BFGoodrich SKY899 User Manual

$12.00 U.S.

$12.00 U.S.

Pilot’s Guide

Pilot’s Guide

for the

for the

Traffic Alert/Advisory System

Traffic Alert/Advisory System

Model SKY899

Model SKY899

Preliminary

Eyes That Never Blink

Early Traffic Alert/Advisory Systems

In the early days of flight, pilots were equipped with all they
needed for effective collision avoidance–a sharp pair of eyes.
But increasing traffic at higher speeds led to the development

TCAS I and II (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems)

of
which were too expensive for most regional airlines, business
aircraft, and general aviation aircraft.

™

SKYWATCH

®

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. recognized the need for an
alternative to expensive

SKYWATCH model SKY497 Traffic Advisory System (TAS) and

SKYWATCH HP model SKY899 TAS/TCAS I.

the

SKYWATCH HP can be installed as a TAS to provide most

The
of the capabilities of
making it practical for small aircraft. The
also be installed as a

In addition to its
upon the
range (

SKY497 by adding ADS-B surveillance, a larger display

15 nmi), and a higher maximum closure rate (1200 kn).

TCAS systems and developed the

TCAS I, but at a significantly lower cost,

SKYWATCH HP can

TCAS I.

TCAS I capability, SKYWATCH HP improves

Proven Experience

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. has been involved in the
development of collision warning programs since the early

1980’s. In 1985, BFG began development of an enhanced

collision warning system for the

Based largely on the success of the
selected to validate the specifications for

Preliminary

BFG’s original TCAS I unit, the TCAS791 was the first TCAS I to

TSO’d, first to receive a full, unrestricted STC, first to fly,

be
and first to be delivered.

Navy’s T-34C training aircraft.

Navy project, BFG was

TCAS I. As a result,

A

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

$12.00 U.S.

Pilot’s Guide

for the

Traffic Alert/Advisory System

Model SKY899

Methods and apparatus disclosed and described herein have been developed solely on company funds of BF­Goodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. No government or other contractual support or relationship whatsoever has
existed which in any way affects or mitigates proprietary rights of BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. in these
developments. Methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be subject to U.S. Patents existing or applied for.
BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. reserves the right to add, improve, modify, or withdraw functions, design
modifications, or products at any time without notice.

Preliminary

®

SKYWATCH

, EYES THAT NEVER BLINK™, and STORMSCOPE® are trademarks of

Designed and manufactured in the United States of America by

© Copyright 2001

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc.

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc.

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc.
5353 52nd Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA
[phone] or
Fax [phone]
www.bfgavionics.com

[phone]

Safety Summary

These warnings and cautions appear later in this guide and are
repeated here for emphasis:

CAUTION

page 3-1

page 3-5

page 3-6

page 3-6

page 3-6

CAUTION

page 3-6

To avoid power surges that could damage the
optional

If the SKY899 is in SKYWATCH mode, the display will not auto­matically switch into Stormscope mode to display thunderstorms or

Stormscope errors. Use the remote SKYWATCH/Stormscope mode

switch to periodically check for thunderstorms or

The
nearby aircraft. The
are not equipped with an operating

Beacon System (ATCRBS) transponder.

The
closure rate greater than

Some traffic within the chosen display range may not be displayed
due to traffic prioritizing, antenna shielding, or ground intruder
filtering.

Optimum
are reporting their altitude (via a mode
reporting transponder).

WX-1000, start your engines before turning on the SKY899.

SKY899 relies on information obtained from transponders in

SKY899 does not detect or track aircraft which

Air Traffic Control Radar

SKY899 does not track intruder aircraft approaching at a

1200 knots.

SKY899 performance is realized when intruder aircraft

SKY899 and the

Stormscope errors.

C or other altitude

Do not attempt evasive maneuvers based solely on traffic informa-

page 3-6

ii

tion on the display. Information on the display is provided to the
flight crew as an aid in visually acquiring traffic; it is not a
replacement for
techniques.

