Transponder calibration check
 

Looking for a technician to check calibration of my Auster's Microair transponder.

North of Divide in Victoria would be good.

Thank you

Kaz

Have you tried Steve at North East Aviation (Benalla)?

Thanks..I have a couple of suggestions now and will follow them up.

Kaz

Oh dear.........

It's a pity you have to have a Microair actually checked as it has a built in testing system that actually shows you what it's transmitting out....

But... your encoder could be screwed.. but wait there's more.... the altitude output doesn't actually have to be checked these days... or so my avionics guy told me.

Check AWB 34-013 Issue : 4 (10 December 2013)

With the introduction of Mode S Transponder checks seem to have been made more rigorous.

No new installations of Mode C units are allowed, so people should plan on Mode S/ADSB upgrades.

I am with you on this. The encoder is not required to be checked which makes me wonder if you really need a transponder check at all. ATC will tell you if your altitude transmission is incorrect just as they will tell you of any other transponder fault. Same as a VHF radio fault.

I thought the encoder was checked under CAO 100.5 every two years,
I also understand that you can still fit a new mode c transponder to an aircraft registered before Feb 2014, spend a bit more and get mode s makes more sense

My read of the rule was slightly different.
You can fit a NEW mode C transponder to an aircraft registered before Feb 2014, provided the aircraft was already equipped.

I.e you can REPLACE an existing unit with a new unit (not sure if it must be same make and model). You cannot, do an initial install regardless of registration date.

???????????????

The encoder most certainly is required to be checked every 2 years. CAO 100.5 Appendix 1 Para 4.6 refers. It must be carried out in conjunction with the pressure altimeter check. This is the old AD/RAD/43.

The transponder test requirements are in CAO 100.5 Appendix 1 Para 14, this is the old AD/RAD/47 for non Part 42 aircraft, AD/RAD/47 still applies to Part 42 aircraft as the transponder tests weren't included in the Part 42 MOS.

As far as replacing a Mode C transponder - the key word is "installation".

Removing an unserviceable KT76A and replacing it with a serviceable or even brand new (if you could find one) KT76A is legal, you are not modifying the "installation" only replacing a component.

You can't pull out the KT76A and put in Narco Mode C.

This is covered in CAO 20.18 Para 9E - any aircraft built on or after 6 Feb 2014 or has it's transponder installation replaced or modified after Feb 6 2014 - the installation being the whole system

Thank you, Kiwiconehead.
Squawk7700 and I might share the same avionics tech. who has lead us astray.

DJ?


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