ADVISORY CIRCULAR

AC 21-46
Airworthiness approval of avionics
equipment

v3.0 – October 2014

Project Number: CS 14/10
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Advisory Circulars are intended to provide advice and guidance to illustrate a means, but not necessarily the only
means, of complying with the Regulations, or to explain certain regulatory requirements by providing informative,
interpretative and explanatory material.
Advisory Circulars should always be read in conjunction with the relevant regulations.

Audience
This Advisory Circular (AC) applies to:

 Subpart 21.J – approved design organisations

 Subpart 21.M – authorised persons.

Purpose
The purpose of this AC is to provide information and guidance concerning the standards used
for the approval of required avionics equipment for use in Australian registered aircraft.

For further information

For further information on this AC, contact CASA’s Airworthiness and Engineering Standards
Branch (telephone 131 757).

Status
Version Date Details

3.0 Aug 2014 Removed reference to CAR 35, recognition of European Technical Standard
Orders (ETSOs), reference to Airworthiness Bulletin (AWB) 00-21, reference
to subpart 21.J, reference to AC 21-50 and revision of existing avionics
standards in Appendix 1.

(1) Sept 2010 Appendix 1 and 2 updated to include new equipment.

(0) Sept 2009 A review of CAO Series 103 and 108 identified a number of orders that are
obsolete, inaccurate and no longer relevant. This AC was first drafted to
assist industry in identifying the appropriate standards CASA wishes to apply
to particular avionics equipment.

Unless specified otherwise, all subregulations, regulations, divisions, subparts and parts
referenced in this AC are references to the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998).

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Contents
1 Reference material 3
1.1 Acronyms 3
1.2 Definitions 3
1.3 References 4
1.4 Forms 5
2 Background 6
2.1 Regulations 6
2.2 Approval of required equipment 7
2.3 Approval of non-required equipment 7
2.4 Approval to fit equipment 7
2.5 Commercial/off-the-shelf products 8
3 Current recognised standards 9
3.1 Technical Standard Orders 9
3.2 Approval of equipment for which there is no standard 9
4 Approvals 10
4.1 Existing equipment approvals 10
4.2 New equipment approvals 10
4.3 Data requirements 11

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1 Reference material

1.1 Acronyms
The acronyms and abbreviations used in this AC are listed in the table below.

Acronym Description

AC Advisory Circular

ADO Approved Design Organisation

ATSO Australian Technical Standard Order

AWB Airworthiness Bulletin

CAR 1988 Civil Aviation Regulations 1988

CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority

CASR 1998 Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998

CS Certification Specification

DAL Design Assurance Level

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

IoA Instrument of Appointment

NAA National Airworthiness Authority

ETSO European Technical Standard Order

STC Supplemental Type Certificate

TSO Technical Standard Order

1.2 Definitions
Terms that have specific meaning within this AC are defined in the table below.

Term Definition

Active Historical Where Technical Standard Order (TSO) equipment can still be used but new
applications should be manufactured to the current version.

Certification Basis An airworthiness design standard plus any special conditions applied by
CASA (or NAA) to that code.

Hazard Failure condition as specified in FAA AC 23-1309-1E, FAA AC 25.1309-1A ,

EASA AMC 23.1309 or EASA AMC 25.1309.

Invalid Where TSO equipment can still be used but new applications should be
manufactured to the current version.
Latent A failure that is not detected and/or annunciated when it occurs.

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1.3 References
Regulations
Regulations are available on the ComLaw website http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Home

Part 1 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988)—Preliminary

Part 14 of CAR—Air service operations
Regulation 82 of CAR—Equipment of Australian aircraft with radio-communication systems
Part 21—Certification and airworthiness requirements for an aircraft and parts
CASR Dictionary
Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995—Fees for aviation regulatory services

Advisory material
Advisory Circulars are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/AC
Civil Aviation Advisory Publications are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/CAAP
Airworthiness Bulletins are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90607

AC 21-14—Production certificates
AC 21-27—Manufacturing Approval – Overview
AC 21-50—Approval of software and electronic hardware parts
AC 21-601—Australian Technical Standard Order Authorisation
Civil Aviation Advisory Publication (CAAP) 42W-2—Authorised Release Certificate
AWB 00-21—CASR Part 21 Approval of Aircraft Equipment used in Modifications or Repairs

Other documents
FAA Advisory Circulars are available at:
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/
FAA AC 21-16G—RTCA Document DO-160 versions D, E, F, and G, “Environmental Conditions
and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/880bd753c9d79c3
5862578b80062049d/$FILE/AC 21-16G.pdf
EASA CS-ETSO - Certification Specification ETSO
http://easa.europa.eu/certification-specifications/cs-etso-european-technical-standard-orders
RTCA/DO-160G—Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment
RTCA/DO-178C—Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification

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RTCA/DO-254—Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware

1.4 Forms
CASA’s forms are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/forms

Form 849—Production Approval - Application

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2 Background
This AC provides details of the data needed to support a request for approval of avionics
equipment that is to be fitted to a certified aircraft in accordance with Subparts 21.E and
Subpart 21.M.