Preliminary

Air Traffic Control (ATC) and See & Avoid

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Section Page

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations ....................................... v

List of Tables ...............................................vi

Abbreviations & Acronyms ............................ vii

Chapter 1, System Description ................... 1-1

General Description ................................................................... 1-1

Transmitter Receiver Computer (TRC) ........................................ 1-2

Directional Antenna ................................................................... 1-2

Display ...................................................................................... 1-3

Interaction of Major Components ............................................... 1-4

Functional Description ............................................................... 1-4

Features ..................................................................................... 1-6

Chapter 2, Controls & Indicators ................. 2-1

Introduction .............................................................................. 2-1

Controls, Indicators, & Symbols ................................................. 2-1

Controls Required for the Stormscope Option ............................... 2-5

Controls & Indicators for an Alternate Display ............................. 2-6

Aural Announcements ................................................................ 2-6

Chapter 3, Operating Instructions ............... 3-1

Introduction .............................................................................. 3-1

Turn On the SKY899 ................................................................. 3-1

Run the Operator-Initiated Self Test ............................................ 3-3

Switch Between Standby & Normal Operating Mode ................... 3-3

Change the Display Range .......................................................... 3-4

Change the Vertical Display Mode ............................................... 3-5

Switch Between SKYWATCH & Stormscope .................................. 3-5

Preliminary

Observe the Display ................................................................... 3-6

Respond to Traffic Advisories ...................................................... 3-6

Turn Off the SKY899 and the Optional WX-1000 ....................... 3-7

Operate the WX-1000 Without the SKY899 ............................... 3-7

Operate the SKY899 Without the WX-1000 ............................... 3-7

Message Response ...................................................................... 3-7

Respond to a Failed System.................................................... 3-7

Respond to a Degraded System .............................................. 3-9

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

iii

Table of Contents (continued)

Section Page

Chapter 4, Principles of Operation ............... 4-1

Introduction .............................................................................. 4-1

Sensitivity Levels ........................................................................ 4-1

Sensitivity Level A ................................................................. 4-1

Sensitivity Level B ................................................................. 4-3

Audio Inhibit, SKY899 ............................................................... 4-5

Audio Inhibit, GPWS, EGPWS, or TAWS ................................... 4-5

TA Symbol Duration .................................................................. 4-6

Ground Intruder Filtering ........................................................... 4-6

ADS-B ...................................................................................... 4-6

Chapter 5, Display Interpretation ................ 5-1

Introduction .............................................................................. 5-1

Chapter 6, Specifications ........................... 6-1

Chapter 7, Warranty Information ................ 7-1

Introduction .............................................................................. 7-1

Warranty Statement.................................................................... 7-1

Related Policies and Procedures ................................................... 7-2

Preliminary

iv

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

List of Illustrations

Figure Title Page

1-1 SKY899 Major Components .............................................................. 1-1

1-2 Display with Typical SKYWATCH HP Screen .................................... 1-3

1-3 Display with Typical Stormscope Screen (Optional) ............................. 1-3

1-4 System Block Diagram ....................................................................... 1-5

1-5 Vertical Display Modes and Traffic Zones ............................................ 1-7

2-1 Controls & Screen Elements in Standby .............................................. 2-1

2-2 Controls & Screen Elements in Operating Mode ................................. 2-2

2-3 Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps ............................................... 2-6

3-1 BFGoodrich Screen ........................................................................... 3-1

3-2 Standby Screen .................................................................................. 3-2

3-3 In-Flight Traffic Screen ....................................................................... 3-2

3-4 Failed Screen ..................................................................................... 3-2

3-5 Test Screen ........................................................................................ 3-3

3-6 Traffic Screen on the Ground.............................................................. 3-4

3-7 Display Ranges .................................................................................. 3-4

3-8 Message Screen with Two Messages ..................................................... 3-9

3-9 Message Screen with No Messages .................................................... 3-10

4-1 TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has a Radio Altimeter .................................. 4-4

4-2 TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has No Radio Altimeter, But Does Have a

Retractable Landing Gear ................................................................... 4-4

4-3 TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has No Radio Altimeter

and a Fixed Landing Gear................................................................... 4-5

4-4 ADS-B ............................................................................................. 4-6

5-1 TA & OT on 15 nmi Range, UNR Mode ........................................... 5-1

5-2 Other Traffic on 15 nmi Range, UNR Mode ....................................... 5-2

5-3 Other Traffic on 6 nmi Range, NRM Mode......................................... 5-2

5-4 TA & OT on 2 nmi Range, BLW Mode .............................................. 5-2

5-5 Off-Screen TA on 2 nmi Range, ABV Mode ........................................ 5-3

Preliminary

5-6 Standby Screen .................................................................................. 5-3

5-7 Failed Screen ..................................................................................... 5-3

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

v

List of Tables

Table Title Page

4-1 Fourteen Situations in Which a Traffic Advisory Will Occur ................. 4-2

6-1 TRC899 Specifications ...................................................................... 6-1

6-2 BFG WX-1000/SKY497 Display Specifications .................................. 6-3

6-3 NY164 Directional Antenna Specifications

(for TAS installations only) ................................................................. 6-4

