{"id":"F2007L04699","name":"Civil Aviation Order 103.21 Instrument 2007","slug":"civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"repealed","isInForce":false,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":71149,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2007L04699-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"Repealed","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Civil Aviation Order 103.21 Instrument 2007","content":"I, WILLIAM BRUCE BYRON, Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under subregulation 21A (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\n\\[Signed Bruce Byron\\]\n\nBruce Byron \nDirector of Aviation Safety and \nChief Executive Officer\n\n17 December 2007\n\nCivil Aviation Order 103.21 Instrument 2007\n\n1 Name of instrument\n\nThis instrument is the Civil Aviation Order 103.21 Instrument 2007.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis instrument commences on the day after it is registered.\n\n3 New Civil Aviation Order 103.21\n\nCivil Aviation Order 103.21 is repealed and a new Civil Aviation Order 103.21 substituted as set out in Schedule 1.\n\nSchedule 1 Civil Aviation Order 103.21\n\nEquipment standards — radio communication and navigation equipment\n\n1 Application\n\n1.1This Civil Aviation Order describes the equipment classification system and the climatic and mechanical environment test procedures relevant to the approval of radio communication and navigation equipment for operational use in Australian registered aircraft.\n\n1.2This Order must be read in conjunction with the Equipment Standards applicable to particular types of equipment.\n\n2 Equipment classification\n\n2.1Equipment will be classified to indicate the conditions and limitations of its use. A classification consists of an operational rating based on the suitability of the equipment for a type and altitude of operation, and environmental ratings which indicate the limiting climatic and vibration conditions that may be imposed on the equipment.\n\nExamples of a Classification\n\nI 30 (K) S\n\nI 45 (JL) S\n\nI 45 ![](image.001.png) S\n\nI 40 P ![](image.002.png)\n\nL 20 C (T) S\n\n![](image.003.png) V 10 (K)\n\n![](image.004.png)\n\n![](image.005.png)\n\n![](image.006.png)\n\n![](image.007.png)\n\n> Note Although vibration tests are not specified for equipment approval for V.F.R. operations only (operational rating “V”), a vibration rating based on assessment of equipment capability or manufacturer’s recommendations is given for such equipment. This vibration rating may be treated as advisory rather than as a firm limitation.\n\n2.2Operational rating\n\nThe first symbol is the first initial of the type of operation for which the performance characteristics of the equipment is suitable:\n\nInstrument Flight Rules (I.F.R.)...........................................I\n\nLimited Instrument Flight Rules (LIFR)....................................L\n\nVisual Flight Rules (V.F.R.), and includes (operation under \nNight Visual Meteorological Conditions (NVMC).........................V\n\nThe significance of these terms is described in Part 20 of the Civil Aviation Orders and in Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\n“I” ratings include “L” and “V” ratings within environmental limitations.\n\n“L” ratings include “V” ratings within environmental limitations.\n\nThe 2 figures which follow the operational rating, multiplied by 1 000 indicate the maximum altitude in feet for which the performance characteristics are suitable.\n\n> Note Due to operational limitations, only altitude ratings 10, 15 and 20 can be used with operational ratings “L” and “V”.\n\n2.3Environmental ratings\n\n(1) Climatic environment rating\n\nThe 2 figures which follow the operational rating, unless followed by the letter “C” or “P”, also indicate the limiting altitude environment and corresponding temperature minima in which the equipment may be operated. The letter “C” added to a rating, indicates that the approval is conditional upon the equipment being installed in a location in which the temperature will not fall below -5C.\n\n> Note This will normally apply only to equipment which is designed for installation in an aircraft cabin or cockpit — e.g. indicators, control units and other directly controlled equipment.\n\nThe letter “P”, added to a rating indicates that the approval is conditional upon the equipment being installed in a pressurised or otherwise controlled environment in which the pressure is not less than that equivalent to 15 000 feet and the temperature range is within the limits of -15C to +55C.\n\n> Note Equipment of more recent manufacture frequently has a pressurised and a non-pressurised rating. Equipment which has a rating of 145 — or 150 — only may, unless stated to the contrary, be considered satisfactory for use in pressurised aircraft which will operate to a maximum altitude of 40 000 feet.\n\nThe letter “S” added to the end of the classification indicates that the equipment has been certified for short time operation (30 minutes) at +70C. Equipment so rated may usually be installed without supplementary forced air cooling.\n\nEquipment for which a particular climatic environment rating is sought, is required to meet the respective climatic environment conditions set out in Table 1 which follows:\n\nTable 1\n\nTemperature and altitude conditions applicable to climatic environment rating\n\n```html\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"Climatic environment rating

