Avidyne TAS6XX A Operating Handbook
TAS600 Series
TRAFFIC ADVISORY SYSTEM
PILOT’S OPERATING HANDBOOK
P/N 600-00145-000 (32-2352)
Rev 7, 11 Mar 2011
PREFACE
Thank you for becoming an owner of an Avidyne TAS600 series
Traffic Advisory System. You have demonstrated a concern for
yourself, for those who depend on you for flying safely, and for
those who share the airspace around you.
Now you can fly with greater confidence and greater peace of
mind knowing that your aircraft is equipped with the latest
technology available for traffic alerting.
This Operation and Performance Handbook is intended as a
guide to the capabilities and operation of the TAS600 Series
System. By carefully reading this manual, you can become
familiar with the TAS600 Series System and how to get the best
performance from your investment.
Warning: The TAS600 Series System does not detect all aircraft. It is
designed as a backup to the See and Avoid concept and the ATC
Radar environment. See Limits, Appendix 1.
Refer to this handbook for the TAS600 Series System limits.
Caution: This handbook and the Avidyne TAS600 systems are advisory
only. Any action recommended in this manual or made as a result of
data supplied by the TAS600 Series System must be in accordance
with applicable Aviation Regulations and common sense. The pilot in
command is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft.
TSO INFORMATION
The Avidyne TAS600, TAS605, TAS610, TAS615, TAS620, and
the 9900BX, collectively known as the TAS600 Series, comply
with the requirements of TSO-C147 Class B. The TAS600
Series System is considered a Class A system when installed
with a compatible Class A approved display.
600-00145-000 Rev 7 - i - Avidyne Traffic Advisory System
AVIDYNE EXCLUSIVE LIMITED
WARRANTY/LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY
Avidyne warrants the Product manufactured by it against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of twenty-four (24) months from delivery. If Avidyne's Product fails
to conform to this warranty, Avidyne, in its sole discretion, will either repair or replace the
Product or provide a refund of the purchase price paid for the Product. This warranty is
made upon the express conditions that:
(a) Avidyne is given prompt written notice of any claimed non-conformity in the Product, with
a reasonable explanation thereof;
(b) The Product is returned to Avidyne or to an Avidyne authorized service facility;
(c) The Product has not been altered in any manner other than as previously authorized by
Avidyne in writing; and
(d) Repairs to the Product have not been made by anyone other than Avidyne or an Avidyne
authorized service facility.
This warranty does not apply to any Product which is not installed, maintained and operated
in accordance with Avidyne's written instructions or which is otherwise misused, including,
without limitation, to any Product which is damaged due to improper installation, maintenance
or operation, tampering, alteration of serial numbers or other manufacturers data, lightning or
other electrical source, or otherwise.
If warranty protection is applicable to the Product, Avidyne will use reasonable efforts to
repair or replace Product within ten (10) business days of its receipt of the Product.
Any Product that has been repaired by Avidyne or replaced by Avidyne under this warranty
will be subject to remainder of the original warranty term applicable to the repaired or
replaced Product or will be warranted under the warranty terms above for ninety days from
the date of repair or replacement, whichever period is longer.
THIS EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY APPLIES IN LIEU OF AND EXPRESSLY
SUPERCEDES AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS, AFFIRMATIONS
AND/OR WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ORAL OR WRITTEN,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OF TITLE AND/OR OF NON-INFRINGEMENT.
PURCHASER EXPRESSLY AND KNOWINGLY AGREES THAT NO OTHER
REPRESENTATIONS, AFFIRMATIONS OR WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, ORAL OR WRITTEN, FORM PART OF ANY PURCHASE AND SALE
TRANSACTION RELATED TO THE PRODUCT.
