Pacific Avionics P/L - Bankstown Airport

Frequently Asked Questions

New CASA Rules: (For all the latest info. go to the CASA Website )

Latest Airspace Regulations: (Go to Airservices Australia)

PCAS - What is PCAS?

"How PCAS Works

The first in a series of in-depth articles taking a look at the technology behind PCAS and today's advanced collision avoidance systems. This article is a brief overview off the technology behind traffic detection.

PCAS, which stands for Portable Collision Avoidance System, is a trademark of Zaon Flight Systems for technology similar in function to TCAS (Traffic and Collision Avoidance System). TCAS is the industry standard for commercial collision avoidance systems. The original PCAS technology was developed in 1999. Now, the MRX/XRX line of collision avoidance systems incorporates the fourth generation of PCAS technology. Through this technology, transponder-equipped aircraft are detected and ranged, and the altitude is decoded. PCAS G4 technology has advanced to the point that highly accurate range, relative altitude, and quadrant direction can be accurately detected in a portable, all-in-one cockpit device.

To explain how the system works, consider the following:

Step One

To start the cycle, an interrogation is sent out from ground-based RADAR stations and/or TCAS or other actively interrogating systems in your area. This signal is sent on 1030 MHz. For TCAS, this interrogation range can have a radius of 40 miles from the interrogation source. The Ground RADAR range can be 200 miles or more

Step Two

The transponder on any aircraft within range of the interrogation replies on 1090 MHz with their squawk code (known as Mode A) and altitude code (or Mode C). The altitude information is sent in an encoded format.

Mode S transponders also reply on this frequency, and encoded within the Mode S transmission is the Mode A (squawk) and Mode C (altitude) information.

Military aircraft also respond on this frequency but use a different transmission protocol (see Step 3).

Your aircraft’s transponder should also reply. However, the XRX unit watches for this signal and will not report it as a threat aircraft. The unit may use this information to establish base altitude for use in step 4.

Step Three

Any aircraft reply within the XRX detection window (maximum 6 miles) will be received. The range is computed, the altitude code is decoded, and the signal angle-of-arrival is determined. XRX will recognize interrogations from TCAS, Skywatch, and any other “active” system, military protocols, and Mode S transmissions.

Step Four

The altitude of the aircraft (in the example, 2500 ft.) is compared to your local altitude (i.e., 1500 ft.) and the relative altitude is calculated (i.e., 1000 ft. above you). With relative direction, altitude and range determined, XRX displays this information and stores it in memory.

Step Five

If additional aircraft are within detection range, the above process is repeated for each aircraft. The top threat is displayed on the left of the traffic screen, and on Screen A, the second and third threats are displayed on the right.

The greatest threat is determined by looking at aircraft within the detection window you set up and comparing primarily the vertical separation (+/- relative altitude), and secondarily the range to the aircraft currently being displayed. XRX uses patent-pending SmartLogic algorithms to determine which of two or more aircraft is a greater threat. See flight scenarios later in this chapter for more information." - ZAON FLIGHT SYSTEMS

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GPS - What is WAAS?

Go to the WAAS page

GARMIN - Can I upgrade my GNS430 / 530 to WAAS capability now?

Yes you can, Garmin USA has good turn-around times for upgrades at present (time of publishing this FAQ). Go to our CONTACTS page and enquire about prices & charges for upgrades and/or new GNS 400W / 500W series products.

Can I purchase products online from Pacific Avionics ?

Not quite yet, please go our CONTACTS page and submit a request for any of our sale or new items that you find on our PRODUCTS or Panel Planner pages.

GARMIN - Do we sell Garmin Handheld products over the counter?

Yes we do. First go to the GARMIN website for all your GPS information and you can order and purchase from us at Bankstown.

GARMIN - What is the difference between City Navigator& Metro Guide?

City Navigator - More City Detail with Turn by Turn Directions

Metro Guide - More Country Detail without Turn by Turn Directions.

GARMIN - Will my American or European Handheld work here?

No for Land Data. Yes for Aviation, Car or Marine Data. Provided you have access to the Disc's and/or Web.

GARMIN - What is the difference between the iQue3600 and iQue3600a?

The iQue3600a is for Australian Aviation use.

When does AD/RAD/43 A6 becomes effective, and what does this mean?

October 27, 2005

This will eliminate the requirement for VFR aircraft to be checked for MODE C altitude reporting, this amendment comes from 'Industry' pressure to align the Airworthiness Directive with the USA FAR requirements.

Why is Requirement 1 of AD/INST/8 A4 & AD/INST/9 A6 insufficient for most GA Aircraft?

Most light aircraft, including many Helicopters operating in General Aviation currently are periodically maintained in accordance with a CASA approved Schedule (CAR Schedule 5, CAAP 42B-1(0)) with respect to the Instrument category.

This inherently falls short of the depth of testing required, and previously covered, by Amendments 3 and 5 of the AD's.

It is a prerequisite that a System of Maintenance be in place for the Specific Type of aircraft, approved by CASA, to ensure the critical instrument systems are tested as per manufacturers recommendations.

So therefore for any GA aircraft to comply with the afore-mentioned AD's and remain in a condition such that safety and reliablity are paramount, it is highly recommended that during these inspections the option of Requirement 2 be taken.