Eliminates "New Technology" Label
The FAA has eliminated
the “New Technology” label from GPS and now allows
repair stations to install GPS’s using standard alteration
criteria that would be used for any navigation system.
The FAA's AC 20-138A states:
"Under the original AC 20-138, installation of GPS equipment
required the use of approved data (under an STC or major
alteration) because GPS was a new and unique technology.
However, since GPS technology is now common and considerable
experience has been obtained in the installation of GPS, approved
data for every installation is no longer appropriate. Instead
installations should be based on acceptable data including the
following:
A. Data previously approved as
applicable to the aircraft (e.g. STC, Approved Model List).
B. Data previously approved
as applicable to a different make/model (e.g. an initial STC
obtained by the equipment manufacturer), provided the installation
is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, any equipment interfaces are adequately addressed in
the installation instructions for the GNSS (GPS/WAAS) equipment and
the equipment with which it is interfacing and the equipment is
installed in accordance with the guidelines in AC 20-138A.
For example, installation of GNSS (GPS/WAAS) navigation
equipment that only interfaces with an antenna, power, ground, an
external HSI/CDI with a single source selector switch, and a
left/right (deviation-based) autopilot would be typically
considered a minor alteration."
The AC also clarifies Flight Manual supplement issues for GPS
installations. A GPS installation which is a minor alteration
may still need a FMS
The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) says it is extremely
pleased with the publication of this Advisory Circular. After
working with the FAA for years to revise this
“outdated” label, AEA commends the agency for
modernizing their installation criteria for one of the most common
system installations of light General Aviation aircraft.
AEA cautions its members that this revision does not make ALL
GPS/WAAS installations minor alterations but rather allows GPS/WAAS
equipment to be installed using the same criteria that a repair
station would use in installation traditional Navigation
equipment. AEA encourages the repair station to read AC
20-138A before they begin to install GPS equipment as minor
alterations.