[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 23, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 35127]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14207]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO)--C159, Avionics 
Supporting Next Generation Satellite Systems (NGSS)

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 a proposed Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-159, Avionics 
Supporting Next Generation Satellite Systems (NGSS). This proposed TSO 
tells persons seeking a TSO authorization or letter of design approval 
what minimum performance standards (MPS) their Next Generation 
Satellite Systems (NGSS) must meet to be identified with the applicable 
TSO marking.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed technical standard order 
to: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification 
Service, Aircraft Engineering Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-
130, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Ms. Dara 
Gibson. Or deliver comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, Room 
815, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Dara Gibson, AIR-130, Room 815 
Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, 
Aircraft Engineering Division, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 
DC 20591. Telephone (202) 385-4632, FAX: (202) 385-4651. Or, via e-mail 
at: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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 TSO may be examined, 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. All communications received 
on or before the closing date will be considered by the Director of the 
Aircraft Certification Service before issuing the final TSO.

Background

    This proposed TSO applies to avionics supporting Next Generation 
Satellite Systems (NGSS) that provide Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (R) 
Services. Note that the capability of the NGSS includes the support of 
both data and voice communications between aircraft and ground-based 
users. To accomplish this task, the MPS contained in the proposed TSO-
C159 will assist manufacturers of NGSS equipment in their compliance 
with the applicable requirements of RTCA Document Number (RTCA/DO) 262, 
Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for Avionics 
Supporting Next Generation Satellite Systems, dated December 14, 2000.

How To Obtain Copies

    You may get a copy of the proposed TSO from the Internet at: http://av-info.faa.gov/tso/Tsopro/Proposed.htm. See section entitled FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT for the complete address if requesting a 
copy by mail. You may inspect the RTCA document at the FAA office 
location listed under ADDRESSES. Note however, RTCA documents are 
copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of 
RTCA, Inc. You may purchase copies of RTCA, Inc. documents from: RTCA, 
Inc., 1828 L Street, NW., Suite 815, Washington, DC 20036, or directly 
from their Web site: http://www.rtca.org/.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 16, 2004.
Susan J. M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-14207 Filed 6-22-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M