6-4 NY156 Directional Antenna Specifications

(

required for TCAS I installations, optional for TAS

)............................... 6-4

Preliminary

vi

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Abbreviations & Acronyms

ABV Above
Ack Acknowledge
ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
AFM Aircraft Flight Manual
AFS Flight Standards Service
AGL Above Ground Level
AHRS Attitude and Heading Reference System
Alt Altitude
ARINC Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATCRBS Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System
ATI Air Transport Indicator
ATM Air Traffic Management
BFG BFGoodrich
BFGAS BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc.
BLW Below
Comm Communication
CPA Closest Point of Approach
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
EFIS Electronic Flight Instrument System
EGPWS Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
fpm Feet Per Minute
FSAW Flight Standards Information Bulletin for

Airworthiness
GPS Global Positioning System
GPWS Ground Proximity Warning System

Preliminary

Grnd Ground
HP High Performance
I/O Input/Output
IVSI Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicator
kn Knots
MFD Multi-Function Display
Mod Modification

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

vii

Abbreviations & Acronyms (continued)

MSG Message
Nav Navigation
nm Nautical Miles (on the display)
nmi Nautical Miles (in the text)
NRM Normal
OPR Operate
OT Other Traffic
PA Proximity Advisory
P/N Part Number
Rev Revision
RGC Radar Graphics Computer
RTCA Requirements & Technical Concepts for Aviation
SLA Sensitivity Level A
SLB Sensitivity Level B
SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar
STB Standby
TA Traffic Advisory
TAS Traffic Advisory System
TAWS Terrain Awareness and Warning System
TCAS Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System
TRC Transmitter Receiver Computer
TSO Technical Standard Order
UNR Unrestricted

Preliminary

viii

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1

System Description

General Description

The SKYWATCH

SKY899, from BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. (BFG) can be

installed as a
(TCAS I) or as a Traffic Advisory System (TAS). In either
configuration, the
aircraft and advises the flight crew where to look for transpon­der-equipped aircraft that may pose a collision threat. Traffic
information on the display generally includes the range, relative
bearing, and relative altitude of intruder aircraft. The
also makes aural announcements such as traffic advisories on
the cockpit audio system. The
high performance corporate and general aviation aircraft.

1-1 shows the major components of the SKY899.

Figure

®

HP Traffic Alert/Advisory System, model

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System I

SKY899 monitors the airspace around your

SKY899

SKY899 is intended for use by

This is the SKY497
picture. I will substitute
a picture of the SKY899
when the equipment is
ready to photograph.

Preliminary

Display

Figure 1-1. SKY899 Major Components

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide 1-1

TRC

Directional Antenna

TRC & Antenna

When installed as a TAS, the SKY899 can share a BFG model

WX-1000/SKY497 monochrome display (P/N 78-8060-5900-8 or ­9

) with a BFG STORMSCOPE® model WX-1000 using a remote

SKYWATCH/Stormscope mode switch. As a TAS, the SKY899 can

also display traffic on a growing number of

Displays (MFDs) and Electronic Flight Instrument System

EFIS) displays from companies such as Avidyne, Garmin, and

(

Collins, or on select Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicators

IVSIs) from Honeywell or Sextant, or on a compatible weather

(
radar indicator via the

RGC250. Check with your dealer or with BFG for a current list

of approved alternate displays.

Chapter 1 – System Description

Multi-Function

BFG Radar Graphics Computer, model

When installed as a
information on a
scribed above, but not on the

Hereafter the word display refers to the
display unless otherwise indicated. For any other display, refer
to that display’s manual for a description of how it displays

SKY899 traffic information.

TCAS I, the SKY899 displays its traffic

TCAS I-compatible alternate display as de-

WX-1000/SKY497 display.

WX-1000/SKY497

Transmitter Receiver Computer (TRC)

The TRC is the primary unit of the SKY899. It converts signals
from the directional antenna and from other aircraft systems
into an on-screen picture of intruder aircraft locations, and if
necessary, aural traffic advisories. The
intruder aircraft simultaneously, but to reduce clutter, the

SKY899 only displays the 8 most threatening intruders being

tracked. The
faults and to verify proper operation.

TRC also has built-in test equipment to detect

TRC can track up to 35

Directional Antenna

The directional antenna transmits omnidirectional mode C
interrogations and receives directional replies from other

Preliminary

transponder-equipped aircraft in the vicinity. The antenna also
receives
mode

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)

S extended squitter broadcasts from intruder aircraft.

1-2

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description

Display

The display is a 3-inch Air Transport Indicator (3-ATI) unit
with a high resolution, green monochrome

CRT) display. The bezel contains four momentary contact

(
push-button switches and an on/off/brightness knob. The
display provides control and display functions for the
(installed as a TAS) and for a WX-1000 Stormscope (if installed).