2.1 Regulations
2.1.1 Any required equipment fitted in compliance with the regulations must be approved by
CASA prior to use. Subregulation 207(2) of CAR 1988 states:
“A person must not use an Australian aircraft in a class of operation if the aircraft is not;
a. fitted with instruments; and
b. fitted with, or carrying, equipment, including emergency equipment, that CASA has
approved and directed.”

2.1.2 Any equipment fitted to, or on, an aircraft from time to time can be divided into two basic
categories:
a. Required equipment – items required for compliance with the regulations governing
specific types of operation
b. Non-required equipment – any other equipment that is fitted in addition to that
required by regulation.
2.1.3 All equipment, both required and non-required equipment, may only be installed on an
aircraft in accordance with an approved design (i.e. Subpart 21.E Supplemental type
certificate (STC), Subpart 21.M modification approval). For required equipment to be
approved, sufficient evidence needs to presented to certify that the design standard and
manufacturing processes provide an appropriate level of safety.
2.1.4 Regulation 2 of CAR 1988 states that:
“any part or equipment for an aircraft that, when fitted to, or provided in an aircraft may,
if it is not sound or functioning correctly, affect the safety of the aircraft, its occupants
or its cargo or cause the aircraft to become a danger to person or property.”

As an example, the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) states that radio navigation
equipment fitted to an aircraft must be of a type approved by CASA.

2.1.5 Approval of materials, parts, processes and appliances

2.1.5.1 Regulation 21.305 lists the methods of approval of required equipment:
a. under an APMA
b. under an ATSO authorisation or letter of ATSO design approval
c. in conjunction with type certification procedures for an aircraft, aircraft engine or
propeller
d. under Subpart 21.N – imported items
e. in any other manner approved by CASA.

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2.1.6 Recognised countries

2.1.6.1 Regulation 21.012 provides a list of recognised countries from where material, parts,
processes, appliances and technical standards, approved by the National Aviation
Authority (NAA), are automatically accepted.

2.1.7 Approval of imported items

2.1.7.1 Subpart 21.N provides the mechanism for the approval of imported items and is only
concerned with the approval of imported items that comply with design and manufacture
airworthiness standards automatically accepted by CASA or as otherwise negotiated
with CASA.

2.1.8 Equipment approved in conjunction with Type Certification

2.1.8.1 Aircraft manufacturers, when certifying an aircraft model, explicitly state that the aircraft
complies with a design standard at that time. This includes the equipment fitted during
production of the aircraft and that certification is only applicable to that aircraft make
and model.

2.2 Approval of required equipment

2.2.1 In order to comply with the regulations and obtain CASA approval under one of the
methods specified in regulation 21.305 or 21.305A, all required equipment fitted to an
aircraft must conform to an approved design standard and manufactured using
processes that ensure continuing conformance to that standard.
2.2.2 Regulation 82 of CAR 1988 is the regulation to be used for approval of radio
communication equipment.

2.3 Approval of non-required equipment

2.3.1 Non-required equipment does not require approval under regulation 21.305 or 21.305A.
However, all non-required equipment must be designed such that it is sound and
functions correctly to ensure that it does not constitute a hazard to the aircraft or
occupants. In order for any equipment to be approved as part of the approved design of
the aircraft, it must be demonstrated that the aircraft type certification basis has not
been compromised.

2.4 Approval to fit equipment

2.4.1 Equipment can only be installed on an aircraft in accordance with an approved design.
All installation data for equipment to be fitted to a certified aircraft is approved by one
the following methods:
 Subpart 21.D—Changes to the type certificates
 Subpart 21.E—Supplemental type certificates
 Subpart 21.K—Approval of materials, parts, processes and appliances
 Subpart 21.M—Designs of modifications of, and repairs to, aircraft, aircraft engines,
propellers and appliances.

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2.5 Commercial/off-the-shelf products

2.5.1 An increasing number of manufacturers are offering products that are not designed or
meant for aviation use, such as multifunction displays and radios. These products
generally lack any formalised configuration control from the manufacturers, which may
imply that:
 equipment initially fitted during a modification may differ significantly to an item
purchased at a later date as a replacement part
 embedded software may not have been verified against a known standard or tested
to ensure that all software functions operate correctly without producing
unexpected outcomes. Manufacturers may also change and improve the software
at any time. This software may appear to function correctly but may contain latent
errors1
 manufacturers may not intend to support the existing equipment configuration in the
longer term.
2.5.2 To facilitate the approval process, and as per subregulation 207(2) of CAR, required
equipment must:
 comply with an accepted design standard
 be manufactured in a manner that ensures continuing conformance to that standard
 supply approved data, including continuing airworthiness requirements, to enable
correct installation and operation.
Note: Continuing airworthiness requirements includes processes that monitor in-service performance and
continuing compliance of the product against the specified design standard.

