CASA Media Release - Thursday, 7 March 2002
New pressure alarms
Audible safety alarms to warn pilots about aircraft pressurisation problems are set to be introduced later this year.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is about to release draft regulations covering the design and installation of the new safety devices.
The alarms are proposed for pressurised jet and turboprop aircraft to supplement existing pressurisation warning lights.
It is estimated that around 300 aircraft in Australia will need to be modified at a total cost to the aviation industry of more than $500,000.
CASA is required by the Commonwealth Government to follow a comprehensive consultation process with the aviation industry before introducing new regulations.
This involves consideration of costs to the industry as well as practical issues such as suitable design, availability of parts and time allowed for installation.
The aviation industry is being given the opportunity to further comment on the audible alarms proposal before the new regulation is finally made in the second half of the year.
CASA has already completed a comprehensive education campaign with the operators and pilots of pressurised aircraft to improve awareness of potential pressurisation problems.
This successful campaign includes the issue of a video production showing the effects of hypoxia and practical ways to avoid pressurisation problems.
CASA has also clarified the design rules covering pressurisation warning systems in older aircraft.
The design rule - Civil Aviation Order 108.26 - requires alarms to operate when the cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 feet.
However, this altitude level only took effect from 1987 and previously the level was higher, up to 14,000 feet.
This means aircraft certified before 1987 do not have to meet the 10,000 cabin altitude requirement - they can legally operate with alarms set to trigger at a higher altitude.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0205