The display does not display traffic and storm information
simultaneously. The position of a remote

S

tormscope mode switch determines whether the display shows

traffic or storm information; however, if you’re in
mode and the
ate threat to your aircraft, the display temporarily switches to

SKYWATCH mode. Figure 1-2 shows the display with a typical
SKYWATCH HP screen. Figure 1-3 shows the display with a

typical

SKY899 detects traffic that may pose an immedi-

Stormscope screen.

Display

Cathode Ray Tube

SKY899

SKYWATCH/

Stormscope

BRT

OFF

+03

-07

+80

-35

nm

UNR

15

Figure 1-2. Display with Typical

SKYWATCH HP Screen

25

MENU

CLEAR

200 nm

Figure 1-3. Display with Typical

Stormscope Screen (Optional)

120°

OFF

BRT

Preliminary

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

1-3

Interaction of Major Components

Chapter 1 – System Description

Interaction of Major Components

Figure 1-4 shows how the major components of the SKY899
connect to each other and to other aircraft systems.

Notes on Figure 1-4:

1. The optional radio altitude input affects the
inhibit feature, the ground intruder filtering feature, and
the sensitivity levels feature. (See chapter

2. GPS nav data is only required if you plan on using

SKY899’s ADS-B feature (for intruder location enhance-

ment).

3. The

4. Having a weight-on-wheels input allows the

5. The

6. The RGC250/radar indicator or alternate display can be in

7. Only required when using an alternate display that doesn’t

SKY899 works without a heading input, but experi-

ences degraded performance during high-rate-of-turn
maneuvers.

automatically switch out of standby when you take off,
and into standby when you land.

SKY899 may be installed on aircraft with fixed landing

gear. The optional landing gear position input affects the
sensitivity levels feature. (See chapter

place of, or in addition to the

TAS installations, but one of the two must be used for
TCAS I installations.

display vertical display mode indications.

WX-1000/SKY497 display for

SKY899 audio

4 for details.)

SKY899 to

4 for details.)

Functional Description

The SKY899 is an active system that operates as an aircraft-to­aircraft interrogation device. The
transponders in the surrounding airspace (within a
horizontal radius) similar to the way ground-based radar
interrogates aircraft transponders. When the

Preliminary

replies to its interrogations, it computes the responding
aircraft’s range, relative bearing, relative altitude, and closure
rate. The
responding aircraft and uses that information along with your
own aircraft
data to enhance the computed relative position of the respond-

1-4

SKY899 also receives any ADS-B broadcasts from the

Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation (nav)

SKY899 interrogates aircraft

35 nmi

SKY899 receives

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description

System Block Diagram

Intruder Aircraft

Transponder

Interrogations

Directional

Antenna

Transponder

Interrogations

Barometric Altitude

Configuration

Plug

Discrete Lamp Control

Indicator Lamp Outputs

Settings

ABV & BLW

Display (ARINC 429)

Control (ARINC 429)

Display (ARINC 429)

SKYWATCH

Control

Display Power

SKYWATCH-

Stormscope

SKYWATCH-

Stormscope

TAS o r

Control

Encoding Altimeter

Air Data Computer

(Optional)

Operate Lamp

(Optional)

ABV & BLW

Indicator Lamps

Aircraft

Audio

System

Future

Enhancements

BFG RGC250/
Radar Indicator

6

(Optional)

Alternate Display

Control Panel for

use with Alternate

Display (Optional)

(Optional)

6

SKY899

Personality

7

Aural TA's & Other Audio Output

Bi-directional Discrete I/O

Auxiliary Serial Data (RS-422)

Auxiliary Serial Data (RS-232)

Auxiliary ARINC 429 RX Data

SKYWATCH

SKYWATCH

SKYWATCH

WX-1000

Display

Preliminary

On/Off Control

TAS o r
Display

Transponder

Replies

Transponder

Replies

TRC

(with Option)

ADS-B Squitter

Broadcasts

ADS-B Squitter

Broadcasts

Radio Altitude

System Software
Updates

Flight Data
&System
Configuration

GPS Nav Data
(ARINC 429)

TX/RX Inhibit

+28 V dc

Audio Inhibit

Magnetic Heading

Mag. Heading Valid

Weight On Wheels

Landing
Gear Position

Diagnostic
Commands and
Status (RS-232)

SKYWATCH/

Stormscope

Mode Selection

TRC On/Off Control

Stormscope

Stormscope

TRC On/Off Control
When WX-1000 is
Powered Down or
Removed

On/Off Control

Stormscope

1

Flash Card

2

5

Display

Control

Override

Radio Altimeter or

3

4

Norm

Flight Data

Computer

(Optional)

GPS Navigation

System (Optional)

Aircraft

Suppression Bus

Aircraft Power

GPWS/TAWS

(Optional)

Synchro XYZ
Compass, or

AHRS (Optional)

Squat Switch

(Optional)

Landing Gear

Switch (Optional)

Diagnostic

Equipment e.g.

