Avionics News June 2013 - 18

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Continued from page 17

EUROPE

News & Regulatory Updates
European Aviation Safety Agency
This year’s Part 21 Design Organization
Approval Implementation Workshop for Industry
Representatives will take place Nov. 20-21, 2013.
No further information is yet available, and
registration may start in June.
A new NPA 2013-06 released in April provided
the EASA proposal of how to transpose former
JAA temporary guidance leaflets into EASA
AMC 20 material. In addition, a draft decision for
an amendment to the new proposed Certification
Specification for Airborne Communication
Navigation and Surveillance (CS-ACNS) is part
of this NPA.
Specific topics covered in the NPA are as
follows:
• JAA TGL 6 – RVSM has been updated
and transposed into CS-ACNS.
• JAA TGL 7 – 8.33 kHz has been
reviewed, amended and transposed into
the CS-ACNS.
• JAA TGL 12 – Terrain Awareness Warning
System has been updated and transposed
in CS-ACNS. This new regulation
also will include specific standards for
TAWS-B equipment installation. It should
be noted that updates to existing TAWS-A
installations might be necessary based on
a safety recommendation triggered by an
accident investigation report involving an
Airbus A320.
• A Special Condition applicable to ATN
B1 Data Link Installation. It identifies the
interoperability implementation regulation
as part of the SES concept.
Of interest for TSO/ETSO holders intended
to be installed to comply with SES standards,
the manufacturers of such avionics may have
to produce a declaration of conformity for their
equipment. You can read more in the NPA.
This NPA will be available for public comments
until July 15.
18

avionics news

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june

2013

Europe
Field Loadable Software

The following information is found on the European Aviation Safety
Agency general aviation frequently asked questions website.

QUESTION:

Can “field loadable software” be delivered with an EASA Form 1,
and is an EASA Form 1 required for installation?

ANSWER:

First, it should be clear that the definition of “parts and appliances”
(refer to article 3 of the Basic Regulation EC 216/2008) includes
software. This is software that is installed in an aircraft and used in
operating or controlling the aircraft. The rest of this response only
refers to this type of software.
Second, “Subpart K - parts and appliances” from Part 21 (Annex
to EC 748/2012) addressing installation, approval and release is
applicable to this software, and therefore:
1. This software must be part of the design data.
2. The installation of this software in a type-certified aircraft is
only accepted when it is accompanied by an EASA Form 1
and properly marked.
3. The installation is approved (refer to 21A.303).
In order to achieve the first two items, the organization that
manufactures and releases the software must meet the requirements
of Subpart F or G from Part 21. This means, in particular, that the
software must be part of the scope of the production organization,
and there must be a link between the design organization and the
production organization.
The conclusion for field loadable software is, therefore, that this
software can be delivered with an EASA Form 1 when:
• It is part of design data for which approval has been applied
or granted.
• It is produced by, and within, the scope of a production
organization that meets the requirements of Subpart F or G.
Marking of this field loadable software must be in accordance with
Subpart Q of Part 21. For practical reasons, the marking could be on
the software “container” (e.g. the CD carrying the software). q

Note: The AEA offers “Frequently Asked Questions” to foster greater understanding of the aviation regulations and the rules governing the industry. The AEA
strives to ensure FAQs are as accurate as possible at the time of publication; however, rules change. Therefore information received from an AEA FAQ should be
verified before being relied upon. This information is not meant to serve as legal
advice. If you have particular legal questions, they should be directed to an attorney. The AEA disclaims any warranty for the accuracy of the information provided.

Avionics News June 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News June 2013