Avionics News December 2014 - 17

allow modification of aircraft without a design approval
when the specifications of CS-STAN are fulfilled. The
NPA, identified as Phase 1, is the consequence of the
introduction of paragraph 21.A.90B in the EU Regulation
748/2012.
The Phase 1 proposal is to allow modifications on
certain airplanes (fixed-wing) up to 5,700 kg MTOM,
rotorcraft up to 3,175 kg MTOM, most sailplanes,
balloons and airships without a DOA or the agency being
involved. Such changes would be able to be released by
persons or organizations entitled to release an aircraft to
service, in accordance to Part M or Part 145.
Phase 2 is indicated as a potential future option to
extend the applicable aircrafts beyond the current limits
based on gained experience with the new standard.
The current proposed version includes criteria for
standard changes for the installation or replacement of:
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VHF COM equipment.
VHF COM equipment.
Mode S ELS transponder.
Audio selectors and amplifiers.
Installation of antennas in unpressurized aircraft.
External LED lights.
FLARM equipment.
Moving map systems.
Marker, DME, ADF or VOR equipment.
ELTs.
Powerplant instruments.
Basic flight instruments.

The goal for the new regulation is to promote
general aviation, have a positive impact on the
operation of affected aircraft in Europe, and
encourage the installation of safety equipment in the
GA fleet, which may limit the illegal practices to
install changes in the past.
The NPA can be downloaded from the EASA website.
Comments can be entered into the EASA comment
response tool through Jan. 6, 2015. It is assumed that the
implementation will not occur before 2016.

AUSTRALIA

News & Regulatory Updates
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
The CASA has recently published a final Advisory
Circular - AC 21-46 - Airworthiness approval of
avionics equipment. The AC can be found on the
CASA website.
In addition, the CASA announced a new director of aviation safety. The chairman of the CASA
board, Dr. Allan Hawke, announced the appointment
of Mark Skidmore as the new director of aviation
safety, replacing John McCormick.
Skidmore has more than 30 years of experience in
both civilian and military aviation. He has worked
in civilian aviation as a test pilot, business development manager and company director. He also is an
active participant in the general aviation community,
owning and regularly flying a Globe GC-1B Swift.
Skidmore's military aviation career began as a
pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force in the early
1980s. He led RAAF research and development
squadrons and was promoted to Australia's air commander, holding oversight for Australia's air operations, and reaching the rank of air vice marshal
before retiring in 2012.
The new director of aviation safety was chosen
after an international search to further develop the
CASA as a world leader in aviation safety regulation.
"Mark Skidmore brings a wealth of aviation experience to the position of director of aviation safety at
CASA," Hawke said. "CASA's board has full confidence that under the leadership of Mark Skidmore,
Australia's proud aviation safety record will be protected and enhanced."

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Avionics News December 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News December 2014