10

15

15C

20

20C

25

25C

30

30C

30P

35

35P

40

40P

45

45P

50

50P

Maximum operational
altitude rating (feet)

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

50,000

Test

Note 1

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

50,000

55,000

60,000

Altitude

“C” rating

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

-

(feet)

“P” rating

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"Depressurisation
test altitude (feet)

Not
applic-
able

Not
applic-
able

Not
applic-
able

Not
applic-
able

Not
applic-
able


30,000



35,000



40,000



45,000



50,000

High temperature operating (C)

+55

+55

+55

+55

+55

+55

+55

+55

+55

+55

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"Low temperature
operating (C)
“C” or “P” rating


-5

15

5

25

5

35

5

45

5

15

55

15

55

15

55

15

55

15

Short time operating
temperature (C)
(suffix “S” ratings only)


+70


+70


+70


+70


+70


+70


+70


+70


+70


+70

\n```\n\n> Note 1 An altitude test for rating 10 will not normally be required, but may be specifically ordered in special cases.\n\n> Note 2 Appendix I contains tables for converting BS G100, BS 2G100 and TSO environmental categories into equivalent climatic environment ratings covered by this Civil Aviation Order.\n\n(2)Vibration ratings\n\nVibration characteristics and designations used in this Civil Aviation Order are identical to those described by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RFCA) in their document DO-160 or later amendment (Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Electronic/Electrical Equipment and Instruments). In accordance with Australian metrication practice, vibration characteristics are expressed in metric dimensions in this Civil Aviation Order, but the original Imperial dimensions used in DO-160 are retained for references in brackets.\n\nVibration ratings are expressed by letters “G” to “V” inclusive (excluding Q) and, in the equipment classification, are always enclosed in brackets.\n\nRatings J to V: Equipment so rated may be installed in types of aircraft, and in locations in the aircraft as shown in Table 2, or in locations where the vibration characteristics stated in Table 3 will not, for the relevant equipment rating, be exceeded (Tables 2 and 3 follow subparagraph (2) of this paragraph).\n\nRatings “G”, “H” “I” (severe vibration): In exceptional cases, a vibration environment more severe than those of Table 3 may exist in particular locations in aircraft. Equipment intended for use in such severe environments must comply with paragraph 6.10 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test when the tests required for rating “G”, “H” or “I” as applicable are carried out. Test procedures for ratings “G”, “H” and “I” may be found in RTCA document DO\\-160.\n\n> Note Copies of DO-160 may be obtained from RTCA Secretariat, Suite 302, 2000K Street N.W., Washington DC, 20006, U.S.A.\n\nTwo letters enclosed within brackets, for example (KM), indicate the suitability of the equipment for use in environments which are different, but not necessarily of different severity.\n\nLetters within brackets placed above and below the line, for example ![](image.012.png), indicate suitability of equipment for use in an environment when the equipment is hard mounted and when the equipment is installed on shockmounts. The rating above the line refers to equipment which is hard mounted and that below the line to equipment installed on shockmounts.\n\nA dual rating, for example ![](image.013.png), indicates suitability for equipment in different environments when hard mounted and when installed on shockmounts.\n\nTable 2\n\nCategorisation of aircraft vibration characteristics by aircraft types and location\n\n| Aircraft description | Instrument panels (vibration protected or otherwise) and isolated racks | Fuselage mounted equipment racks | Fuselage mounted | Engine nacelles and mounts | Wings empennage and wheel wells |\n| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------- |\n| Piston and turbine enginerotary wing aircraft | P | N | N | V | V |\n| Turbine engine fixed wing aircraft2 | K | O | J | R | S |\n| Piston engine fixed wing aircraft. Heavy multi-engine type (over 5 700 kg) | M | M | L | U | T |\n| Piston engine fixed wing aircraft. Light multi-engine type (under 5 700 kg) | M | M | M | L | L |\n| Piston engine fixed wing aircraft. Light single engine type (under 5 700 kg) | M | M | M | M | M |\n\n> Note: 1 The difficulty in reading a vibrating display when the total excursion exceeds 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) will not be regarded as a disqualifying factor.\n\n> Note: 2 Supersonic, subsonic, turbo-prop and turbo-jet aircraft.\n\nTable 3\n\n```html\n

Vibration characteristics of categories in Table

Category J

Constant total excursion of 0.5 mm (0.020”) from 5 to 2000 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 3G.