Laptop (Optional)

SKYWATCH/

Stormscope

Mode Switch

WX-1000

Stormscope

Processor

WX-1000
On/Off Control

WX-1000

Maintenance

Switch

Option

Stormscope

Figure 1-4. System Block Diagram

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

1-5

Features

Chapter 1 – System Description

ing aircraft. The SKY899 then predicts collision threats and
plots the eight most threatening aircraft locations on the
display.

1-5 shows the SKY899 vertical display modes (look up,

Figure
look down, normal, and unrestricted). The figure also shows
the traffic zones around your aircraft and the traffic symbols
that appear on the display when intruding aircraft enter one of
those zones.

A solid circle is the visual part of the
the
may pose a collision threat. The aural part of the
traffic,” is annunciated over a cockpit speaker or headset. An
open diamond represents
an immediate collision threat. A solid diamond (

Advisory, PA) only appears on TCAS installations.

The

Level B (SLB) to determine when to display a TA. In general,
SLB is used during the in-flight phase and SLA is used during

takeoff and landing. Sensitivity levels and other factors affect­ing the display of traffic symbols are discussed in detail in
chapter

Features

• Tracks up to 35 intruder aircraft (displays the 8 most threat-

• Tracks intruder aircraft approaching at closure rates up to

• Installs as a

• Costs only a fraction of the price of a traditional TCAS I or II

Traffic Advisory (TA) that

SKY899 generates when it predicts that an intruder aircraft

TA, “traffic,

Other Traffic (OT) that does not pose

Proximity

SKY899 uses either Sensitivity Level A (SLA) or Sensitivity

4.

ening)

1200 knots

TAS or as a TCAS I

• Requires no mode S transponder

• Displays traffic information in three horizontal display

Preliminary

ranges:

• Displays traffic information in four vertical display modes:
normal (
(

• Generates visual and aural advisories of aircraft that may pose
a collision threat

1-6

15, 6, and 2 nmi

±2,700 ft), look up (+9,000 ft to –2,700 ft), look down

+2,700 ft to –9,000 ft), and unrestricted (±9,900 ft)

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description

(OT)

(OT)

15 nmi

15 nmi

15 nmi

Traffic Zones Diagram

+9900 ft

+9900 ft

+9000 ft

Intruder Aircraft

Look Up (ABV)

15 nmi

4 nmi

0.55 nmi

0.2 nmi

S

e

n

s

i

t

i

A

l

e

v

e

v

L

ity

*

+2700 ft

+1200 ft

+800 ft

+600 ft

0 ft

–600 ft

Normal (NRM)

Unrestricted (UNR)

(

P

A

–

o

n

T

C

A

S

o

*

*

nly

)

Look Down (BLW)

(

O

T

)

(

O

T

)

(

O

T

)

*15 seconds for non-altitude reporti ng intruder aircraft

Preliminary

**20 seconds for non-altitude reporti ng intruder aircraft

CPA – Closest Point of Approach PA – Proximity Advisory
OT – Other Traffic

Refer to chapter 4 for details.

– Traffic Advisory

–800 ft

–1200 ft

–2700 ft

Not To Scale

–9000 ft

–9900 ft

Figure 1-5. Vertical Display Modes and Traffic Zones

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

1-7

Features

Features – Continued

• Performs automatic and operator-initiated self tests

Chapter 1 – System Description

• Offers a high-resolution, green monochrome,

TAS installations

• Transmits interrogations from the ground (if desired) as well
as from the air

• Shares a display with the
when the

• Switches to the SKYWATCH screen from the optional

Stormscope screen automatically when a TA occurs

• Uses only one antenna

• Eases installation since the standard

cutout in the cockpit panel

• Displays traffic on a variety of displays

• Uses information from

with own aircraft
computation

SKY899 is installed as a TAS

GPS nav data to enhance intruder location

Stormscope WX-1000 (if desired)

TAS display fits in a 3-ATI

ADS-B broadcasts (if available) along

CRT display for

Preliminary

1-8

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 2

Controls &

Indicators

Introduction

This chapter describes the SKY899 controls and indicators
including the controls, indicators, and symbols on the display,
discrete controls and indicators, and aural announcements.

Controls, Indicators, & Symbols

Figures 2-1 and 2-2 and the following paragraphs describe the

SKY899 controls, indicators, and symbols.

