AC 20-138C

Historical

Advisory circular · Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 20-138D is the version in force, approved March 28, 2014.
Approved
May 8, 2012
Last reviewed
June 12, 2012
Cancels
AC20-138B
Cancelled by
AC20-138D
Family
AC 20-138 · 5 versions
Revision
C
14 CFR parts
21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 43, 91, 97, 121, 135

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 2–13

c. The installation manual and other data approved during the TSOA process can be used as a source of approved data to support an installation airworthiness compliance finding provided the data is applicable to the installation airworthiness requirements (see AC 21-50 (latest revision), Installation of TSOA Articles and LODA Appliances).

2-3. STC-Approved Model List (AML).

a. All STC applican ts are encouraged to use an AML for aircraft makes/models (including 14 CFR parts 23, 25, 27, and 29 aircraft) with similar characteristics and compatible equipment configurations to streamline the approval of subsequent installations. Applicants and ACOs need to contact the applicable directorate for specific policy and guidance information on obtaining an STC-AML.

b. Using the STC-AML method can simplify follow-on installations for makes/models on the AML. The installer needs access to the STC approved data; apply the approved data;

and comply with the detailed installation instructions. The installer then needs only complete FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, Appliance), identifying the nature of the change to return the aircraft to service (see AC 43.9-1 (latest revision), Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 337).

c. GPS and GPS/SBAS equipment airworthiness approval is not considered novel or unusual per 14 CFR 21.16 and applicants can use designees during the STC process.

2-4. Type Certificate.

Position ing and navigation equipment manufacturers are also encouraged to work with TC holders. This has also proven to be an effective method to aid installations.

Chapter 3. TSO Authorization.

3-1. TSO-C196(AR).

a. TSO-C196a, Airborne Supplemental Navigation Sensors for Global Positioning System Equipment Using Aircraft-Based Augmentation, defines an acceptable standard for GPS equipm ent without ground-based or space-based augmentations. The TSO has been updated to revision ‘a’ for harmonization with TSO-C129a’s cancellation and is intended as the aircraftbased augmentation GPS sensor standard for TSOA/LODA applicants. TSO-C196(AR) equipment has a performance limitation that requires other positioning and navigation systems appropriate to the operation on-board the aircraft.

Note: TSO-C129a has been cancelled, but this does not affect equipment with an existing TSOA/LODA (see paragraph 3-1.c).

b. TSO-C196(AR) defines GPS sensor equipment that incorporates many processing improvements found in the GPS/SBAS equipment minimum operational performance standards (MOPS); but, without the GPS/SBAS requirements. Two improvement examples are: a requirement for the receiver to properly account for satellite range error if it is reflected in the User Range Accuracy index (commonly referred to as being “Selective Availability aware”), and requirements to ensure performance is not degraded due to an increasing radio frequency noise environment as other satellite systems become available.

(1) TSOA/LODA applicants may wish to have a previously approved TSO-C145b/c, Airborne Navigation Sensors Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), sensor approved as a TSO-C196a sensor. It is acceptable for these TSO-C196a applicants to take certification credit by re-using data developed during a previous TSO-C145b/c TSOA/LODA approval. RTCA/DO-316, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Global Positioning System/Aircraft-Based Augmentation System Airborne Equipment, dated April 14, 2009, implemented by TSO- C196(AR) was developed from RTCA/DO-229D, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Global Positioning System/Wide Area Augmentation System (GPS/WAAS) Airborne Equipment, dated December 3, 2006, implemented by TSO-C145b/c. RTCA/DO- 229D meets or exceeds the performance requirements for TSO-C196(AR). The original RTCA/DO-178B documentation can be re-used if there are no software changes.

(2) Applicants seeking a TSO-C196a TSOA/LODA based on a previously approved TSO-C145b/c sensor must maintain separate part numbers for each unit. It is not acceptable to have both a TSO-C145(AR) and TSO-C196(AR) TSOA/LODA simultaneously on the same article (see paragraph 3-5.b(4)).

Note: Maintaining separate part numbers might only require different software part numbers.

(3) It is acceptable for TSOA/LODA applicants with TSO-C145b/c sensors to simply disable the GPS/SBAS tracking loops in their equipment to qualify as a TSO-C196a 7

sensor.

(4) TSOA/LODA applican ts with TSO-C145a sensors will need to show requirements traceability between RTCA/DO-229C and RTCA/DO-316 along with data applicability to receive appropriate certification credit. In particular, applicants will need to show compliance to all RTCA/DO-316 requirements not addressed in RTCA/DO-229C, and requirements that are more stringent such as enroute/terminal mode accuracy and the broadband external interference noise environment.

c. TSO-C129a was cancelled effective October 21, 2011, but there is no plan to withdraw TSO-C129(AR) authorizations. TSO-C129a cancellation will not affect existing authorizations. Manufacturers can continue production according to their existing TSO-C129(AR) TSOA/LODA. Additionally, the equipment is still eligible for installation according to existing airworthiness approvals and is eligible to receive new airworthiness approvals.

(1) No new TSO-C129a TSOAs/LODAs will be granted after October 21, 2011.

However, we will accept applications for a new TSO-C129a TSOA/LODA until October 21, 2012 if we know that you were working toward a TSO-C129a approval prior to October 21, 2011.

(2) Major changes to the TSO-C129a equipment design will require a new application according to 14 CFR 21.619(b) for TSO-C145c, TSO-C146c or TSO-C196a (or later revisions) except as noted in paragraph 3-1.c(1).

Note: TSO-C129/C129a does not provide sufficient performance for all operational applications.

3-2. TSO-C145(AR)/C146(AR).

a. TSO-C145c, Airborne Navigation Sensors Using the Global P ositioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and TSO-C146c, Stand- Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) define an acceptable standard for GPS/SBAS equipment. There is no equipment performance limitation for GPS/SBAS- equipped aircraft to have other positioning and navigation systems on-board.

Note: Refer to the appropriate operating rules and operational guidance documents for equipage requirements.

b. RTCA/DO-229D referenced by the GPS/SBAS TSOs will remain as the MOPS for single-frequency GPS/SBAS equipment. Future multi-frequency/multi-constellation equipment will have a separate MOPS and TSO.

c. There is no plan to withdraw authorizations to the earlier TSO revisions, so manufacturers of TSO-C145a/C146a or TSO-C145b/C146b equipment can continue production according to their TSOA/LODA; and the equipment is still eligible for installation in 8

accordan ce with the guidance in this AC.

d. The difference between revisions ‘b’ and ‘c’ to the GPS/SBAS TSOs is eliminating a 3 decibel (dB) broadband intra-system noise credit for operational Class 1 and Class 2 equipment in RTCA/DO-229D. TSO-C145b/C146b operational Class 3 and Class 4 equipment fully complies with the requirements in TSO-C145c/C146c and is automatically eligible for a revision ‘c’ authorization, i.e., no further evaluation is necessary.

e. TSO-C145b/C146b operational Class 1 and Class 2 equipment that did not claim the 3dB noise credit is also eligible for a revision ‘c’ authorization. The TSOA/LODA holder only needs to provide substantiation that they did not take the noise credit during the original certification.

f. Displays or navigation computers (such as FMSs) may receive a TSO-C146c Class 1, 2, or 3 (functional Class Gamma) incomplete system TSOA/LODA provided they meet the applicable Class Gamma requirements in RTCA/DO-229D and are linked by part number to compatible TSO-C145c sensors in the TSO application documentation. This is an effective method to aid GPS/SBAS installation approvals to make a complete system (sensor, navigation computer, display) at the aircraft level.

Note: See paragraph 3-4 for additional information on FMS incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Gamma TSOA/LODAs and Class Delta-4 FMS implementations.

3-3. TSO-C161a/C162a.

a. TSO-C161a, Ground Based Augmentation Sys tem Positioning and Navigation Equipment, defines an acceptable standard for GPS/GBAS equipment that provides precision approach capability and position/velocity/time (PVT) information to navigation management equipment. TSO-C162a, Ground Based Augmentation System Very High Frequency Data Broadcast Equipment, defines an acceptable standard for GPS/GBAS equipment designed to receive a very high frequency data broadcast (VDB) and output the VDB messages to GPS/GBAS positioning and navigation equipment.

b. TSO-C161a and TSO-C162a invoke only the requirements in RTCA/DO-253C, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for GPS Local Area Augmentation System Airborne Equipment, dated December 16, 2008, that are needed to support Category I (CAT I) precision approach and, if applicable, the GPS/GBAS positioning service. The equipment may output PVT based on either the GPS/GBAS positioning service, or PVT from GPS or GPS/SBAS. The PVT based on GPS/GBAS is only available when the ground station supports the positioning service. TSO-C161a equipment must also obtain a TSO-C145c, TSO-C146c, or TSO-C196a TSOA. Requirements in RTCA/DO-253C needed to support precision approaches beyond CAT I are not invoked in these TSOs as these requirements have not been validated.

Once validated, the FAA will either publish TSO revisions or new TSOs.

c. TSO-C161a and TSO-C162a compliant equipment does not address any RNAV capability. A partial missed approach capability is an option in the GPS/GBAS equipment but is not required (see note). RNAV capability for the initial, intermediate, and missed approach 9

segm ents must be addressed during the aircraft GPS/GBAS integration (see paragraph 14-8.1).

Note: Equipment meeting the RTCA/DO-253C precision and navigation (PAN) requirements can include an optional capability to provide guidance for the initial, straight-out portion of the missed approach segment. However, this capability doesn’t provide guidance for the complete missed approach segment.

3-4. TSO-C115(AR).

a. TSO-C115c, Management System (FMS) Using Multi-Sensor Inputs defines an acceptable certification standard for obtaining design and production approval for multi-sensor navigation systems or FMSs integrating data from multiple navigation sensors. There is no plan to withdraw TSO authorizations granted under TSO-C115b or earlier revisions.

Manufacturers of TSO-C115b, or earlier revision, equipment can continue production according to their TSOA/LODA; and the equipment is still eligible for installation in accordance with the guidance in this AC. However, integrating GNSS into TSO-C115/C115a multi-sensor navigation equipment is considered a major change and requires an application for a TSO-C115c TSOA/LODA.

(1) TSO-C115b only addressed TSO-C129 Class B and C sensors because it was published prior to TSO-C129a, TSO-C145(AR), TSO-C161(AR), and TSO-C196(AR). It is acceptable to integrate any GNSS sensor with TSO-C115b equipment.

Note: The multi-sensor navigation system or FMS must comply with TSO-C115 revision ‘b’ (or a later revision) when integrating GNSS sensors if TSO-C115 is the approval basis. It is not acceptable to use systems certified to earlier TSO-C115 revisions for GNSS sensor integration (see paragraph 3-5.b(1)).

(2) Localizer performance without vertical guidance (LP)/localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) is considered a severe major/hazardous failure condition for misleading information (see paragraph 11-2.a). Equipment manufacturers may design FMSs for either a TSO-C146c Class Gamma-3, or Class Delta-4 architecture when integrating LP/LPV capability.

(a) A TSO-C115b (or later revision) FMS designed as a Class Gamma-3 architecture typically has level B software for the LP/LPV processing functions. It is acceptable to have the GPS/SBAS capability and level B software partitioned from other functions in the FMS. See paragraph 3-4.b for additional information on incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Gamma TSOA/LODAs.

(b) TSO-C146c Class Delta-4 provides an ILS look-alike for LP/LPV final approach segment-only capability. A TSO-C115b (or later revision) FMS designed for a Class Delta-4 architecture does not process LP/LPV inputs; does not output LP/LPV deviations, path construction, alerts, etc.; and, does not require the FMS to have a TSO-C146c TSOA/LODA.

The aircraft integration must include a GPS/SBAS sensor that has a TS O-C146c Class Delta-4 TSOA/LODA. See paragraph 3-4.c for additional information on Class Delta-4 implementations.

b. FMS manufacturers may add an incomplete system TSO-C146c TSOA/LODA to FMSs certified to TSO-C115b (or later revision). An appropriate operational class incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Gamma TSOA/LODA provides an established means for the installed FMS to demonstrate navigation computer compliance as a GPS/SBAS system.

Note 1: FMSs that do not meet the applicable RTCA/DO-229D Class Gamma performance requirements can still receive PVT inputs from a TSO- C145(AR) sensor and apply them consistent with their existing approvals. Using a TSO-C145(AR) sensor can remove certain performance limitations associated with a TSO-C129(AR) sensor (see paragraphs 5-5.2.b and 5-

5.2.c).

Note 2: There is significant overlap in requirements between TSO-C146c Class Gamma implementation of RTCA/DO-229D and TSO-C115c implementation of RTCA/DO-283A requirements. Where requirements overlap exists it is acceptable to re-use compliance information from RTCA/DO-229D as the method of demonstrating RTCA/DO-283A compliance. However, applicants remain responsible to ensure all RTCA/DO- 283A requirements are satisfied.

(1) TSO-C146c will take precedence when adding an incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Gamma TSOA/LODA to an FMS with an existing TSO-C115b TSOA/LODA if there are any conflicts between the two TSOs.

(2) TSO-C115c requires RTCA/DO-283A for 2-dimensional RNP navigation computer functions; that is, no VNAV approach capability. The baro-VNAV guidance in this AC must be used when including baro-VNAV for approach capability.

(3) FMSs may qualify as TSO-C146c Class Gamma navigation computer systems when receiving inputs from a TSO-C145c Class Beta-2 or Class Beta-3 sensor. An incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Gamma approval (Gamma-2 or Gamma-3 as appropriate) can be added to the TSO-C115b (or later revision) approval, or replace the TSO-C129(AR) approval if one exists, to provide GPS/SBAS-based VNAV approach capability. Class Gamma-1 can be used for FMSs that don’t intend to process GPS/SBAS vertical deviations.

Note: Several issues must be considered for FMSs integrating both baro-VNAV and GPS/SBAS to provide LNAV/VNAV capability. For example; unambiguous navigation source and approach service level annunciation, discontinuities or jumps when switching 11

fro m baro-VNAV to GPS/SBAS vertical guidance, and prioritizing when to use which source (see paragraphs

6-3.c, 15-2.a), and 17-5).

c. FMSs in typical federated avionics architectures do not need an incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Delta-4 TSOA/LODA since the FMS does not provide or process flight path deviation data or GPS/SBAS alerting functions during the final approach segment. The FMS must be integrated at the aircraft level with a GPS/SBAS sensor that has a TSO-C146c Class Delta-4 TSOA/LODA. The complete system (sensor with Class Delta-4 TSOA/LODA, level B path, and display) will be confirmed at the time of installation. See paragraph 14-2.a regarding displays and path for legacy aircraft retrofit installations previously certified with ILS.

(1) It is acceptable for the Class Delta-4 sensor to reside within the FMS itself provided the LP/LPV outputs are not processed or altered by the FMS (similar to an ILS).

(2) The FMS may provide an interface for pilot control of the Class Delta-4 equipment (such as selecting the approach) and may host the Final Approach Segment (FAS) database for input to the Class Delta-4 equipment. The Class Delta-4 TSOA/LODA holder must list the specific compatible FMS(s) or provide a detailed interface description to establish FMS compatibility in the installation manual.

(3) At the aircraft level, Class Delta-4 implementations depend upon the entire path for the guidance deviations complying with a severe major/hazardous failure condition in modern aircraft with digital data busses. See paragraph 14-2.a regarding displays and path for legacy aircraft retrofit installations previously certified with ILS.

(4) Non-federated FMS architectures, such as integrated modular avionics, may have the Class Delta-4 LP/LPV final approach segment capability residing within the FMS functions or components. The applicable modules for these FMSs will need a TSO-C146c Class Delta-4 TSOA/LODA and appropriate software level for the Class Delta-4 performance requirements listed in RTCA/DO-229D that they provide.

Note: It is also acceptable for applicants with nonfederated FMS architectures to consider pursuing incomplete system TSO-C146c Class Gamma approval for the navigation computer functions/components.

(5) An FMS that is part of an aircraft-level TSO-C146c Class Delta-4 integration normally provides the RNAV capability for the initial and intermediate approach segments to place the aircraft in proper position for the Class Delta-4 GPS/SBAS equipment to conduct the LP/LPV final approach segment. The FMS also provides the RNAV capability for the missed approach segment.

Note: RNAV capability for the initial, intermediate, and missed approach segments can be accomplished by the FMS according to its TSO-C115b (or later revision) or other GNSS TSO approval. However, the FMS will be limited to its approved functions per those TSOs or as 12

13 modified if receiving PVT inputs from a TSO-C145(AR) sensor (see paragraphs 5-5.2.b and 5-5.2.c).

d. Multi-sensor systems must also comply with the appropriate TSO requirements for the individual sensors that are integrated. For example, if distance measuring equipment (DME) is integrated, then the system must also comply with TSO-C66c, Distance Measuring Equipment(DME) Operating Within the Radio Frequency Range of 960 to 1215 Megahertz, for DME equipment. Refer to AC 90-100 (latest revision), U.S. Terminal and Enroute Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations, for operational approval of terminal and enroute area navigation systems for use in the United States national airspace system.

