[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 78 (Wednesday, April 23, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20039-20040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-10049]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Advisory Circular for Onboard Recording of Data 
Communications in Crash-Survivable Memory

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of availability and requests for public comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and request comments 
on a revised proposed Advisory Circular (AC) for onboard data 
recording. The proposed AC establishes an acceptable means, but not the 
only means, to provide airborne capability for onboard recording of 
voice and data link messages in crash-survivable memory.

DATES: We must receive comments on the proposed AC on or before May 20, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed AC to: Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering 
Division, Avionics Systems Branch, AIR-130, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., 
Washington, DC 20025. ATTN. Mr. Gregory Frye. Or, deliver comments to 
the address listed above to Suite 4102.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Frye, Avionics Systems 
Branch, AIR-130, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering 
Division, AIR-130, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 4102, Washington, DC 
20025; Telephone (202) 385-4630; Fax (202) 385-4651. E-mail comments 
to: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    You are invited to comment on the proposed AC by submitting such 
written data, views, or arguments to the above specified address. You 
may examine comments we have received on the proposed AC before and 
after the comment closing date, in the FAA's office located at 470 
L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 4102, Washington, DC 20025, weekdays except 
Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Director, 
Aircraft Certification Service, will consider all communications 
received on or before the closing date before issuing the final AC.

Background

    The rapid expansion of International Civil Aviation Organization 
(ICAO) Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management 
(CNS/ATM) concepts have resulted in new technologies which make 
judicious

[[Page 20040]]

use of data communication applications for transference of safety of 
flight information. In addition, aircraft operators have long realized 
the benefit of the use of data link communication applications for 
conveyance of Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) and Aeronautical 
Communications (AAC).
    Fundamental accident/incident investigative needs require 
sufficient information to accurately reconstruct an accident/incident 
scenario. Investigative authorities have identified shortcomings in the 
ability of aircraft systems to record information needed to determine 
the cause of accidents and other reportable occurrences. One of the 
specific shortcomings is the lack of airborne capacity for onboard 
recording of data link messages in crash-survivable memory. Thus, 
recording data communication information in crash-survivable memory 
provides investigative authorities a necessary and useful tool for post 
accident/incident reconstruction.

How To Obtain Copies

    A copy of the proposed AC may be obtained via the Internet, at 
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl or by contacting the person listed in the 
section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2003.
Susan J. M. Cabler,
Deputy Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-10049 Filed 4-22-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M