FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS United States Altitude source The following information is quoted from the Federal Aviation Administration's Equip ADS-B frequently asked questions. QUESTION: Do I have to use the same altitude source for ADS-B as my TCAS is using? If so, why? EASA mandates FAA Form 8130-3 Traceability for U.S.-based EASA 145 repair stations On Sept. 8, the EASA and the FAA signed Change 5 to the Maintenance Annex Guidance of the EU/FAA Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, making a number of changes to the administration of repair stations and adding the provision to the special conditions mandating that new products used on European-registered aircraft and products must have an accompanying FAA Form 8130-3 Some of the most noteworthy changes include: * Changes to the MAG shall be implemented, as applicable, within 90 days after the effective date of the change. * There is a new provision for aircraft repair station security. * Likely the most dramatic change is with regards to new components used in maintenance. For U.S. OEMs and PC holders, the BASA now requires documentation of release must be on the FAA Form 8130-3 as a new part. This is a significant change for many U.S.-based repair stations. A thorough review of the latest Maintenance Annex Guidance is encouraged. More information on the new agreements can be found at easa.europa.eu/document-library/bilateral-agreements/eu-usa. The AEA has joined with a coalition of industry partners requesting the authorities to extend the 90-day implementation period for the new FAA Form 8130-3 mandate. Please follow aea.net for the latest information as this issue continues to unfold. ANSWER: Yes. The altimetry source used by the transponder must also be the source of altimetry information transmitted by ADS-B. If two different sources are used, a pilot may be flying at one altitude while the aircraft is transmitting a different altitude to the controller. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS United States Performing maintenance The following information is from the Federal Aviation Regulations. QUESTION: Does a technician performing an altimeter system under 91.411 or an ATC transponder test under 91.413 for a repair station have to be certificated? ANSWER: No, there is nothing in the regulations to indicate that the maintenance actions under 91.411 or 413 are treated any different than any other maintenance actions. For the purpose of this answer, we will assume that the maintenance is being done by a properly rated repair station located within the U.S. ยง 91.411 (a) (2) Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections. (b) The tests required by paragraph of this section must be conducted by a certificated repair station properly equipped to perform those functions and holding - Continued on following page avionics news * december 2015 15http://easa.europa.eu/document-library/bilateral-agreements/eu-usa http://www.aea.net