Category K

Constant total excursion 0.25 mm (0.010”) from 5 to 2000 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 0.25G.

Category L

Constant total excursion of 0.5 mm (0.020”) from 5 to 55 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 3G.

Category M

Constant total excursion of 0.25 mm (0.010”) from 5 to 55 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 1.5G.

Category N

Constant total excursion of 2.5 mm (0.100”) from 5 to 55 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 1.5G. Constant acceleration of 1.0 G from 55 to 2000 Hertz.

Category O

Constant total excursion of 0.25 mm (0.010”) from 5 to 55 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 1.5G. Constant acceleration of 0.25G from 55 to 2000 Hertz.

Category P

Constant total excursion of 2.5 mm (0.100”) from 5 to 55 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 1.5G. Constant acceleration of 0.25G from 55 to 2000 Hertz.

Category R

Constant total excursion of 0.75 mm (0.030”) from 5 to 350 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 5G. Constant total excursion of 0.2 mm (0.0008”) from 350 to 2000 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 10G.

Category S

Constant total excursion of 0.9 mm (00.36”) from 5 to 2000 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 10G.

Category T

Constant total excursion of 0.9 mm (0.036”) from 5 to 500 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 10G.

Category U

Constant total excursion of 2.5 mm (0.100”) from 5 to 150 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 20G.

Category V

Constant total excursion of 10 mm (0.400”) from 5 to 200 Hertz with a maximum acceleration of 2G.