AVIDYNE'S (AND ITS AFFILIATES') AND ANY PRODUCT COMPONENT SUPPLIER'S
SOLE RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY RELATED TO THE PRODUCT OR ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATED TO ITS PURCHASE, SALE, PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY OR
USE ARE LIMITED TO ITS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, OR TO A REFUND OF THE
PURCHASE PRICE, IN AVIDYNE'S SOLE DISCRETION. IN NO EVENT WILL AVIDYNE
(OR ITS AFFILIATES) OR ANY SUPPLIERS OF PRODUCT COMPONENTS BE
RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE
WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
SPECIAL, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFIT, PROPERTY DAMAGE,
PERSONAL INJURY, WRONGFUL DEATH, OR OTHER DAMAGE (WHETHER OR NOT
AVIDYNE (OR ITS AFFILIATES) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT ANY
DAMAGE MIGHT BE INCURRED), ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PRODUCT,
ITS PURCHASE OR SALE, ITS PERFORMANCE OR RELIABILITY, OR THE USE OR
INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING DUE TO ANY
Avidyne Traffic Advisory System - ii - 600-00145-000 Rev 7
PRODUCT DEFECT OR DEFECTS OR ANY ACTION OR INACTION OF ANY NATURE
(INCLUDING CLAIMED OR ACTUAL NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE) BY
AVIDYNE OR ANY SUPPLIERS OF PRODUCT COMPONENTS. NEITHER THIS
EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY NOR AVIDYNE'S OR ANY PRODUCT COMPONENT
SUPPLIER'S RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY WILL IN ANY WAY BE ENLARGED OR
OTHERWISE ALTERED DUE TO AVIDYNE'S PROVISION OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT OR
TRAINING RELATED TO THE PRODUCT.
WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, NEITHER AVIDYNE (NOR ITS AFFILIATES)
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS, AFFIRMATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING OR
RELATED TO PRODUCTS NOT MANUFACTURED BY AVIDYNE OR REGARDING OR
RELATED TO THE PERFORMANCE OR RELIABILITY OF ANY SUCH PRODUCT,
EITHER ALONE OR WHEN USED WITH ANY PRODUCT MANUFACTURED BY
AVIDYNE, OR THE SUITABILITY OF ANY SUCH PRODUCT FOR USE WITH ANY
PRODUCT MANUFACTURED BY AVIDYNE. AVIDYNE (AND ITS AFFILIATES)
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL REPRESENTATIONS, AFFIRMATIONS AND/OR
WARRANTIES REGARDING OR RELATED TO ANY SUCH PRODUCTS. IN NO EVENT
WILL AVIDYNE (OR ITS AFFILIATES) BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGE OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF REVENUE OR
PROFIT, PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, WRONGFUL DEATH, OR OTHER
DAMAGE (WHETHER OR NOT AVIDYNE (OR ITS AFFILIATES) WERE NOTIFIED OF
THE POSSIBILITY THAT ANY DAMAGE MIGHT BE INCURRED), ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATED TO PRODUCTS NOT MANUFACTURED BY AVIDYNE, THE PURCHASE OR
SALE OF SUCH PRODUCTS, THEIR PERFORMANCE OR RELIABILITY, EITHER ALONE
OR WHEN USED WITH ANY PRODUCT MANUFACTURED BY AVIDYNE, OR THE
SUITABILITY OF ANY SUCH PRODUCT FOR USE WITH ANY PRODUCT
MANUFACTURED BY AVIDYNE.
THIS EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY ALSO APPLIES IN LIEU OF AND EXPRESSLY
SUPERCEDES AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER RIGHTS ANY PURCHASER HAS OR MAY
HAVE RELATED TO THE PRODUCT AND/OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO ITS
PURCHASE, SALE, PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY OR USE, EITHER ALONE OR WITH
ANY OTHER PRODUCT OR PRODUCTS, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, IN TORT
(INCLUDING RIGHTS SOUNDING IN NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY AND
MISREPRESENTATION), UNDER STATUTE, AT LAW, IN EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE,
AND PURCHASER EXPRESSLY AND KNOWINGLY WAIVES ALL SUCH RIGHTS TO
THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. PURCHASER ALSO EXPRESSLY AND
KNOWINGLY AGREES THAT THE PRODUCT IS NOT A CONSUMER GOOD.
THE FOREGOING FOUR PARAGRAPHS DEFINE AND LIMIT AVIDYNE'S SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY AND PURCHASER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDIES RELATED TO THE PRODUCT.
Some jurisdictions may not allow the exclusion or limitation of warranties or liabilities,
in which case the above limitations or exclusions, or some of them,
may not apply in those jurisdictions.
