AIR

Q. What is a good radio to put in my ultra light/home built aircraft?

A. For a basic ultra light or VFR aircraft we recommend the ICOM A200. The unit has 720 channels and 10 user programmed frequencies. It also has (flip flop) standby frequency in the display window. Check out our products page.

Q. O.K.I have selected a radio what about an intercom?

A. This depends on your type of aircraft and your needs. In an open cockpit aircraft we recommend using a switched intercom as incorporated in the A200. For other aircraft there are a number of voice operated intercoms available to suit varying needs. Please contact us for more info.

Q. How does the new airspace rules affect my use of the transponder?

A. For VFR aircraft equipped with a transponder it is now a requirement to have your transponder working on 1200 and ALT. Please consult the current rules and regulations.

Q. What exactly is the AD/RAD/43 and 47?

A. The AD/RAD/43 is a check on the accuracy of the altitude encoder and aircraft altimeter. AD/RAD/47 is a check on the transponder itself. The check looks for things such as output power, transmitter frequency, reply pulse spacing and correct timing of the ident pulse. These ADs must be carried out every two years or when the encoder or transponder is replaced.

Q. Why doesn't my NAV ident or point?

A. This may sound silly and don't be offended but first check that the unit is switched on as some pilots have the habit of turning unused equipment off during a flight. Next check the circuit breaker and cycle it if possible. Check that the unit is seated in its rack properly. A properly seated unit has little or no movement in its rack. If all this fails then give us a call.

Q. Under the new AD/INST/9 amendment 6, I only have to calibrate my altimeter and don't have to worry about the other instruments. Is that correct?

A. Quite a few people think that this is correct but although requirement one of the AD says to test the altimeters IAW the requirements of FAR43 appendix E it does not alleviate the CofR holders responsibility to test the other instruments. Please refer to CAR 1988 Reg. 41.

Q. Can I couple my hand held GPS to my autopilot?

A. Unfortunately only permanently mounted units can be coupled to an autopilot. CAAP 35-1(0) refers.

Q. What is an engineering order and why do I need one?

A. An engineering order sets out the design method using approved data to make a change to your aircraft such as installing a new radio. It is a requirement under CAR 1988 Reg. 42U to have approved data for a modification. A CAR 35 CASA delegate can approve the modification. We have a CAR35 delegate approved for electrical, instrument and radio modifications.

Q. Can you approve Flight Manual Supplements as well?

A. No we can't approve them but we do prepare them for presentation to the appropriate CASA delegate for approval.

Q. Can my airframe shop install my new radio?

A. Unless your airframe shop has a radio licensed LAME then they can only install the racks and antennas required for your new installation (with an approved engineering order). Some airframe shops think they can carry out all the installation work required on a VFR aircraft, but this is not the case.

Refer to CAO 100.90 appendix 1 para 2.5.

Q. If I have a panel mounted GPS I can use this for NVFR. Is this correct?

A. AIP GEN 1.5 lists the requirements for navigation equipment for various aircraft categories. Basically your GPS must be TSO'd and have an altitude input from an approved encoder or similar. A VFR (non TSO'd) GPS cannot be legally used for NVFR. Consult the AIP to clarify your concern.

Q. My GPS was working fine. Now it won't pick up satellites. What is wrong?

A. Some times the press of the wrong combination of buttons or a flat memory battery can upset some of the data stored in the GPS. Before you send it to us for repair, check the current date and time. (don't forget it may be UTC time and date). If the date and/or time is wrong the GPS will be looking for the wrong satellites. The same will occur if the LAT and LONG is wrong. Also check the antenna connection and if possible try a borrowed antenna. If it has lost its Almanac then it will start to 'Search the Sky'. If this message come up then it may take some time for the GPS to find itself and lock on.

Q. I want to make my aircraft IFR. What are the requirements?

A. CAO 20.18 lists all the instrument and lighting requirements for the various categories of aircraft. Your aircraft must meet all these requirements and also have an electrical, instrument and radio inspection carried out plus other relevant Ads carried out. AIP GEN 1.5 lists the requirement for radio and navigation equipment.