[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53036-53037]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20637]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Airworthiness Approval of Global Navigation Satellite System 
(GNSS) Equipment

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and requests 
comments on a revised draft Advisory Circular (AC) 20-138A 
airworthiness approach of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 
equipment. This AC addresses the following types of installations--
    a. GNSS sensors, including those incorporating Wide Area 
Augmentation System (WAAS), Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS), or 
the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).
    b. GNSS stand-alone navigation equipment that provides deviations 
(including Category 1 precision approach).

DATES: Comments submitted must be received on or before September 16, 
2002.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed advisory circular to: 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, 
Aircraft Engineering Division, Avionics Systems Branch, AIR-130, 800 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. Or deliver comments to: 
Federal Aviation Administration, Room 815, 800 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce DeCleene, Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft 
Engineering Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-130, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, Telephone: (202) 385-4640, FAX: 
(202) 267-5340.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested person are invited to comment on the draft AC listed in 
this notice by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as 
they desire, to the aforementioned specified address. Comments must be 
marked ``Comments to AC 20-138A.'' Comments received on the draft 
advisory circular may be examined, both before and after the closing 
date, in Room 815, 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 will be considered 
by the Director of the Aircraft Certification Service before issuing 
the Final AC.

Background

    The FAA is developing a new Advisory Circular, AC 20-138A, 
Airworthiness Approval of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 
Equipment. This advisory circular (AC) provide guidance material for 
the airworthiness approval of all types of GNSS equipment. This 
revision to the current AC is in support of the deployment of the Wide 
Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and the local Area Augmentation System 
(LASS). WAAS services will be commissioned in 2003, providing en

[[Page 53037]]

route, terminal area, and approach navigation. WAAS avionics may be 
approved under an authorization to Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-
1145a, GPS/WAAS Sensors, or TSO-C146a, GPS/WAAS Stand Alone Navigation 
Equipment. This equipment may be installed prior to the commissioning 
of WAAS, and this AC is needed to provide the unique policy applicable 
to such installations. In addition, the LAAS will become operational in 
2004. LAAS guidance is included in this AC to support the early 
installation of the associated avionics.

*How To Obtain Copies

    A copy of the revised draft AC may be obtained via Internet (http://www.faa.gov/avr/air/airhome.htm) or on request from the individual 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 8, 2002.
David Hempe,
Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-20637 Filed 8-13-02; 8:45 am]
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