As most of you know, TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) involves communication between all aircraft equipped with an appropriate transponder. Each TCAS-equipped aircraft interrogates all other aircraft in a determined range about their position (via the 1030 MHz radio frequency), and all other aircraft reply to those interrogations (via 1090 MHz).
TCAS 7.1 is offered as an upgrade by all major TCAS manufacturers and makes two important safety enhancements.
The upgrade also makes the following changes:
These enhancements were significant enough to have warranted mandates from both the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) many years ago for both forward-fit and retrofit aircraft.
While the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has not mandated TCAS 7.1, they are a strong supporter and have issued the following statement:
“The latest version of software for TCAS II is version 7.1. To ensure compatibility with international standards, the FAA encourages the installation of this software as soon as practical.”
When operating in European airspace, foreign-registered aircraft, including FAA N-registered aircraft, must comply with local airspace rules and be equipped with TCAS 7.1
The certification path for TCAS 7.1-modified units will be accomplished through an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate), a TC (Type Certificate), or in some cases an MRA (Major Repair Alteration) project with a rewrite of the AFMS (Airplane Flight Manual Supplement).
To determine the certification path for your aircraft, please have a copy of your AFMS handy and call Please call a Duncan Aviation Satellite Avionics Sales Manager.
