FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Regulations (Part 121)Medium
A Part 121 certificate holder is operating a turbine-powered airplane with a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of 100. The airplane departs from an airport within the 48 contiguous United States. Under 14 CFR 121.354, which of the following is required for this aircraft?
- AA Flight Data Recorder (FDR) capable of recording at least 25 hours of flight time.
- BA Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) capable of recording at least 30 minutes of crew communications.
- CA Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) that meets TSO-C151b requirements.
- DAn Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) that meets TSO-C119c requirements.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) that meets TSO-C151b requirements.
14 CFR 121.354 mandates that all U.S.-registered turbine-powered airplanes configured with 10 or more passenger seats must be equipped with a TAWS that meets the specified technical standard order. The given scenario fits these criteria, requiring a TAWS.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. FDR requirements (121.343) vary by aircraft type and date of manufacture, but the specific recording duration mentioned is not universally applicable to all 100-seat turbine aircraft and is a distractor.
- B. CVR requirements (121.359) specify recording duration, but the 30-minute duration is for older aircraft; newer aircraft require longer durations and this is not the primary requirement being tested here.
- D. ACAS (TCAS) is required under 121.356, but the TSO-C119c reference is for TCAS I, while TCAS II (TSO-C119b or later) is generally required for larger aircraft, and it's not the specific equipment mandated by 121.354.
TAWS Requirement (121.354)
14 CFR 121.354 mandates that all U.S.-registered turbine-powered airplanes with 10 or more passenger seats must be equipped with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) that meets TSO-C151b.
- Applies to turbine-powered airplanes.
- Applies to airplanes with 10 or more passenger seats.
- TAWS must meet TSO-C151b.
- Designed to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Memory trick: Turbine planes with 10 seats or more, must know the terrain before they soar.