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Table of Contents
PREFACE ................................................................................. i
TSO INFORMATION ................................................................ i
AVIDYNE EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY/LIMITATIONS
ON LIABILITY .......................................................................... ii
Table of Contents ........................................................... iv
1 Introduction .............................................................. 1
Glossary ................................................................................... 1
Product Description ............................................................. 2
Concept ............................................................................... 4
Components ........................................................................ 5
2 TAS600 Series Operation ........................................ 7
Advisory Levels ........................................................................ 7
Audible & Visual Advisories ..................................................... 9
Update Rate ............................................................................. 9
Range Determination ............................................................... 9
Bearing To The Intruder ......................................................... 10
Multiple Intruders ................................................................... 10
Intruders with No Altitude Data .............................................. 10
Visual And Non-Visual Acquisition ........................................ 10
Inputs to the TAS600 Series System That Affect Operation . 11
Altitude Encoder ................................................................ 11
Mute/Update ...................................................................... 11
Aircraft-on-the-Ground Detection System ......................... 11
Gear Position ..................................................................... 12
Traffic Density .................................................................... 12
Ground Mode ..................................................................... 12
Approach and Landing ........................................................... 13
Approach Mode ................................................................. 13
3 Operation with a Multi-Function Display (MFD) .. 15
Introduction ............................................................................ 15
4 Operating Tips ........................................................ 17
Visual Acquisition ................................................................... 17
Tau ......................................................................................... 17
"No Alt" Replies...................................................................... 17
Detection Range .................................................................... 18
Intruder Priority ...................................................................... 18
Data ....................................................................................... 18
Bearing ................................................................................... 19
Pop-ups, Drop-offs and Duplicate Tracks .............................. 19
5 Built-in Test & Fault Indications ........................... 21
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Invalid Host Altitude Data ...................................................... 22
Ground Mode ......................................................................... 22
Appendix 1 Limits ....................................................... 24
Appendix 2 Operation with No Display ..................... 25
Ground Mode ......................................................................... 25
Examples of Operation Without a Display ............................. 26
Appendix 3 Operation with the AVIDYNE ½ 3ATI
Traffic Display ................................................................ 28
Terminal, Standard & Enroute Proximate Airspace Volumes 28
Operator Controls and Basic Displays ................................... 29
Description of Operator Controls 1/2 3ATI Display ............... 31
Symbols ............................................................................. 33
Basic Displays ................................................................... 33
Intruder Acquisition Display ............................................... 35
Ground Mode ..................................................................... 36
Unrestricted Mode ............................................................. 37
Dynamic Proximate Advisory Airspace .................................. 38
Approach Mode ..................................................................... 38
Intruder Acquisition ................................................................ 39
Multiple Intruders ............................................................... 39
Mute ................................................................................... 40
Non-Altitude Reporting Intruders ....................................... 41
Data ................................................................................... 41
Altitude Display .................................................................. 41
Entering Barometric Pressure Setting ............................... 42
Host Altitude Display Above & Below 18,000 Feet ........... 42
Intruder Altitude Display .................................................... 43
Altitude Alerter ................................................................... 43
Engaging the Altitude Alerter ............................................. 44
Disengaging the Altitude Alerter ........................................ 46
Using The TAS600 Series System Traffic Display as an
Altitude Alerter Display ...................................................... 47
Density Altitude ...................................................................... 48
Engaging............................................................................ 49
Entering Outside Air Temperature ..................................... 49
