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  After working with the FAA for years to revise this “outdated” label, AEA commends the agency for modernizing their installation criteria for one of the most common system installations of light General Aviation aircraft.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.

FMI: www.aea.net