Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS)

Document ID: FAA-2010-1204-0009
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Received Date: January 07 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Date Posted: January 13 2011, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: December 28 2010, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: February 11 2011, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 80bc6f83
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This is comment on Rule

Airworthiness Directives: Various Aviation Communication and Surveillance Systems Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System Units

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The statement under “Summary” of “The TCAS units dropped several reduced surveillance aircraft tracks because of interference limiting. We are proposing this AD to prevent TCAS units from dropping tracks, which could compromise separation of air traffic and lead to subsequent mid-air collisions” is incorrect. The Interference Limiting function – even the changed implementation approved by the FAA and proposed by this NPRM – will still result in dropped tracks as that is the purpose of the IL function. As stated under the section “Relevant Service Information”, the change simply “improves tracking” and therefore it is suggested that the wording be changed to: “…to minimize the TCAS units dropping tracks, which…”