BRT

OFF

Standby

Indicator

Message

Button

Message

Indicator

Test

Preliminary

Button

Figure 2-1. Controls & Screen Elements in Standby

Power/Brightness Control Knob (OFF/BRT)

This knob controls power to the
(if installed) and adjusts display brightness.

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide 2-1

SKY899

Standby

TEST

Label for

Test Button

OPRMSG

nm

6

Display Range

Indicator

Power/
Brightness
Control Knob

Operating
Mode Button

Label for Op
Mode Button

Display Range

Button

SKY899 and WX-1000

On-Screen Elements

Chapter 2 – Controls & Indicators

Range

Rings

Off-Screen

Tra f f ic

Advisory (

Own Aircraft

Other Traffic

Display Mode

TA)

Message

Button

Message

Indicator

Ver tica l

Button

+05

+10

UNR

Ver tica l

Display Mode

Indicator

+04

nm

6

Display

Range

Indicator

BRT

OFF

STBMSG

Power/
Brightness
Control Knob

Data Tag

Tra f f ic
Advisory (TA)

Ver tica l
Trend Arrow

Operating
Mode Button

Label for Op
Mode Button

Display
Range
Button

Figure 2-2. Controls & Screen Elements in Operating Mode

Data Tag These two digits indicate, in hun-

+04

dreds of feet, the relative altitude of the intruder
aircraft. In this case, +
aircraft is

400 feet above you. A positive data tag is

04 means the intruder

displayed above the traffic symbol to emphasize
that the intruder aircraft is above your aircraft.
Similarly, a negative data tag is displayed below
the traffic symbol. If the intruder is at the same
altitude as your aircraft,

00 is displayed above the

traffic symbol.
The data tag for a vertically out of range

TA stays

at the maximum or minimum relative altitude
number of the current vertical display mode until
the intruder aircraft comes within the relative
altitude limits of the vertical display mode. The

SKY899 only displays data tags for altitude report-

ing aircraft. Non-altitude-reporting aircraft are

Preliminary

considered to be at the same altitude as your awn
aircraft.

2-2

Traffic Advisory (TA) A

TA consists of a symbol on-

screen and a “traffic, traffic” message on the cockpit
speakers or headset. When an intruder aircraft that meets

TA criteria described in chapter 4 is within the

the
displayed range (inside or outside of the selected vertical
display mode), the corresponding symbol is this circle

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 2 – Controls & Indicators

located at a position on the screen that indicates the
relative bearing and range of the intruder aircraft.

Buttons & On-Screen Elements

In general, the
intruder aircraft within
or within a
relative altitude range of your aircraft. (See chapter
details.)

Vertical Trend Arrow A vertical trend arrow
indicates that the intruder aircraft is ascending (up
arrow) or descending (down arrow) faster than
No arrow is shown for intruder aircraft in level flight, or
for those moving vertically slower than
non-altitude-reporting intruder aircraft.

Operating Mode Button Pressing this button
when it’s labeled
normal operating mode and into standby. Pressing the
button when it’s labeled
out of standby and into normal operating mode.

STB
OPR

SKY899 issues a TA when it detects an

30 seconds of a possible collision,

0.55 nmi horizontal radius and a ±800 ft

500 fpm.

500 fpm, or for

STB switches the SKY899 out of

>

OPR switches the SKY899

>

Label for Operating Mode Button This
on-screen label identifies the function of the
adjacent button. The
traffic screen and means go to standby. The

OPR label appears on the standby screen and

>

means go to normal operating mode. If your
aircraft has a squat switch, the
appears when your aircraft is on the ground.

STB label appears on the

>

STB label only

>

4 for

Display Range Button Pressing this button when

SKY899 is in standby has no effect. Pressing the

the
button when the

SKY899 display range between 15, 6, and 2 nmi as

the
reflected in the on-screen display range indicator.

Preliminary

6

6

Display Range Indicator The unhighlighted

nm

version of the indicator (present only on the
screen) simply reminds you that the adjacent button

nm

can be used to select the display range once you
switch into operating mode. The highlighted version
of the indicator (present only in operating mode)
identifies the currently selected display range (

2 nmi).

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

SKY899 is in operating mode toggles

Standby

15, 6, or

2-3

Buttons & On-Screen Elements

Chapter 2 – Controls & Indicators

UNR

Vertical Display Mode Button/Test Button

In operating mode, this button changes the
vertical display mode between above, normal, below,
and unrestricted as reflected in the on-screen vertical
display mode indicator. In standby, this button starts a
self test.