Disengaging ....................................................................... 50
Test Function with the Avidyne ½ 3ATI Traffic Display ..... 50
Flying with the TAS600 Series System Traffic Display ......... 51
Examples of Operation ...................................................... 51
Appendix 4 Operation with the Garmin G1000......... 62
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General .................................................................................. 62
TAS System Startup .............................................................. 62
Operation ............................................................................... 63
Appendix 5 Operation with the Garmin GNS 480
color GPS/NAV/COM ..................................................... 64
General .................................................................................. 64
9900BX/TAS600 series System Startup ................................ 64
Operation ............................................................................... 64
Appendix 6 Specifications, Lexicon, and Warranty 65
General .................................................................................. 65
LEXICON ............................................................................... 65
PARTS AND SERVICE WARRANTY .................................... 66
CUSTOMER SUPPORT ........................................................ 66
Serial Numbers and Purchase Information ............................ 66
DISCLAIMER ......................................................................... 67
Appendix 7 License .................................................... 68
Trademarks ........................................................................ 68
License and Certain Restrictions ....................................... 68
Government Licensee ....................................................... 68
Restricted Rights Legend .................................................. 69
Export Law Assurances ..................................................... 69
Miscellaneous .................................................................... 69
Copyright ........................................................................... 69
Appendix 8 Index ........................................................ 70
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1 Introduction
Glossary
The following terms are used throughout this document. For the
purposes of this document, they have these definitions:
Term Meaning
Acquire Identify and locate (as in acquire an intruder)
Acquisition The process of identifying and locating an intruder
AGL Above Ground Level
ATC Air Traffic Control
Audible
Position Alert
Closest Point
of Approach
Traffic Display The ½ 3ATI digital Traffic Display
CPA Closest Point of Approach
Display Either a Traffic Display or an MFD
Host
Interrogator
Intruder
MFD Multi-Function Display
MSL Mean Sea Level
OT Other Traffic
Other Traffic
PA Proximate Advisory
PAV Proximate Airspace Volume
Proximate
Advisory
An audible advisory of the traffic location
The occurrence of minimum range between the
TAS600 Series System-equipped aircraft and the
intruder
The aircraft equipped with the TAS600 Series
System
The transmitting portion of the TAS600 Series
System that interrogates nearby transponders
A transponder-equipped aircraft within the
surveillance range for which the TAS600 Series
System has established a track
A condition when the TAS600 Series System has
detected an intruder that is not a TA or PA
A condition when an intruder is within ±1200 Feet
and 5 nm.
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Term Meaning
Scheduled
Advisory
Sensitivity
Level
Sensitivity
Level A
Sensitivity
Level B
SL A Sensitivity Level A
SL B Sensitivity Level B
TA Traffic Advisory
Tau The time to intruder CPA
TCAD Traffic/ Collision Alerting Device
Traffic Any nearby aircraft
Traffic
Advisory
Multiple TAs are announced sequentially. A TA that
is scheduled but not yet announced is a Scheduled
Advisory
Parameters used to specify the size of the protected
airspace volume around the TAS600 Series
System-equipped aircraft
The sensitivity level when the host's landing gear is
extended
The normal sensitivity level
An advisory indicating the current track of an
intruder could result in a near-hit or a collision
Product Description
The Avidyne Traffic Advisory System is a series of active
surveillance traffic detection models derived from and including
the Ryan (TCAD) Model 9900BX. It is used to identify the
altitude, range and bearing of nearby transponder-equipped
aircraft. Aircraft equipped with non-Mode C transponders can
provide range and bearing information. The TAS600 Series
System does not detect aircraft without operating transponders.
There are three capability levels of the TAS600 Series System
that correspond to aircraft performance:
• TAS600 for aircraft with a Service Ceiling of up to 18,500
feet.
• TAS610 for aircraft with a Service Ceiling up to 25,000 feet.
• TAS605, TAS615, TAS620, and 9900BX for aircraft with a
Service Ceiling up to 55,000 feet.
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1 Introduction
When operated within the Service Ceiling the TAS600 Series
System displays all Traffic Alerts and Proximity Alerts. The
display of Other Traffic (OT) is available according to Table 1.
Display of Other Traffic.
Above the TAS Service Ceiling, traffic intruders will not be
displayed.
TAS605, TAS615, TAS620, and 9900BX systems include the
ability to connect an external heading indicator to better track
traffic intruders during turns.
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Table 1. Display of Other Traffic
TAS600
TAS605
TAS610
TAS615
TAS620 /
Display of
Other Traffic
- Vertical
Limit
±3500 feet 7 nm 18,500 ft.
±5500 feet 13 nm 55,000 ft.
±3500 feet 12 nm 25,000 ft.
±10,000 feet 17 nm 55,000 ft.
±10,000 feet 21 nm 55,000 ft.
Display of
Other Traffic -
Horizontal
Limit
Maximum
Operating
Altitude
9900BX
All TAS600 Series Systems are available in three configurations:
• Integrated with an MFD
• With a ½ 3ATI Traffic Display
• Without a display
Up to four displays may be connected to the same TAS600
Series System.
