Questions and Answers.pdf

80GRC021Q0006 Questions and Answers

Published: March 24, 2021

Q.1. Please define what the "adequate" signal needs to be from our GPS antenna so we can decide if it is usable or if we would need the NASA GNSS antenna to install.

An existing antenna would need to meet or exceed the minimum performance specifications of the provided antenna and be approved for use by NASA. One thing that we’ve come across is that the included antenna is pretty good at filtering out undesirable noise from the pilot radios and sat-comms. In-line amplifiers and filters may be required to compensate for this if the use of an existing antenna is desired.

Q.2. Confirm which GNSS antenna will be supplied (AV37 or AV57).

The antenna that will be included with the POS AV 510 System is:

AeroAntenna Technology, Inc.

Aero Part #: AT1675-180APW-TNCF-000-RC-38-NM Applanix Part #: 10005827 Serial #: 5473

Q.3. Confirm that seller only needs to supply power to the PCS (18-34 VDC, 59 Watts Max) and no other NASA equipment.

Affirmative.

Q.4. Will the POS and the seller's aircraft data be synced during post processing, or during real time data logging?

Syncing of the data will occur during post processing.

Q.5. Does the seller need to maintain a steady flight for 45 seconds over the microphones and beyond? Or is there a distance requirement? Our concern is at the required speeds the aircraft will be flying 500' over residential areas just beyond the airport boundaries. A quick estimation puts the aircraft at over 15,000 feet down range when flying for 45 seconds at 198 knots.

See updated SOW

Q.6. There is no mention of ground checks in the SOW, however seller will assume that ground checks will need to be performed. Seller will allocate time and resources to do so. This will be called out in our proposal. Please confirm this is acceptable.

NASA anticipates the need for post-installation grounds checks prior to the trial flight, but daily flight ground checks will be minimal. Please clearly identify proposed ground checks in the proposal.

Q.7. Should seller use Appendix IV and V (Draft versions) in lieu of released (NPR) 7900.3?

It is the intention that NASA-STD-7900.3, in its final form, will identify all requirements that a Commercial Aviation Service provider will need to be in compliance with, even if the provider does not maintain an FAA Part 135 Certificate. NPR 7900.3 (a separate, released document) is currently the official source of requirements, but contains many sections that are not applicable to Commercial Aviation Services. For a Commercial Aviation Service, NASA-STD-7900.3 is intended to serve as a starting point, which then directs the user to the relevant requirements in NPR 7900.3 and/or adopted FAA regulations. The provider will need to refer to all documents to fully define the compliance requirements. NASA recognizes that NASA-STD-7900.3 is currently incomplete, so a full understanding of all the compliance requirements may be difficult. The proposal should reflect a best effort, but we expect additional dialogue to be necessary so that all requirements are well understood prior to final contract negotiations.

Q.8. Is there a difference between "NASA Airworthiness Certificate" vs "Statement of Airworthiness"? Is it correct to assume that the "Statement of Airworthiness" in this context can come from the FAA?

Yes, there is a difference. A NASA Airworthiness Certificate requires a higher level of approval at NASA and will need to physically replace the civil Airworthiness Certificate while flying as a public aircraft. No, a Statement of Airworthiness would be issued by NASA, not the FAA. A Statement of Airworthiness signifies NASA's acceptance of an existing Airworthiness Certificate.

Either way, NASA will be the airworthiness authority.

Q.9. Will submittal of compliance to Air Force AWB-340 be sufficient to show airworthiness and get the NASA Statement of Airworthiness or the NASA Airworthiness Certificate?

Submittal of compliance with Air Force AWB-340 alone will not be sufficient for a NASA Statement of Airworthiness or the NASA Aiworthiness Certificate. However, it should greatly facilitate and simplify NASA's review since the Airworthiness Data Package will be similar to what NASA is required to review.

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