of testing at the time of original installation, after performing repairs or during scheduled recertification. Where indicated, this AC ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Operators may elect to follow an alternative method that the FAA has found acceptable. Comments were due May 21; however, the membership is encouraged to submit comments even though a bit late.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS United States
Field Approvals
The following information is from Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards Information Management System Order 8900.1.

QUESTION: When applying for a field approval and the ASI refers to their Order, what do STC, ENG and EVL mean? ANSWER: EVL and ENG are both generally eligible for field approval by the local FAA Flight Standards District Office. Items with the letters STC require an STC and are not eligible for a field approval. Items designated evaluation by the letters EVL may be eligible for approval by means other than an STC, depending on the scope and complexity of the alteration. These items will not automatically qualify for a field approval; they require evaluation and review of guidance to determine if the field approval process may be applied and is appropriate. The ASI may seek

assistance from the ACO, if necessary, in making determinations of items listed as EVL. Items designated engineering by the letters ENG may be eligible for approval by means other than an STC, but require either supporting designated engineering representative or organization designation authorization approved engineering data, or concurrence from the ACO, for issuance of field approval. If the applicant employs a DER to provide approved technical data to support a major alteration or major repair, then the applicant is responsible to ensure that the DER(s) is authorized to approve such technical data, as applicable to the alteration. If the data, as approved, addresses the entire alteration or repair, and all of the requirements of Parts 21 and 43 are met, there is no requirement for any further approval by the ASI.

Note: The AEA offers “Frequently Asked Questions” to foster greater understanding of the aviation regulations and the rules governing the industry. The AEA strives to ensure FAQs are as accurate as possible at the time of publication; however, rules change. Therefore information received from an AEA FAQ should be verified before being relied upon. This information is not meant to serve as legal advice. If you have particular legal questions, they should be directed to an attorney. The AEA disclaims any warranty for the accuracy of the information provided.

News & Regulatory Updates
Transport Canada Clarifies Requirements for Maintenance Manual Supplements Under the TCCA/FAA Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement
At the recent Canadian member round-table discussion during the AEA International Convention and Trade Show, Transport Canada Civil Aviation clarified the requirements regarding the need for a maintenance manual supplement in order to

CANADA

work on aeronautical products under the regulatory control of the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the maintenance implementation procedures of the TCCA/FAA BASA, a Canadian approved maintenance organization that performs maintenance, preventive maintenance and alterations for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 or 135 air carriers in commercial operations must have additional items, including procedures to ensure compliance with Part 121 or 135 air carriers’ manuals. The AMO shall have a TCCA-approved FAA supplement to
Continued on following page
avionics news

•

june

2012

Avionics News June 2012

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