Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01244:reg:5:p68
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C01244
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 68/225)
Character Range: 490769–493547

to last.

9.21 VHF carrier receiver technical requirements

       (1) The VHF carrier receiver (the receiver) must accept a carrier signal over the frequency range of 118 MHz to 136 MHz.

       (2) The receiver must be controlled at a single frequency within the frequency range, with a channel separation of 25 kHz.

       (3) The frequency stability must be within ±0.0010% over the temperature range of -10°C to +60°C.

       (4) The minimum detectable input signal of the carrier detector must:

(a) be adjustable over a range to suit operational requirements; and

(b) under normal circumstances, be set at a receiver sensitivity of not less than 15 µV to ensure timely activation of the PAL by aircraft approaching the aerodrome.

Note 1   The suitability of the receiver sensitivity from different azimuth of the aerodrome will be flight tested by a qualified flight checker (that is, a pilot approved by CASA) during the commissioning of the system.

Note 2   The upper range of the receiver sensitivity may be of the order of 50 to 65 µV, but may be adjusted downward depending on whether nuisance operation is experienced from aircraft using the same PAL frequency at other locations.

Note 3   For paragraph (4) (b), the usual activation distance is 15 NM. However, to ensure timely activation, this may vary for expected aircraft types and their approach speeds.

       (5) The VHF carrier detector bandwidth must have the following characteristics:

(a) for within 3 dB of nominal — ±7.5 kHz;

(b) for greater than 60 dB below nominal — ±16 kHz;

(c) a spurious response of not less than 80 dB below nominal.

9.22 Inputs to the PAL

        The PAL must be capable of:

(a) receiving the radio frequency activation signals, as described in this Division; and

(b) manual activation through an on/off switch such that:

           (i) if the switch is selected to on — the lighting system is activated and remains on; and

           (ii) if the switch is selected to off — the PAL goes into operate mode for the full timing cycle, including the 10 minute turn-off warning; and

       Note   This is intended for use by authorised ground personnel, departing pilots, and maintenance technicians.

(c) if provided at a controlled aerodrome — being electronically overridden by an air traffic controller on duty.

9.23 Fail-safe arrangements with the PAL

       (1) The electronic circuitry of the PAL must be so designed that if the PAL fails then provision of aerodrome lighting will continue because:

(a) the lighting facilities will be automatically turned on in the event of the PAL failure; and

(b) a bypass switch will allow manual activation of the lights by a responsible person nominated in writing by the aerodrome operator.

       (2) The PAL