\n```\n\n> Note Appendix I contains tables for converting BS G. 100, BS 2G.100 and TSO vibration grades and categories into equivalent vibration ratings covered by this Civil Aviation Order.\n\n3 Climatic environment test procedures\n\nThese test procedures must be used where indicated to be applicable to the equipment and the desired ratings unless the Director agrees to accept alternative test procedures of essentially equivalent standard.\n\nDust covers must remain fitted during the tests and the equipment must be mounted in its normal attitude.\n\nIf provision for forced air cooling is made then this must be activated only during the period when power is applied to the equipment. The temperature and pressure of the cooling air must not be more favourable to the equipment under test than that available during ground and flight operation in aircraft.\n\nThe temperature of the air in the test chamber must be measured adjacent to the equipment under test. A mild forced circulation of air within the chamber is permissible to obtain a reasonably uniform air temperature throughout.\n\nThe tests may be carried out in any convenient order providing that the humidity test is done after all other climatic environment tests.\n\n3.1Altitude test\n\nThis test procedure applies to all equipment except that which is to be rated “10”.\n\nApply normal rated voltage and operate the equipment at maximum duty cycle.\n\nSubject the equipment to an atmospheric pressure equivalent to the appropriate test altitude specified in Table 1 at ambient room temperature (test altitude is 20 000 feet for “P” ratings).\n\nMaintain this atmospheric pressure and conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.1 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n3.2Depressurisation test\n\nThis test procedure applies only to equipment for which a “P” rating is desired.\n\nApply normal rated voltage and operate the equipment at maximum duty cycle.\n\nDecrease the atmospheric pressure on the equipment to that equivalent to the depressurisation test altitude specified in Table 1.\n\nMaintain this atmospheric pressure and conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.2 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n3.3Short time operating high temperature test\n\nThis test procedure applies only to equipment for which an “S” rating is desired.\n\nStabilise the temperature of the air surrounding the equipment at not less than 70C at ambient room pressure. Maintain this temperature throughout the remainder of the test.\n\nAfter at least 1 hour at the stabilised temperature, apply normal rated voltage and operate the equipment at maximum duty cycle for 30 minutes. The requirement for operation of communication transmitters at maximum duty cycle may be reduced during the first 15 minutes of this period to not less than 3 transmissions of at least 30 seconds duration at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes.\n\nDuring the last stages of the 30 minute test period, conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.3 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n3.4High temperature test\n\nThis test procedure applies to all equipment.\n\nStabilise the temperature of the air surrounding the equipment at not less than 55C at ambient room pressure. Maintain this temperature throughout the remainder of this test.\n\nAfter at least 1 hour at the stabilised temperature, apply 110% normal rated voltage to all primary power inputs and operate the equipment at maximum duty cycle for 30 minutes.\n\nImmediately following the maximum duty cycle period, apply normal rated voltage and conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.4 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n3.5Temperature variation test\n\nThis test procedure applies to equipment for which 120 to 150 rating is desired.\n\n> Note 1 This test should normally follow immediately after the high temperature test. If not, the stabilised temperature conditions and performance at paragraph 3.4 must be re\\-established.\n\n> Note 2 As the purpose of this test is to determine that variations in certain performance characteristics, at certain temperatures between the extremes, do not exceed specified limits, it is permissible to vary the temperature in the reverse manner to that specified.\n\nGradually reduce the temperature from 55C to the appropriate operating low temperature specified in Table 1.\n\nAt suitable intervals throughout this period of temperature reduction (e.g. each 15‑20), conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.5 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n3.6.Low temperature test\n\nThis test procedure applies to equipment for which a V15, V20, L15, L20 or any “I” rating is desired.\n\nStabilise the temperature of the air surrounding the equipment at not above the appropriate operating low temperature specified in Table 1 at ambient room pressure. Maintain this temperature throughout the remainder of this test.\n\nAfter at least 1 hour at the stabilised temperature, apply 90% normal rated voltage (ratings I) or normal rated voltage (ratings V15, V20, L15, L20) to all primary power inputs and operate the equipment at maximum duty cycle for 15 minutes.\n\nWhile maintaining the foregoing conditions, conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.6 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n3.7Humidity test\n\nThis test procedure applies to equipment for which any “I” rating is desired.\n\nPlace the equipment in a sealed test chamber and subject it to 4 humidity cycles, each of at least 2 hours duration. During each cycle, the relative humidity in the chamber will reach 100% at a temperature of not less than 47C with condensation on the equipment.\n\nNo electrical or mechanical power must be applied to the equipment while it is being subjected to the humidity cycles.\n\n> Note The actual method of establishing the conditions required will vary with the test chamber available. In some test chambers, condensation occurs on the walls rather than on the equipment. This may be overcome by cooling the equipment while it is immersed in the saturated atmosphere. Alternatively, steam may be injected into the chamber and the temperature controlled so as to produce condensation.