Avionics News April 2022 - 16

THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON
Continued from page 15
" Avionics is a category of electronic systems
and equipment specifically designed for use in
aviation. A literal blend of the terms 'aviation' and
'electronics,' the avionics installed in an aircraft
or spacecraft can include engine controls, flight
control systems, navigation, communications,
flight recorders, lighting systems, threat detection,
fuel systems, electro-optic (EO/IR) systems,
weather radar, performance monitors, and systems
that carry out hundreds of other mission and flight
management tasks. "
While the commercial definitions of avionics were
good, we were looking for a regulatory definition. We
tried the FAA, Transport Canada, and the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency to no avail. Last year, we
were working on a notice of proposed rulemaking with
the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand where the
term was used in its draft Part 66 AMC, but it hasn't
been finalized yet. And finally, our friends at the Civil
Aviation Safety Authority of Australia provided the
regulatory definition we were looking for. According to
its Part 66 Manual of Standards:
" Avionic system means an aircraft system,
as specified in Table 1 in section 66.A.20,
which transfers, processes, displays or stores
analogue or digital data, using data lines, data
buses, coaxial cables, or wireless or other data
transmission media, and includes the system's
components and connectors.
The following are examples of avionic systems:
1. Auto flight;
2. Communication, radar and navigation;
3. Instruments;
4. In-flight entertainment systems;
5. Integrated modular avionics;
6. Cabin systems;
7. Onboard maintenance systems;
8. Information systems;
9. Fly-by-wire systems (related to flight control
systems (ATA27));
10. Fibre-optic control systems. "
As stated above, the term avionics is a derivative of
the term aviation and electronics. So the concept of
listing avionics and electronic systems, as indicated in
16 avionics news * april 2022
the AEA description, is redundant. Avionics is aircraft
electronics, which was noted at one of our committee
meetings is the name of the association - Aircraft
Electronics Association.
The final piece of this description is " ... in general
aviation aircraft. "
What is general aviation? ICAO defines general
aviation as " all civil aviation operations other than
scheduled air services and non-scheduled air transport
operations for remuneration or hire. "
For ICAO statistical purposes, the general aviation
activities are classified into instructional flying, business
flying, pleasure flying, aerial work and other flying.
Technically, when we use (or used) the term general
aviation aircraft, we are referring to the aircraft used in all
non-commercial civil aviation operations. However, the
term has been used with a slightly different meaning, that is,
aircraft that were used in other-than-scheduled air services.
But then, that wasn't completely accurate either, since
many of the AEA member companies provide maintenance,
preventive maintenance and alteration services to aircraft that
may otherwise provide scheduled air services.
The membership committee has been tasked by the
board of directors to assure the AEA has a membership
design that enables the association to be effective in
meeting the emerging needs of its members, be inclusive
and reflective of the changing nature of the aircraft
electronics industry worldwide, effectively address the
long-term needs and interests of the industry, and ensure
that the association will remain strong, sustainable, and
effective for the long-term future.
This task includes assuring that the association is
prepared for the future of flight and the introduction of
advanced air mobility aircraft and operations. We haven't
defined the answers as of this writing, but I found the
questions to be enlightening. As we progress through the
following year, stay tuned for updates on the membership
language. Make sure you provide your input to the
committee members or to AEA staff.
There is one question, though, that I can answer,
as one may be inclined to ask if this is more than a
language change. It's not. For 65 years, the AEA has
represented the aircraft electronics industry, and that
will not change. We will continue to represent, support
and advocate for the aircraft electronics industry. We
may change some words, we may be more globally
inclusive, but our purpose isn't changing. q
Avionics News April 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News April 2022