The TAS600 Series System is advisory only, and is a back up to
the See and Avoid Concept, and the ATC radar environment.
The following sections describe the TAS600 Series operation.
Concept
The TAS600 Series System interrogates transponders. The
vertical separation of the host and intruder is determined by
comparing the decoded altitude replies to the host's altitude
(from the altitude encoder). The range is determined using radar
time of arrival technique. Bearing to the traffic is determined
using the dual directional antennas, on the top and bottom of the
aircraft.
The altitude data from the intruder is referenced to pressure
altitude (29.92 inches or 1013hPa), as is the onboard encoder,
thus separation is not dependent on the altimeter setting.
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1 Introduction
The TAS600 Series System monitors the altitude and range
difference and warns the flight crew when the calculated time to
closest approach (CPA) of the intruder meets a certain threshold
(15 to 30 seconds, depending on aircraft configuration).
Components
The TAS600 Series System components consist of the remote
Processor and the Transponder Coupler.
A display is optional. The Avidyne Multi-Hazard Display (MHD),
the Avidyne ½ 3ATI Traffic Display, or certain Multi-Function
displays are normally used to provide additional intruder
information.
Figure 1. TAS600 Series Single-blade Antenna
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Figure 2. TAS600 Series twin-blade antenna
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2 TAS600 Series Operation
This section pertains to general operation of the TAS600 Series
System.
Advisory Levels
There are three advisory levels: Traffic Advisories (TA),
Proximate Advisories (PA), and Other Traffic (OT). A Traffic
Advisory is audibly announced, a Proximate Advisory is
displayed traffic within the flight crew-defined display
parameters, and Other Traffic is defined as intruders that are not
TAs or PAs.
A TA is generated if the TAS600 Series System detects that the
current track of the intruder could result in a near miss or
collision.
The TAS600 Series System uses tau (the time to closest
approach) and the time to coaltitude to calculate TAs. An intruder
that is very close but not closing can also generate a TA.
Only TAs generate audible warnings.
When the landing gear is extended, a smaller tau and a smaller
volume of airspace are used as criteria to generate TAs. This
condition is termed Sensitivity Level A, or SL A. All other flight
conditions use a larger volume of monitored airspace, called
Sensitivity Level B, or SL B.
A TA is generated and an initial TA announcement is issued
when an intruder's tau value is less than the "TA threshold" (see
Tables 1 and 2). A TA is also generated when an intruder's
range and altitude separation are both less than the "TA
threshold".
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Table 2. SLA TA Thresholds
Tau
Intruder type
Altitude
reporting
intruders
Non altitude
reporting
intruders
(seconds)
< 20 < 0.20 < 600
< 15 < 0.20 N/A
Table 3. SLB TA Thresholds
Tau
Intruder type
Altitude
reporting
intruders
Non altitude
reporting
intruders
(seconds)
< 30 < 0.55 < 800
< 25 < 0.20 N/A
Host to Intruder
Range
(nm)
Separation (ft)
Host to Intruder
Range
(nm)
Separation (ft)
Altitude
Altitude
A TA remains in effect until the range between host aircraft and
the intruder aircraft begins to diverge or is no longer detected for
8 seconds, whichever is longer.
An audible position alert informs the crew of a TA. The audible
position alert message is described below in “Audible & Visual
Advisories”. Audible advisories are normally inhibited when the
host aircraft is on the ground. Advisories of traffic on the ground
are inhibited in the Approach and Departure Modes.
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2 TAS600 Series Operation
Audible & Visual Advisories
The TAS600 Series System uses voice, tones, and an
annunciator light (marked “Traffic” or “Traffic Alert”) to
communicate information to the flight crew.
When a detected intruder meets the criteria for traffic advisory,
the TAS600 Series System generates an audible voice
annunciation. The announced phrase is always preceded by a
tone and then begins as “Traffic”. The clock position of the alert
is given, and then the relative altitude of the intruder and range is
announced. If the intruder is more than 200 feet above or below
the host aircraft, then the phrase is “high” or “low” is added as
appropriate. If the intruder’s altitude is within 200 feet of the host
altitude, the ending phrase is “same altitude”.
