[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 161 (Monday, August 21, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43489-43490]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-20684]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Airborne Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using the Global 
Positioning System (GPS)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration.

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and request comments 
on a proposed Technical Standard Order pertaining to airborne 
supplemental navigation equipment using the global positioning system 
(GPS). The proposed TSO prescribes the minimum performance standards 
that airborne supplemental area navigation equipment using the GPS must 
meet to be identified with the marking ``TSO-C129a.''

DATES: Comments must identify the TSO file number and be received on or 
before November 14, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed technical standard order 
to: Technical Programs and Continued Airworthiness Branch, AIR-120, 
Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification Service--File No. 
TSO-C129a, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20591. Or deliver comments to: Federal Aviation 
Administration, Room 804, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Bobbie J. Smith, Technical Programs and Continued Airworthiness 
Branch, AIR-120, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20591, Telephone (202) 267-9546.

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed TSO 
listed in this notice by submitting such written data, views, or 
arguments as they desire to the above specified address. Comments 
received on the proposed technical standard order may be examined, 
before and after the comment closing date, in Room 804, FAA 
Headquarters Building (FOB-10A), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591, weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All communications received on or before the closing 
date for comments specified above will be considered by the Director of 
the Aircraft Certification Service before issuing the final TSO.

Background

    This revision of the original version of TSO-C129 corrects 
typographical errors and clarifies issues that applicants found to be 
ambiguous. The revision also incorporates language to accommodate all 
deviations that have been granted since the original TSO was released 
in December of 1992. The only changes to requirements are that the 
software standard has been upgraded to 

[[Page 43490]]
the latest revision of RTCA/DO-178B, ``Software Considerations in 
Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification.'' This standard was 
adopted by the FAA in January of 1993 and will eventually be 
incorporated into all TSO's.
    The basic TSO provides minimum operational performance standards 
for airborne supplemental navigation equipment using the Global 
Position System (GPS).
    Incorporated within this standard are equipment characteristics 
that should be useful to users, designers, manufacturers, and 
installers of GPS navigation equipment. Additional information 
necessary for the use of this TSO is contained in RTCA Inc. document 
number RTCA/DO-208, ``Minimum Operational Performance Standards for 
Airborne Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using Global Positioning 
System (GPS).''

How to Obtain Copies

    A copy of the proposed TSO-C129a may be obtained by contacting 
``For Further Information Contact.'' Copies of RTCA Document No. DO-
208, ``Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Airborne 
Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using Global Positioning System 
(GPS),'' may be purchased from RTCA, Inc., 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW., 
Suite 1020, Washington, DC 20036-4001.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 11, 1995.
Abbas A. Rizvi,
Acting Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-20684 Filed 8-18-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M