Who Needs Avionics Performance Minimums - The Government or You?

A lengthy effort to develop the minimum operational requirements of avionics systems needed for participation in the air traffic control system has not yet yielded standards or a means of administration acceptable to all segments of aviation. A new, more palatable approach by which users of the airspace can provide certain minimum operational characteristics in their airborne electronic systems shows promise. In order to make it work, FAA must clearly describe its electronic systems, how they work, and what their limitations are, so that willing participants may find out what they need to do in order to be right. Based on these system standards, minimum operational characteristics of airborne avionics can be developed and implemented. These may then meet with the approval of most of those affected, since the requirements will merely represent their own self-interest. Wide publication of the system standards, simple interpretation of the minimum operational characteristics of avionics systems to help experts and nonexperts understand what is needed, and a simple government mechanism can make the process work for all to improve the safety and efficiency of flying.