Media Release
Media Release Date:	July 4th, 2003
Subject:	Collision Avoidance NPA Updates

In addition to our recent notice of Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPAs) for TAWS, here is the latest information on similar initiatives related to aeroplanes that are operating under CARs 604, 702, 703, 704 and 705.

Assuming that there are no further changes or revisions, the following conditions currently apply:

1. TCAS I will be the minimum acceptable Collision Avoidance System (CAS) for aeroplanes of 12,500lbs/5,700kg or more that are operating under CARs 702, 703 & 704.
2. TCAS II (SW 6.04 – which after the implementation of RVSM will need to be SW 7.0) and a mode S transponder will be the minimum required equipment for CAS on aircraft that are turbine-powered and operate under CAR 705 and for turbine-powered aircraft with a Maximum Take Off Weight exceeding 33,000lbs. and that are operating under CARS 702 and 704.
3. TCAS II (SW 7.0) - aka ACAS II – and a mode S transponder will be the minimum acceptable CAS for all aircraft that operate under CARs 702, 703, 704 and 705 when operations are in RVSM airspace.

These NPAs are intended to supersede NPA 2000-130 which is currently under regulatory review and requires ACAS II (TCAS II SW version 7.0) for all turbine powered aircraft with a maximum take off weight of 12,500 lbs./5,700 kg or more and authorization to carry 19 passengers or more. The purpose of the new NPAs is to bring the Canadian initiatives in this area more into harmony with existing and proposed FAA regulations for TCAS.

The proposed applicability dates for introduction are still January 1, 2005 however there is some significant work to be done for all changes to be brought into effect and accordingly the dates may still be pushed back further. That having been said operators need to be aware that in the US, all part 129 operations by foreign air carriers and foreign operators of US registered aircraft engaged in common carriage need to note that effective January 1, 2005, any airplane operated under this regulation must meet the following CAS requirements:

1. For turbine powered aircraft of more than 33,000 lbs, the aircraft must have a mode S transponder that meets Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-112 and one of either: (a) TCAS II that meets TSO C-119a and was installed before May 1, 2003 with SW 6.04A Enhanced (which after the introduction of RVSM will need to be SW 7.0) in repairable, operational order or post that date SW 7.0 or later or a system capable of coordinating with units that meet version 6.04A Enhanced or later under TSO C-119b.
2. For turbine-powered aircraft with a passenger configuration (not including crew seats) of 10 – 30, the aircraft must operate with TCAS I that meet TSO C-118 or a later version, or an approved equivalent.

With this in mind, even though the related Canadian NPAs may have their implementation dates moved, the US are firm on theirs and accordingly Canadian operators who have occasion to travel in the US will be first affected by the US implementation dates.

Also of note, the NPAs for CAR 604 have been withdrawn, as was the case with the TAWS variants. The reason given was that with the Private Passenger Transportation operations of this CAR switching to the 3rd Party Management under the CBAA, further review and discussion are required.

Also look for a new NPA under CAR 605 – General Operating And Flight Rules – that that will require all larger aircraft in the weight categories noted above to be equipped with a minimum of TCAS I plus all aircraft exceeding 33,000 lbs will also need to be equipped with a minimum of mode S transponder and TCAS II (SW 6.04). TCAS II (SW 7.0) or ACAS II and a mode S transponder will be the minimum acceptable Collision Avoidance Systems when operations are conducted in RVSM airspace.