\n\nAt the conclusion of the fourth cycle, remove the equipment from the chamber and drain or gently shake off excess liquid. Do not wipe or in any other manner force the removal of free liquid.\n\nWithin 5 minutes, apply normal rated voltage and allow 15 minutes for the equipment to warm up.\n\nImmediately following the warm up period, conduct tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.7 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n4 Mechanical environment test procedures\n\nThese test procedures must be used where indicated to apply to the equipment and the desired ratings, unless the Director agrees to accept alternative test procedures of essentially equivalent standard.\n\nThe equipment must be mounted in its normal attitude during these test procedures.\n\nCooling ducts and wiring looms must be connected as intended in service. The test set-up must not significantly modify the intended environment or vibration characteristics of the equipment.\n\nAt the conclusion of each mechanical test, the equipment must be inspected for damage and deterioration.\n\n4.1Resonance search\n\nThis test procedure applies only to equipment for which an “I” rating is required.\n\nMount the equipment, with covers removed, on a vibration table by the means intended for use in aircraft installations.\n\nApply sinusoidal vibration in the direction of the vertical, lateral and longitudinal axes in turn at an amplitude not less than that appropriate to the vibration rating of the equipment.\n\nVary the vibration frequency slowly throughout the specified range.\n\nExamine the equipment under stroboscopic light at suitable frequency for evidence of undesirable resonances or excessive mechanical displacement of any component at any frequency within the vibration range.\n\nDetermine compliance with paragraph 6.8 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n4.2Anti-vibration mounting attenuation test\n\nThis test procedure applies only to equipment for which an “I” rating and anti‑vibration mountings are required.\n\nMount the equipment on a vibration table using the anti-vibration mountings which will be specified for use in aircraft installations.\n\nApply sinusoidal vibration in the direction of the vertical, lateral and longitudinal axes in turn at the amplitude and frequency appropriate to the vibration rating intended for the equipment.\n\n> Note The vibration frequency range for this test should, if possible, be extended to cover from 5 to at least 100 Hz.\n\nRecord the amplification or attenuation of anti-vibration mountings at resonances and selected increments of frequency throughout the range.\n\nDetermine compliance with paragraph 6.9 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n4.3Vibration test\n\nThis test applies to all equipment for which an “I” or “L” rating is required.\n\nSecure the equipment under test to a vibration table by the means specified by the equipment manufacturer.\n\nApply sinusoidal vibration in the direction of the vertical, lateral and longitudinal axes of the equipment in turn at the amplitude and frequency appropriate to the vibration rating sought (see Table 3).\n\nOperate the equipment at normal rated voltage during this test, in all modes for multipurpose equipment, and at a maximum duty cycle for intermittently rated equipment.\n\nVary the vibration frequency over the appropriate range at a rate not to exceed 1 octave per minute for a period of at least 60 minutes in each direction.\n\nContinue vibrating the equipment while conducting tests to determine compliance with paragraph 6.10 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\nAdditionally, vibrate the equipment for a period of not less than 60 minutes under each of the conditions at which a resonance was noted during the resonance search.\n\n4.4Acceleration test\n\nThis test applies to all equipment but may be waived if security of the equipment can be justified by other means.\n\nSubject the equipment and its mounting to accelerations of not less than 12 g for 5 seconds applied in the direction of the 3 major axes of the equipment. The equipment may be inoperative during these tests.\n\nDetermine compliance with paragraph 6.11 of the Equipment Standards applicable to the equipment under test.\n\n> Note 1 Suitable precautions may be taken to prevent excessive damage to equipment during this test providing that such precautions do not augment the normal method of securing the equipment.\n\n> Note 2 Acceleration in g for a test conducted on a centrifuge may be derived from:\n\n> Note: g = 4.03 rf 2\n\n> Note: where f = revolutions of radius arm per sec.\n\n> Note: and r = length of radius arm in metres.\n\nAppendix I\n\nEnvironmental conversion tables\n\nThe following Tables may be used to convert British Standard G100 or 2G100 environmental classifications and US Federal Aviation Administration Technical Standard Orders (TSO) environmental categories to Australian ratings.\n\nTable A\n\nEquipment certified in TSO temperature-altitude categories will qualify for rating as follows:\n\n| TSO temp/alt category | Climatic environment rating | Short term high operating temperature |\n| --------------------- | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |\n| A | 45 | S |\n| B | 30 | S |\n| C | 20 | S |\n| D | 40P | – |\n| old A | 40 | S |\n| old B | 30P | S |\n\nTable B\n\nEquipment certified to the climatic test conditions of BS G100 or BS 2G100 will qualify for rating as follows:\n\n| BS G100 class | BS 2G 100 class | Climatic environment rating | Short term operating high temperature rating |\n| ------------- | --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |\n| I | 1 | Based on the manufacturer’s declaration of altitude limitation | S |\n| II | 2 | 20 | – |\n\nTable C\n\nEquipment certified to the temperature and pressure grades of’ BS 2G100 will qualify for rating as follows:\n\n| BS 2G 100 grade | Climatic environment rating | Short term operating high temperature rating |\n| --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |\n| A or B | Based on the manufacturer’s declaration of altitude and temperature limitations. | S |\n| C | 30P, 40P, 50P depending on manufacturer’s declaration of limitations. | – |\n\nTable D\n\nEquipment certified in TSO vibration categories will qualify for rating as follows:\n\n| TSO vibration category (described in RTCA Report DO 108 — July 13, 1961) | Vibration