Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2005L00070:body:0:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2005L00070
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 10105–11371

2004-25-06 Amdt 39-13894 refers.
Compliance:  Within 10 days after the effective date of this Directive.
             This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 17 February 2005.
Background:  This Directive requires revising the AFM to prohibit operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode with performance management system selected on the speed mode switch during cruise in reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace.
             United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised of receiving reports of unexpected autopilot disconnects induced by the passing of another aeroplane within 1,000 feet below the aeroplane while they were operating in RVSM airspace.  The Directive is issued to prevent unexpected disconnect of the autopilot during operation in RVSM airspace due to close passage of another aeroplane, which may result in altitude deviation and, consequently, could lead to a possible mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive evasive action (by either or both aeroplanes).  Aggressive manoeuvring at cruise altitudes and airspeeds could result in loss of control of the aeroplane and/or injury to passengers and crew.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

6 January 2005