ASI - Aviation Safety Inspector Avionics Systems Compliance Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) is reviewing the certification basis for a major avionics upgrade on a transport category aircraft. The upgrade involves installing a new flight management system (FMS). Which of the following documents provides guidance for the software aspects of this certification, ensuring it meets airworthiness requirements?
- DO-254/ED-80
- 14 CFR Part 21
- DO-178C/ED-12C (Correct answer)
- AC 43.13-1B
Correct answer: DO-178C/ED-12C
DO-178C, 'Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification,' is the primary document used by certification authorities like the FAA and EASA to approve commercial software-based aerospace systems. It provides the necessary guidance to ensure the software's integrity and safety, which is critical for a complex system like a new FMS.
Question 2: During a ramp inspection, an ASI finds that a newly installed GPS/WAAS navigator, approved via a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), is not functioning correctly. The operator's maintenance records show the installation was completed by a certified repair station. What is the most appropriate initial step for the ASI to take?
- Immediately ground the aircraft until the manufacturer can inspect the unit.
- Review the STC data package, installation instructions, and maintenance record entries for conformity. (Correct answer)
- Issue a violation to the repair station for improper installation.
- Advise the pilot to continue operations but avoid using the new navigator for IFR flight.
Correct answer: Review the STC data package, installation instructions, and maintenance record entries for conformity.
The first step in investigating a potential non-compliance issue with a new installation is to verify that the work was performed in accordance with the approved data. The ASI must review the STC documentation and the maintenance records to determine if the installation conforms to the approved design before taking further action.
Question 3: A small airline wants to upgrade its fleet's Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II processors. To ensure compliance with the latest international standards and improve safety, which version should they install?
- Version 6.04a
- Version 7.0
- Version 7.1 (Correct answer)
- Version 8.0
Correct answer: Version 7.1
TCAS II Version 7.1 is the current standard mandated by ICAO and EASA to enhance safety. It introduces critical improvements, such as replacing the ambiguous 'Adjust Vertical Speed, Adjust' aural warning with 'Level Off, Level Off' and enhancing the logic for resolution advisory (RA) reversals.
Question 4: Which of the following avionics systems relies on an aircraft broadcasting its own position, altitude, and velocity via a digital datalink for surveillance by air traffic control and other properly equipped aircraft?
- TCAS II
- ADS-B Out (Correct answer)
- ACARS
- GPWS
Correct answer: ADS-B Out
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out is a surveillance technology where an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked. This forms the foundation of the FAA's NextGen air traffic control system.
Question 5: An avionics manufacturer is developing a new integrated display unit. The hardware components, such as complex electronic hardware and programmable logic devices, must undergo a rigorous design assurance process. Compliance with which standard is essential for the certification of this hardware?
- DO-160G
- DO-178C
- ARP4754A
- DO-254 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: DO-254
DO-254, 'Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware,' provides guidance for the development of airborne electronic hardware. It is the counterpart to the DO-178C software standard and is essential for demonstrating that complex hardware meets safety and airworthiness requirements.
Question 6: An aircraft operator is seeking to install a new satellite communication system that constitutes a major alteration to the aircraft's type design. The operator is not the Type Certificate holder. What is the primary method for obtaining FAA approval for this modification?
- An FAA Form 337 with DER-approved data.
- A Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization.
- A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). (Correct answer)
- An internal engineering order approved by the operator's quality assurance department.
Correct answer: A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is required for major changes to an aircraft's type design when the applicant is not the original Type Certificate holder. This process ensures that the modification is thoroughly vetted, documented, and compliant with all applicable airworthiness standards.
ASI - Aviation Safety Inspector Avionics Systems Compliance Questions and Answers 1
An Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) is reviewing the certification basis for a major avionics upgrade on a transport category aircraft.
The upgrade involves installing a new flight management system (FMS).
Which of the following documents provides guidance for the software aspects of this certification, ensuring it meets airworthiness requirements?