TEST

MSG

MSG

Vertical Display Mode Indicator This
indicator displays the name of the currently
selected vertical display mode:

BLW (below/look down), NRM (normal), or

up),

UNR (unrestricted). The indicator does not appear

when the

Message Indicator The highlighted version
of this indicator appears when there is a new
message. The indicator switches to the
unhighlighted version when all the messages have
been read. In operating and failed modes, the
unhighlighted version disappears when the
messages disappear, but in standby, the
unhighlighted version remains on the screen even
if there are no messages.

SKY899 is in standby.

Label for Test Button This on-screen
label only appears when the
standby or in failed mode. It identifies the
function of the adjacent button which is to start
the operator-initiated self test.

ABV (above/look

SKY899

SKY899 is in

Message Button When the message indicator is
present, pressing this button displays the message
screen.

Other Traffic (OT) On the
this symbol represents an intruder aircraft that has been

Preliminary

2-4

detected within the selected display range and vertical
display mode, but which has not generated a
alternate displays, this symbol represents an intruder
aircraft that has been detected within the selected display
range and vertical display mode, but which does not
generate a

Proximity Advisory (PA) (not shown) This
symbol only appears on

TA or a PA.

WX-1000/SKY497 display,

TA. On

TCAS installations. A PA

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 2 – Controls & Indicators

represents an intruder aircraft that does not generate a

TA, but which is within a horizontal range of 4 nmi and

a relative altitude of ±

Own Aircraft This symbol represents your aircraft’s
relative position and heading.

Off-Screen Traffic Advisory (TA) This symbol
represents a
current display range. The symbol is displayed at a
position along the outer range ring that indicates the
relative bearing of the intruder aircraft.

TA that has been detected beyond the

Range Rings The outer range ring represents
a distance of
corresponding to the selected display range as
indicated in the display range indicator. The
inner range ring on the
a distance of

6 nmi range represents a distance of 2 nmi.

There is no inner range ring on the

for Stormscope

1200 ft.

15, 6, or 2 nmi from your aircraft

15 nmi range represents

6 nmi. The inner range ring on the

2 nmi range.

SKY899

Standby

Operate Lamp (optional, not supplied) This
panel-mounted indicator light is lit whenever the
is sending out interrogations. The light is not lit in
standby or when the unit is in failed mode.

Controls Required for the

Preliminary

SKYWATCH/

This panel-mounted toggle switch determines whether traffic
information or thunderstorm information is displayed.

SKY899 and the WX-1000 continue tracking even if the

The
switch is in the other position. If the
generates an error message when the switch is in the
position, the display switches to the traffic screen to display the

TA or the error message.

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Standby Indicator This indicator is

displayed as long as the
except when the test screen is displayed during
an operator-initiated self test. In standby, the

SKY899 does not interrogate, process, or display

traffic.

Stormscope

Stormscope

SKY899 is in standby

SKY899

Option

Mode Switch (not supplied)

SKY899 detects a TA or

Stormscope

2-5

Alternate Display & Aural Announcements

WX-1000 Maintenance Switch (not supplied) This

remote toggle switch (normally installed in the avionics bay
near the

Override (WX-1000 maintenance) position. It should only be

moved to the
removed or powered down at the circuit breaker, and you still
want to use the

WX-1000 processor) has a Normal position and an

Override position when the WX-1000 processor is

SKY899.

Chapter 2 – Controls & Indicators

Controls & Indicators for an Alternate Display

Control Panel (not supplied) A discrete control panel pro-

vides the functions normally provided by the buttons and knob

WX-1000/SKY497 display. These functions include

on the
controlling power to the
selecting the vertical display mode, selecting the operating
mode, and starting the self test.

SKY899, selecting the display range,

Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps

Some alternate displays do not display a vertical display mode
indicator on-screen. For those displays, two discrete indicator
lamps similar to those shown in figure
vertical display mode.

Figure 2-3. Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps

2-3 indicate the current

(not supplied)

Aural Announcements

“Traffic, Traffic” This aural component of a traffic advisory
is announced once over the cockpit speakers or headset when a

TA is first detected.

“SKYWATCH System Test Passed” This message is
announced once over the cockpit speakers or headset after the

Preliminary

SKY899 has passed an operator-initiated self test.

“SKYWATCH System Test Failed” This message is
announced once over the cockpit speakers or headset after the

SKY899 has failed an operator-initiated self test.

2-6

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Introduction

This chapter lists the SKY899 operating instructions and
describes its fault modes.

Turn On the SKY899

Chapter 3

Operating

Instructions

CAUTION

To avoid power surges that could damage the SKY899 and the
optional

1. Turn the

Preliminary

WX-1000, start your engines before turning on the SKY899.

OFF/BRT

brightness.

The BFGoodrich screen (figure 3-1) appears and stays on the
display until the power-on self test is complete.