1
See AC 21-50 for further details.

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3 Current recognised standards

3.1 Technical Standard Orders

3.1.1 Subregulation 21.601(2) recognises foreign Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) for
approved equipment. These are available online at:
 TSO - FAA
 ETSO - EASA
3.1.2 Equipment designed to (E)TSO standards listed as either active historical or invalid are
still eligible for fitment to aircraft unless they are prohibited by a specific regulation
requirement. The (E)TSO standards for any new equipment approvals are listed in
Appendix 1.
3.1.3 This is not an exhaustive list as new technology or novel applications of existing
technologies may be beyond the scope of the existing standards. In this case, it is
recommended that the applicant approach CASA at the earliest instance to enable the
development of an agreed standard.
Note: The RTCA, Inc and SAE International documents may not contain the complete requirements for a device
to meet the necessary specifications and it is advisable to contact CASA early during the design or
approval process.

3.2 Approval of equipment for which there is no standard

3.2.1 For all other equipment, consultation with CASA would enable approval of a suitable
standard.

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4 Approvals

4.1 Existing equipment approvals

4.1.1 Appendix 2 of this AC provides a listing of equipment that has been previously
approved by CASA.
Note: This appendix is derived from Airborne Radio Classification Publication (Publication 50) which is no longer
in print.

4.1.2 Appendix 3 of this AC provides a listing of equipment approved since the last
amendment of Publication 50. This listing will be updated as required.

4.2 New equipment approvals

4.2.1 If approval has not been given by a recognised NAA for fitting required equipment to a
certificated aircraft, then the device will need to be certificated by an appropriate
delegate. AWB 00-021 contains general information for IoA holders on approval to
designs of modifications or repairs to Australian registered aircraft. The following
categories cover the different requirements and provide guidance as to the
requirements of each category.
4.2.2 For information on manufacturing/production approvals for aeronautical products see
AC 21-14. Applications for a production certificate is to be made using CASA Form 849.

4.2.3 ATSO design approval

4.2.3.1 Approval of equipment as a standalone item, conforming to an ATSO, TSO, ETSO or
other agreed standard. This authorisation then allows the follow on fitment to aircraft
registered in Australia in accordance with approved modification instructions.
4.2.3.2 In accordance with paragraph 21.603(1)(c), equipment complying with a TSO are
required, as part of the approval, to have their data plate marked with the relevant TSO.
Note: An ATSO authorisation may only be granted by CASA.

4.2.4 ‘One-off’ approvals

4.2.4.1 The approval of an individual item of previously non-approved, or non-aviation
equipment, will allow the installation of that equipment into certificated aircraft. Approval
may be granted either:
 by CASA
or
 in accordance with an engineering order approved by CASA, a Subpart 21.M IoA or
a Subpart 21.J ADO.
Note: Required equipment must be approved by CASA under one of the methods specified in regulation 21.305
or 21.305A.

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4.2.5 Supplemental type certificate

4.2.5.1 STC approval of a particular model of previously non-approved or non-aviation
instrument or electronic equipment will allow the installation of that equipment into
certificated aircraft types.

4.2.6 Type design

4.2.6.1 The approval of a particular model of previously non-approved or non-aviation
instrument or electronic equipment as part of the type design of the aircraft will allow the
installation of that equipment into certificated aircraft types. AC 21-27 provides guidance
on various types of production approvals.

4.3 Data requirements

4.3.1 The applicant, either an individual or a company, takes design responsibility for that
item of equipment for which they are seeking approval. The responsibility rests with the
applicant to ensure that:
a. an appropriate design standard has been identified and agreed to by CASA
b. a data package for the candidate equipment (confirming the design, materials,
processes, performance parameters and test plans to be used for the production
model) is collated and submitted. This needs to address, as a minimum:
i. testing and verification of embedded software (if any) in accordance with an
acceptable standard (e.g. RTCA/DO-178C Design Assurance Level (DAL) A,
B, C or D) to confirm operability and functionality. Software should be treated
as any other component and will need to have configuration control2
ii. testing and verification of complex electronic devices (if any) in accordance
with an acceptable standard (e.g. RTCA/DO-254 DAL A, B, C or D) to confirm
operability and functionality2
iii. environmental testing is conducted (if necessary) to ensure the equipment will
continue to operate in all expected operational environmental conditions.
A. This may include recovery of operational modes from direct and indirect
lightning strikes, extreme temperature conditions, altitude tests and other
tests defined by RTCA/DO-160G for the selected operating conditions of
the equipment.
B. FAA AC 21-16G provides a summary of changes between different
versions of RTCA/DO-160 and which version is acceptable depending on
usage. Subpart A of EASA CS-ETSO allows the use of RTCA/DO-160D
unless otherwise stated.
C. Consultation with CASA may be necessary to identify the individual testing
programs appropriate for the intended use of the equipment.
iv. the build status for both hardware and software against the data package
v. testing results which confirm the functionality and performance parameters as
detailed in the design specifications

2
For further information see AC 21-50.

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vi. the requirement for the component to be marked with a unique part number.
4.3.2 This data package will be frozen and identified as the model intended for fitting to the
aircraft and will be subject to configuration control in a manner similar to other aircraft
components.

Executive Manager
Standards Division
October 2014

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