rating |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------- |\n| A | N |\n| B | J |\n| C | K |\n| D | T |\n| E | L |\n| F | K |\n| old TSO certification | T |\n\nTable E\n\nEquipment certified to the vibration grades of BS G100 or BS 2G100 will qualify for rating as follows:\n\n| BS G 100 grade | BS 2G 100 grade | Vibration rating |\n| -------------- | --------------- | ---------------- |\n| I | A | N |\n| II | B | N |\n| | C1 | J |\n| | C2 or C | J |\n| III | | J |\n\nAppendix II\n\nSummary of climatic environment and mechanical test procedures applicable to the approval of equipment in all operational ratings\n\n| Test procedure rating | V10 | V15 | V20 | L10 | L15 | L20 | I10 | I15 | 120 | I25 | I30 | I35 | I40 | I45 | I50 |\n| -------------------------------------- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 3.1 Altitude | | X | X | | X | X | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 3.2 Depressurisa-tion | | | | | | | | | | | P | P | P | P | P |\n| 3.3 Short time op.high temperature | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |\n| 3.4 High temperature | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 3.5 Temp variation | | | | | | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 3.6 Low temperature | | X | X | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 3.7 Humidity | | | | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 4.1 Resonance search | | | | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 4.2 Anti-vibrationmounting attenuation | | | | | | | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |\n| 4.3 Vibration | | | | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n| 4.4 Acceleration | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |\n\n> Note Symbols in the table have the following meanings:\n\n> Note: “X” means that the test procedure is applicable.\n\n> Note: “P” means that the test procedure is applicable when a “P” rating is desired.\n\n> Note: “S” means that the test procedure is applicable when an “S” rating is desired.\n\n> Note: “A” means that the test procedure is applicable only when anti-vibration mountings are to be used with the equipment.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"model":"kimi-k2.5","source":"moonshot-realtime","completionTokens":2196},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument repeals and substitutes the previous CAO 103.21 but maintains the same regulatory scope: establishing equipment classification systems and environmental testing standards for radio and navigation equipment approval. The update preserves the original technical framework without expanding into new regulatory areas."},"complexity_factors":["Triple-layer classification system (operational, climatic, vibration) with 15+ distinct operational ratings and interdependent conditions","Extensive cross-referencing to external technical standards (RTCA DO-160, BS G100, BS 2G100, FAA TSO) not fully reproduced in the instrument","22 distinct vibration categories with precise frequency, amplitude, and acceleration parameters","Conditional test applicability matrix spanning multiple rating combinations","Technical specifications involving sinusoidal vibration, resonance frequencies, and mathematical conversion formulas","Temperature ranges from -55°C to +70°C and altitude testing up to 60,000 feet with specific depressurisation profiles"],"plain_english_summary":"This Order sets the technical and laboratory testing standards radio‑communication and navigation equipment must meet for approval in Australian aircraft. It establishes a concise classification system for operational, environmental and vibration suitability, requires climatic and mechanical laboratory tests, and provides conversion paths for equivalent US and UK approvals. It primarily affects avionics manufacturers, maintenance organisations and aircraft operators seeking equipment certification and installation approvals."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument expressly repeals the existing Civil Aviation Order 103.21 and substitutes a new Order (Instrument, para 3 and Schedule 1). The replacement establishes a full classification system and the climatic and mechanical test procedures for approval of radio communication and navigation equipment for Australian-registered aircraft (Schedule 1, cls 1–4 and Appendices)."},"complexity_factors":["Technical specificity: precise temperature, pressure, duration and operational conditions required for multiple tests (Schedule 1, Sections 3.1–3.7; 4.1–4.4).","Multi-layered classification scheme: operational ratings (I, L, V), numeric altitude ratings, and multiple suffixes (C, P, S) that change obligations and limits (Schedule 1, paras 2.2–2.3).","Detailed vibration regime mapping with categorical tables and DO-160 cross-reference (Schedule 1, para 2.3(2), Tables 2–3).","Numerous conversion and equivalence tables linking international standards (TSO, BS G100, BS 2G100) to Australian ratings (Appendix I).","Applicability matrix tying specific tests to each rating (Appendix II), increasing interpretive and compliance burden.","Regulatory discretion: Director may accept alternative test procedures of 'essentially equivalent standard' (Schedule 1, sections 3 and 4 introductory paragraphs).","Heavy reliance on tabular numeric data and cross-references to separate Equipment Standards, requiring technical judgement to apply correctly (Schedule 1 throughout)."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument repeals the earlier `Civil Aviation Order 103.21` and substitutes a new Order that sets out an equipment classification system and the climatic and mechanical test procedures required to approve radio communication and navigation equipment for Australian-registered aircraft. \n\nIt affects manufacturers, maintenance organisations and CASA approvals: manufacturers must demonstrate equipment meets the specified ratings, tests and installation conditions and bear testing costs; the Director of Aviation Safety retains discretion to accept alternative but equivalent test procedures (see Schedule 1, cls 1–4)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007","history":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007/history","analysis":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-103-21-instrument-2007/documents"}}