3-5. Multiple TSO Authorizations.

a. Multip le TSO authorizations may be granted for equipment that accomplishes multiple functions. However, the number of TSO markings on positioning and navigation equipment should be minimized to avoid confusion during installation and approval.

b. The following combinations of TSO authorizations must not be granted, as the TSOs either contradict each other or are superfluous to a TSO with broader scope:

(1) TSO-C115/C115a with TSO-C129(AR), TSO-C145(AR)/C146(AR), TSO-C196(AR), or TSO-C161a/C162a).

(2) TSO-C129(AR) Class A with TSO-C146(AR) Class Gamma.

(3) TSO-C129(AR) Class B or Class C with TSO-C145(AR), TSO-C146(AR) or TSO-C196(AR).

(4) TSO-C196(AR) with TSO-C145(AR) or TSO-C146(AR).

Note: The intent is that combinations not specifically prohibited by paragraphs 3-5.b(1) through 3-5.b(4) are acceptable.

Chapter 4. Equipmen t Performance - Advisory Vertical Guidance.

4-1. Introduction.

Position ing and navigation equipment may provide vertical path deviation guidance indications on a non-essential, not-required basis as an aid to help pilots meet barometric altitude restrictions. Equipment that has this capability typically uses GNSS or baro-VNAV, but may use any method to generate the vertical path information. Advisory vertical guidance does not provide approved vertical guidance deviation indications for operational credit. Only vertical guidance deviation indications for LNAV/VNAV or LPV approach procedures are approved for operational credit.

Note 1: Advisory vertical guidance is an optional capability implemented at the equipment manufacturer’s discretion for enroute, terminal, and/or approach operations; not a requirement for positioning and navigation equipment.

Note 2: Paragraph 4-1 does not apply to instrument landing system (ILS).

Note 3: We recommend that equipment manufacturers provide a means for pilots to inhibit advisory vertical guidance to support nonprecision approach training requirements.

4-2. Implementations.

a. It is accep table to provide advisory vertical guidance as a descent aid during oceanic/remote, enroute, and terminal operations.

b. GPS equipment without GPS-provided approved vertical capability (TSO-C129(AR), TSO-C196(AR), TSO-C145/C146(AR) Operational Class 1) and no baro- VNAV integration in the aircraft may provide advisory vertical guidance deviation indications on any approach using the LNAV line of minima.

c. Some aircraft integrations may use GPS equipment without GPS-provided approved vertical capability (TSO-C129(AR), TSO-C196(AR), TSO-C145/C146(AR) Operational Class

1) to provide lateral path deviation indications and an approved baro-VNAV installation to provide vertical path deviation indications for an approach to the LNAV/VNAV line of minima.

(1) This integration constitutes approved vertical guidance to conduct a charted instrument approach procedure to the LNAV/VNAV line of minima and should not be confused with advisory vertical guidance applications.

(2) There may be occasions where it is operationally advantageous to use the LNAV line of minima rather than the LNAV/VNAV minima during an instrument approach procedure. It is acceptable for approved baro-VNAV installations to provide advisory vertical 14

guidance when using the LNAV line of m inima. However, during these operations, the flight crew must use the primary barometric altimeter as the primary reference for compliance with all altitude restrictions associated with the instrument approach procedure; including compliance with all associated step-down fixes.

Note 1: Baro-VNAV integrations may use non-GPS RNAV position sources to generate lateral path deviations for approaches that do not require GPS.

Note 2: Baro-VNAV is subject to performance limitations that could potentially cause advisory vertical path guidance to fall below step-down fixes on LNAV approaches.

d. During RNAV (GPS) instrument approach operations, TSO-C145/C146(AR) Operational Class 2 equipment may provide advisory vertical guidance when the procedure defines only the LNAV line of minima (i.e., procedures without a charted LNAV/VNAV and/or LPV line of minima). GPS/SBAS Operational Class 2 equipment is not capable of performing LP approaches, but may provide advisory vertical guidance for the LNAV line of minima on instrument approach procedures that define both an LNAV and LP line of minima. GPS/SBAS Operational Class 2 equipment may not provide advisory vertical guidance on instrument approach procedures with an LNAV line of minima published with LNAV/VNAV and/or LPV lines of minima. The reason is due to potential confusion over advisory versus approved vertical guidance and which line of minima applies. This human factors issue is even more critical when GPS/SBAS equipment “fails-down” to LNAV minima during the final approach segment if vertical guidance is lost during an LNAV/VNAV approach.