For example, a TA about an intruder at two o’clock and 500 feet
above one mile away generates: [tone] “Traffic. Two o’clock,
high, one mile.” An intruder directly to the left within two hundred
feet elevation would generate [tone] “Traffic. 9 o’clock, same
altitude, less than one mile.”
When installed, a remote TA annunciator light illuminates
whenever a TA is in effect and extinguishes when the TA is no
longer valid.
Caution: TAs are calculated values. Intruders will not always be
detected at a distance far enough out to provide the TA warning time
described in the Advisory Levels paragraph. See Appendix 1.
Update Rate
The TAS600 Series System interrogates up to 56 times per
second, providing excellent intruder resolution in high traffic
density.
Range Determination
The TAS600 Series System transmits interrogation signals in a
manner similar to an ATC radar facility to elicit a reply from
nearby aircraft. The time between the interrogation and the
receipt of the reply is measured and converted into range from
the intruder.
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This method is often called an active ranging technique.
Note: The range at which an intruder is acquired depends on many
factors, including the performance of the intruder’s transponder and the
geometry of the encounter. Not all intruders are acquired at the
maximum range.
Bearing To The Intruder
The direction of the intruder is determined using the top and
bottom directional antennas.
Note: The TAS600 Series System diagnostics continually monitor for
bearing reliability. When the TAS600 Series System detects a lowreliability signal, the bearing information is momentarily unavailable. All
other information continues to be available. The phrase “Traffic… No
Bearing” is announced for non-bearing TAs.
Multiple Intruders
More than one TA can exist at the same time. All TAs are
announced, and the intruder with the smallest tau is announced
first.
Intruders with No Altitude Data
The TAS600 Series System can detect intruders without altitudereporting capability (non-Mode C intruders). For these intruders,
the TAS600 Series System provides range, bearing and
horizontal closure information only. The TAS600 Series System
announces “Altitude Unavailable” for non-mode C TAs.
When the host aircraft is above 12,000 feet pressure altitude,
non-Mode C intruders are not tracked.
Visual And Non-Visual Acquisition
It is often difficult to visually acquire aircraft, even when the
TAS600 Series System identifies the intruder.
When under positive control, a deviation based solely on the
TAS600 Series System data is not sanctioned by regulatory
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2 TAS600 Series Operation
authorities. Intruder information provided by the TAS600 Series
System is an aid to the See and Avoid process. Federal
Regulations state that "When an ATC clearance has been
obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance,
except in an emergency, unless he obtains an amended
clearance." Intruder information provided by the TAS600 Series
System does NOT relieve the pilot in command of this
responsibility.
Caution: The intruder that you see may not be the intruder that the
TAS600 Series System has detected. Continue to monitor the TAS600
Series System and visually scan outside even after the traffic is
observed.
Inputs to the TAS600 Series System That Affect
Operation
Altitude Encoder
The TAS600 Series System recognizes the altitude of the host
aircraft using the onboard encoder. The altitude encoder is
based on standard pressure, so comparison of the host aircraft
standard pressure altitude with the standard pressure altitude of
the intruder aircraft produces the separation information.
It is not necessary to adjust the altimeter setting in the TAS600
Series System. Adjustment of the altimeter setting has no effect
on the separation data.
Mute/Update
When configured, a Mute/Update button is available. It provides
a mute and “say again” function to request an audible update of
Traffic Alerts. If the button is pressed once during an audible
announcement, the announcement is stopped. Only scheduled
advisories are removed. Double-pressing the Mute/Update
button announces any current TAs. If no Traffic Advisories are in
effect, the double-press elicits a “No Advisories” statement.
Aircraft-on-the-Ground Detection System
Some aircraft have a system to detect when the aircraft is on the
ground. An airspeed switch or weight-on-wheels switch is
normally used for this purpose. The TAS600 Series System
makes use of the aircraft-on-ground detection system if it is
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installed. The use depends on the display configuration, and is
explained in later sections of this handbook.
Gear Position
When the landing gear is down, or during Approach and
Departure modes, the TAS600 Series System uses Sensitivity
Level A. SL A reduces the tau values used to determine when a
TA should be issued, so there are fewer warnings in the high
traffic areas close to the landing runway. Fixed gear aircraft
automatically use SL A during departure and arrivals when using
the Approach Mode.
For more information on SL A and SL B, see the Advisory Levels
paragraph.