SKY899 passes the test, and your aircraft has a squat

If the
switch, and your air­craft is on the ground,
the standby screen
appears (figure

SKY899 passes

If the
the test, and your
aircraft has a squat
switch, and your air­craft is in the air, the
traffic screen appears
set on the
display range and the
normal vertical display
mode (figure

knob clockwise to the desired display

3-2).

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems,Inc.

6 nmi

3-3).

Figure 3-1. BFGoodrich Screen

OFF

BRT

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide 3-1

Turn on the SKY899

Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions

SKY899

OFF

BRT

+10

-02

OFF

BRT

Standby

-26

OPRMSG

TEST

Figure 3-2. Standby Screen

nm

6

NRM

Figure 3-3. In-Flight Traffic Screen

If the SKY899 passes the test and your aircraft does not have a
squat switch, the standby screen (figure

In standby, the

SKY899 waits 5 minutes for critical sensors such

3-2) appears.

as the barometric altimeter to warm up and come on line
before it displays a

Failed screen or

MSG

due to the lack of the

sensor input; however, if you switch into operating mode, the

SKY899 only waits 2 seconds for the sensor inputs before it

displays the Failed screen or

If a

Failed screen similar

to figure
you see

Message Response section

on page
tions with an

3-4 appears, or if

MSG

, refer to the

3-7. For installa-

ARINC 429

barometric altitude input,
turning on the

SKY899

MSG

.

SKY899

Faile d

Barometric Input Error

Error 2 0

during flight causes a
temporary

Preliminary

message while the system
is syncing up to the

Error 20

429

MSG

TEST

data source.

Figure 3-4. Failed Screen

nm

6

BRT

OFF

3-2

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions

Run the Operator-Initiated Self Test

It is recommended, but not required that you should run the
operator-initiated self test before the first flight of the day (or as
specified in your
you get a

1. With the

Failed screen.

button.

The SKY899 begins its
self test and the test
screen (figure
appears. Upon
successful completion
of the self test, you
will hear “

WATCH
Passed” and the

display will revert to
the previous standby
or traffic screen.

Aircraft Flight Manual [AFM]), and whenever

SKY899

in standby or failed mode, press the

3-5)

SKY-

+10

-02

System Test

NRM

Run the Self Test

-10

SYSTEM

TEST

PROGRE

IN

TEST

BRT

OFF

S

S

nm

6

2. If you hear “

WATCH S
F

ailed” or see a
again. If it fails again, refer to the
on page

3. If you hear “
the test screen, and the
off the

A

vionics Systems dealer for troubleshooting help.

SKY-

ystem Test

3-7

.

SKYWATCH S

SKY899

Figure 3-5. Test Screen

SKY899 F

and contact your authorized

ailed screen, push the

M

essage Response section

ystem Test Passed” without seeing

OFF/BRT

knob is turned to

BFG

TEST

button

BRT

oodrich

, turn

Switch Between Standby & Normal Operating Mode

Preliminary

When you’re on the ground, you must manually switch out of
standby if you want the

SKY899 to display traffic information.

The ability to switch out of standby on the ground in conjunc­tion with the above display mode is especially useful for
scanning the airspace around the airport before takeoff.

1. To manually switch into normal operating mode from the
standby screen (figure

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

3-2

), press the button labeled

>>

>

>>

OPR

3-3

.

15

nm

6

nm

2

nm

6 nmi 2 nmi

15 nmi 6 nmi 2 nmi

Change the Display Range

The SKY899 switches
out of standby into
the above display
mode and
range (figure

If your aircraft has a
squat switch and you
don’t manually switch
out of standby, the

SKY899 automatically

switches out of
standby

8 to 10

seconds after takeoff.

2. To manually switch
into standby from the traffic screen, press the button
labeled

>>

>

>>

The SKY899 goes into standby and the display switches back
to the standby screen. (If your aircraft has a squat switch, the

STB

button label is not displayed while airborne, and the

>

SKY899 will not go into standby while airborne.)

6 nmi

STB

3-6).

.

Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions

BRT

OFF

+10

+04

+94

STB

nm

ABV

6

Figure 3-6.Traffic Screen on the

Ground

If your aircraft has a squat switch, the
standby automatically,
allows the

SKY899 to remain out of standby during a touch-

24 seconds after landing. This delay

SKY899 also goes into

and-go maneuver.

Change the Display Range

You can change the display range when the SKY899 is in normal
operating mode.

1. Press the display range button to toggle the display range
between

15, 6

, and 2 nmi (figure

3-7

).

Preliminary

Figure 3-7. Display Ranges

3-4

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide