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EUROCONTROL > ATM Performance > EATM > MSA > ACAS > Regulatory Framework 

ACAS II Regulatory Framework

United States Federal Aviation Administration - FAA

Although ACAS is a global system, it was initially designed and is currently manufactured only in the United States of America. Therefore, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the lead authority responsible for ACAS certification.
  Federal Aviation Administration - FAA
The most relevant FAA documents are as follows:
  • AC 20-151A (Advisory Circular) – Airworthiness Approval of Traffic Alert And Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II), Versions 7.0 & 7.1 and Associated Mode S Transponders
  • TSO C119C (Technical Standard Order) – Traffic Alert And Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Airborne Equipment, TCAS II With Optional Hybrid Surveillance
  • AC 20-131A – Airworthiness and Operational Approval of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS II) and Mode S Transponders
  • AC 120-55C – Air Carrier Operational Approval and Use of TCAS II
To obtain the current version of these documents and for more information see the FAA Regulatory and Guidance Library
  FAA Regulatory and Guidance Library

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) became operational on 28 September 2003. It is an independent legislative body under European law, accountable to the Member States and the European Union institutions.

The requirements for certification and operation of ACAS II within the European Union Member States are covered in EU-OPS 1. EU-OPS 1 is the transition into EC law of former JAR-OPS 1 and as of 16 July 2008, EU-OPS 1 applied to all aeroplanes operated by European Community Member States' operators. The EU-OPS requirements apply to all EU operators of aeroplanes flying for the purpose of commercial air transportation.

The full text of EU-OPS 1 is avaiable from the European Union website
  European Union website
  European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Relevant EASA and JAA documents are as follows:
  JAR-OPS 1 and EU-OPS 1 (contact JAA and EASA to obtain these documents)
  Acrobat TGL-8, rev. 2: Certification Considerations for the Airborne Collision Avoidance System: ACAS II
  Acrobat TGL-11: Temporary Guidance Leaflets (TGLs) Guidance for Operators on Training Programmes for the Use of Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS)
  Acrobat TGL-13, rev. 1: Certification of Mode S Transponder Systems for Elementary Surveillance
  Acrobat TGL-26: Guidance Document for MEL Policy
Note: Information about the regulatory framework and all FAA, EASA, and JAA documents are published here for reference only and are subject to change. Please request the current version of the documents from the appropriate issuing authorities. EUROCONTROL does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of this information.
  Read ACAS website disclaimer
 
  Last validation: 27/04/2011