If you wish to contribute or participate in the discussions about articles you are invited to join SKYbrary as a registered user
Altitude Alerter
From SKYbrary Wiki
| Article Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category: | Level Bust | 
|
| Content source: | SKYbrary | 
|
| Content control: | EUROCONTROL | 
|
Description
An altitude alerter is a device which warns the pilot when he/she is approaching a pre-set altitude or deviating from that altitude.
Requirements:
- An operator shall not operate a turbine propeller powered aeroplane with a maximum certificated take-off mass in excess of 5,700 kg or having a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of more than 9 seats or a turbojet powered aeroplane unless it is equipped with an altitude alerting system capable of:
- (1) Alerting the flight crew upon approaching a preselected altitude; and
- (2) Alerting the flight crew by at least an aural signal, when deviating from a preselected altitude,
- except for aeroplanes with a maximum certificated take-off mass of 5,700 kg or less having a maximum approved passenger seating configuration of more than 9 and first issued with an individual certificate of airworthiness in a Member State before 1 April 1972 and already registered in a Member State on 1 April 1995. (EU-OPS 1.660)
- An operator shall ensure that aeroplanes operated in RVSM airspace are equipped with ... An altitude alerting system; (EU-OPS 1.872)
The operation is illustrated by the diagram above.
Some altitude alerters are only fitted with visual warnings while others have an aural warning as well as a light.
Typically, a momentary chime is heard and/or a light comes on at a preset point, usually after the “1000 ft to go” point. The light goes out when the aircraft comes within a specified distance (usually 200 ft - 300 ft) of the pre-selected altitude.
If the aircraft deviates by a specified amount (usually 200 ft - 300 ft from the pre-selected altitude) the light comes on together with an aural tone or a voice message such as “ALTITUDE”.
Further Reading
EUROCONTROL Level Bust Toolkit:
Joint Aviation Authorities:
- EU-OPS 1.660 - Altitude Alerting System.