[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 58161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25435]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C168, Aviation Visual 
Distress Signals

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of availability and requests for public comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and requests 
comments on proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C168, Aviation 
Visual Distress Signals. This proposed TSO tells manufacturers and 
designers of aviation visual distress signals what minimum performance 
standards (MPS) their equipment must first meet to obtain approval and 
identification with the applicable TSO marking.

DATES: Comments must identify the TSO and arrive by November 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed TSO to: Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering 
Division, Technical Programs and Continued Airworthiness Branch, AIR-
120, Room 815, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: 
Mr. Dave Rich, AIR-120. Or, deliver comments to: Federal Aviation 
Administration, Room 815, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dave Rich, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering 
Division, Technical Programs and Continued Airworthiness Branch, AIR-
120, Room 815, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591. 
Telephone: (202) 267-7141, fax: (202) 267-5340, e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    You may comment on the proposed TSO listed in this notice by 
sending written data, views, or arguments to the above listed address. 
You may also examine comments received on the proposed TSO, before and 
after the comment closing date, in Room 815, FAA Headquarters Building, 
800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, weekdays except 
Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Director of the 
Aircraft Certification Service will consider all communications 
received by the closing date before issuing the final TSO.

Background

    This proposed TSO gives the MPS for aviation visual distress 
signals. The MPS are based on Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. 
(SAE) Aerospace Standard (AS) 5134, ``Aviation Distress Signals,'' 
dated June 2001. The signals must also meet specific test criterion 
contained in RTCA Document No. RTCA/DO-160D, ``Environmental Conditions 
and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment,'' Change 4, dated July 29, 
1997. This TSO's standards apply to handheld, high-intensity, 
stroboscopic light sources that can be added to aviation survival kits 
to supplement pyrotechnic devices. These light sources will 
significantly eliminate potential equipment and personnel hazards 
associated with using pyrotechnics devices in inflatable life rafts, by 
providing an equivalent level of safety that meets or exceeds the 
current performance standards for pyrotechnics devices that aid in 
locating and rescuing aviation accident survivors.

How To Get Copies

    You may get a copy of the proposed TSO via the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/certification/aircraft/TSOA.htm, or by contacting the 
person listed in the section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 2, 2003.
David W. Hempe,
Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25435 Filed 10-7-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M