Note: There is no intent to preclude using baro-VNAV advisory vertical guidance for an LNAV approach provided it is selected prior to the final approach fix. See paragraph 17-5 when integrating baro-VNAV with GPS/SBAS vertical guidance.

e. During RNAV (GPS) instrument approach operations, TSO-C145/C146(AR) Operational Class 3 equipment may provide advisory vertical guidance when the procedure defines only the LNAV and/or LP line of minima (i.e., procedures without a charted LNAV/VNAV and/or LPV line of minima). GPS/SBAS Operational Class 3 equipment may not provide advisory vertical guidance on instrument approach procedures with an LNAV line of minima published with LNAV/VNAV and/or LPV lines of minima. The reason is due to potential confusion over advisory versus approved vertical guidance and which line of minima applies. This human factors issue is even more critical for GPS/SBAS equipment that has a “fail-down” mode to LNAV minima during the final approach segment.

Note 1: LP approach procedures will never be published with other lines of minima that contain approved vertical guidance (i.e., LNAV/VNAV or LPV). LNAV and LP lines of minima can be published on the same approach chart; and, it is acceptable to provide advisory vertical guidance during approach operations using these lines of 15

mi nima.

Note 2: There is no intent to prevent using baro-VNAV advisory vertical guidance for an LNAV approach provided it is selected prior to the final approach fix. See paragraph 17-5 when integrating baro-VNAV with GPS/SBAS vertical guidance.

f. TSO-C146(AR) Operational Class 4 (Functional Class Delta) equipment provides an “ILS look-alike” capability for LPV and LP only. GPS/SBAS Operational Class 4 equipment indicates LP by flagging the vertical guidance indications. It is acceptable for Class Delta equipment to provide advisory vertical guidance during approach procedures to LP minimums. However, it is not acceptable for Operational Class 4 equipment to provide advisory vertical guidance when the equipment “fails-down” from LPV to LNAV minima during the final approach segment due to potential confusion over advisory versus approved vertical guidance and which line of minima applies.

Note: Per RTCA/DO-229D it is not appropriate for GPS/SBAS Operational Class 4 equipment to “fail-down” from LP to LNAV.

g. Advisory vertical guidance may be provided during very high frequency omni-directional range (VOR) and non-directional beacon (NDB) instrument approach operations (including overlays with “or GPS” in the title) and also for older GPS instrument approach operations titled “GPS RWY XX”.

4-3. Limitations.

a. There are no TSO requirem ents or MOPS standards regarding advisory vertical guidance minimum performance or how advisory vertical guidance is generated (see notes).

Positioning and navigation equipment manufacturers can generally use their discretion when choosing to implement this capability. However, the equipment manufacturers cannot claim any operational or certification credit for advisory vertical guidance. When implementing advisory vertical guidance, the equipment manufacturer must provide an equipment limitation in the installation/instruction manual for inclusion in the airplane flight manual supplement (AFMS)/rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) and may also include the information in the operations manual. The limitation should state the following or be equivalent:

“Advisory vertical guidance deviation information is only an aid to help pilots comply with altitude restrictions. When using advisory vertical guidance, the pilot must use the primary barometric altimeter to ensure compliance with all altitude restrictions, particularly during instrument approach operations.”

Note 1: RTCA/DO-229D, referenced by the GPS/SBAS TSOs, does provide some cursory requirements related to advisory vertical guidance.

Note 2: The pilot using the primary barometric altimeter to 16

17 ensure compliance with altitude restrictions is generally considered the mitigation for misleading or erroneous advisory vertical guidance information (i.e., 14 CFR XX.1309 compliance). However, each installation should be individually evaluated.

b. The AFMS/RFMS and/or installation manual limitation does not preclude positioning and navigation equipment from outputting advisory vertical guidance deviations to an autopilot provided applicable autopilot requirements are satisfied. However, demonstrating autopilot compatibility or compliance is beyond the scope of this AC (see the latest revision of AC23-17, Systems and Equipment Guide for Certification of Part 23 Airplanes, AC 25.1329-1, Approval of Flight Guidance Systems, AC27-1, Certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft, or AC29-2, Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft, for autopilot guidance information).

c. Positioning and navigation equipment manufacturers should consider providing a method to differentiate advisory vertical guidance indications from those used for approved vertical guidance to reduce potential crew confusion. If practical, the vertical deviation indications for each mode of vertical guidance should be unique and distinct.