Traffic Density
In order to maintain the integrity of the ATC system, all
transponder-based active systems such as TCAS and TAS
reduce interrogator power when in areas of high traffic density.
This can affect the detection range of the equipment.
Ground Mode
When the host aircraft is on the ground, traffic taxiing or parked
nearby can transmit replies. To avoid nuisance indications on the
ground, a special feature called the Ground Mode is normally
activated automatically upon startup. Intruders on the ground are
not displayed and all advisory tones are muted. Airborne Traffic
is displayed.
The Ground Mode is normally activated automatically upon
startup. The aircraft-on-the-ground detection system (if installed)
also engages the Ground Mode. When the Ground Mode is
asserted, an audible “Ground Mode” is announced.
The TAS600 Series System automatically transitions from
Ground Mode to flight after takeoff. When the host aircraft climbs
400 feet, the Advisory tones are restored.
Caution: Do not operate the TAS600 Series System in the Ground
Mode when in flight.
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2 TAS600 Series Operation
Approach and Landing
The Ground mode eliminates unwanted audible warnings during
startup and departure. There is a corollary for approach and
landing called the Approach mode.
When approaching a very busy airport where there are many
aircraft operating on the ground, it is useful to set up the system
to eliminate warnings from traffic on the ground.
Approach Mode
The Approach Mode eliminates intruder announcements caused
by aircraft on the ground as the host aircraft approaches the
ground. Upon landing, the TAS600 Series System enters the
Ground Mode.
The TAS600 Series System must be supplied with the
destination elevation to use the Approach Mode. Destination
elevation adjustment is available with the ½ 3ATI display, the
Ryan MHD and some MFDs.
Note: The TAS600 Series System operates in Sensitivity Level A when
in the Approach Mode.
As the host aircraft descends to within 1700 feet above the field
elevation, the TAS600 Series System enters the Approach
Mode. When the host aircraft descends below 400 AGL, the
TAS600 Series System transitions to the Ground Mode and TA
announcements are muted.
Note: The TAS600 Series System can accept ARINC 429 Radar
Altitude Input. If connected, the Radar Altitude data from the Radar
Altimeter will be continuously communicated to the TAS600 Series
System and will enable and control the Approach Mode.
The Approach Mode can be set at any time, but engages only
when the host aircraft is more than 1700 feet above the field
elevation.
Note: In many operations, setting Approach mode is not necessary.
For example, when approaching a remote runway it is useful to
interrogate aircraft that are operating on the ground.
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Avidyne Traffic Advisory System - 14 - 600-00145-000 Rev 7
3 Operation with a Multi-Function Display
(MFD)
Introduction
Please refer to the MFD documentation for illustrations of the
traffic information for the particular MFD. Refer to this document
for operating tips and information regarding the traffic system.
The MFD shows traffic information in a plan-view, graphical
presentation. The MFD initializes normally. When communication
between the Multi-Function display and the TAS600 Series
System is established, a message indicating the existence of the
link is displayed on the MFD.
The TAS600 Series System is an Airborne Surveillance Radar
system. It is very simple to use and requires no operator input
for normal operations.
Traffic Alerts are automatic. The TAS600 Series System sends
all the data it has to the display system, and the display system
then limits the displayed data. The pilot can select the volume of
airspace in which PA and OT traffic is displayed. There are two
methods:
• Many systems use Above, Below, Norm and Unrestricted.
Above means the display of traffic is normally from -2700 to
+9000 feet, Below is +2700 to -9000, NORM is +/- 2700 and
Unrestricted is +/- 9900. These are just display thresholds.
Traffic Alerts (TAs) outside of these limits will still be shown.
600-00145-000 Rev 7 - 15 - Avidyne Traffic Advisory System
• Some display systems provide display limits called Terminal.
Standard, Enroute and Unrestricted. These display limits
are based on the following table:
Table 4 Display Limits Using Terminal, Standard and
Enroute
Display Type Limits
Terminal ±500 FT, 1.0 NM
Standard ±1000 FT, 2.0 NM
Enroute ±1200 FT, 5.0 NM
Unrestricted
Maximum limits of the
equipment, see Product
Description
Avidyne Traffic Advisory System - 16 - 600-00145-000 Rev 7
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