Pilot’s Guide

for the

Traffic Alert & Collision

Avoidance System I
Model SKY899A

+03

-07
+80
-35

UNR 35nm
 Eyes That Never Blink™
Early TCAS
In the early days of flight, pilots were equipped with all they
needed for effective collision avoidance–a sharp pair of eyes.
But increasing traffic at higher speeds led to the development
of TCAS II (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems)
which were too expensive for most regional airlines, business
aircraft, and general aviation aircraft.

Proven Experience
L-3 Avionics Systems has been involved in the development of
collision warning programs since the early 1980’s. In 1985, L-3
Avionics Systems began development of an enhanced collision
warning system for the Navy’s T-34C training aircraft.
Based largely on the success of the Navy project, L-3 Avionics
Systems was selected to validate the specifications for TCAS I, a
more affordable alternative to TCAS II. As a result, L-3 Avionics
Systems’ original TCAS I unit, the TCAS791, was the first TCAS I to
be granted a Technical Standard Order (TSO), first to receive a full,
unrestricted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), first to fly, and
first to be delivered.

SKYWATCH®
In the late 90’s, L-3 Avionics Systems developed an even more
affordable system called the SKYWATCH model SKY497 Traffic
Advisory System (TAS) with less power, and a shorter range.
Now there’s the SKYWATCH HP model SKY899A TCAS I system
that combines the power, range, and TCAS I certification of the
earlier TCAS791 with the affordability of the original
SKYWATCH SKY497.

In addition to its TCAS I certification, the SKYWATCH HP

SKY899A improves upon the SKY497 by adding a larger surveil-
lance range (35 nmi), a higher maximum closure rate (1200
kn), and built-in hardware and software that makes the
SKYWATCH HP Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
(ADS-B)-ready for the future when the technology becomes
standardized.

A SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

 Pilot’s Guide
for the

Traffic Alert & Collision

Avoidance System I
Model SKY899A

+03

-07
+80
-35

UNR 35nm

Methods and apparatus disclosed and described herein have been developed solely on company funds of L-3
Communications Avionics Systems, Inc. No government or other contractual support or relationship what-
soever has existed which in any way affects or mitigates proprietary rights of L-3 Communications Avionics
Systems, Inc. in these developments. Methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be subject to U.S. Patents
existing or applied for. L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc. reserves the right to add, improve, modify,
or withdraw functions, design modifications, or products at any time without notice.

© Copyright 2002, 2004

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.

SKYWATCH®, EYES THAT NEVER BLINK™, Stormscope®, and i-linc™ are trademarks of
L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.; Skydrol® is a registered trademark of Solutia, Inc.
The white L3 in a circle design logo is a trademark of L-3 Communications Corporation.

Designed and manufactured in the United States of America by

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.
5353 52nd Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA
(800)253-9525 or (616)949-6600
Fax (616)285-4224
www.L-3com.com/as
Safety Summary
These warnings and cautions appear later in this guide and are
repeated here for emphasis:

CAUTION To avoid power surges that could damage the SKY899A, start your
page 3-1
engines before turning on the SKY899A.

WARNING The SKY899A relies on information obtained from transponders in

page 3-5
nearby aircraft. The SKY899A does not detect or track aircraft
which are not equipped with an operating Air Traffic Control
Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) transponder.

WARNING The SKY899A does not track intruder aircraft approaching at a

page 3-5
closure rate greater than 1200 knots.

WARNING Some traffic within the chosen display range may not be displayed
page 3-5
due to traffic prioritizing, antenna shielding, ground intruder
filtering, interference limiting, or surveillance range being shorter
than the chosen display range.

CAUTION Optimum SKY899A performance is realized when intruder aircraft

page 3-5
are reporting their altitude (via a mode C or other altitude
reporting transponder).

WARNING Do not attempt evasive maneuvers based solely on traffic informa-

page 3-6
tion on the display. Information on the display is provided to the
flight crew as an aid in visually acquiring traffic; it is not a
replacement for Air Traffic Control (ATC) and See & Avoid
techniques.

ii SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Important Notice
This guide provides general information about the operation of
the SKY899A. This guide does not cover all possible intercon-
nections with all possible types and numbers of displays and
customer-supplied switches. Refer to your aircraft flight manual
and flight manual supplement for information specific to your
aircraft. If there is conflicting information between those manuals
and this pilot’s guide, your aircraft flight manual and flight manual
supplement take precedence over this pilot’s guide.

Revision Highlights
This revision B of the pilot’s guide makes the following changes:
• Changes occurrence of “Goodrich Avionics Systems” to
“L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.” or just “L-3
Avionics Systems” and makes related company contact
information changes. (On March 28, 2003, Goodrich
Corporation sold its Avionics Systems division to L-3
Communications Corporation.)
• Adds references to the RGC350
• Eliminates the Warranty Information chapter. Warranty
information is now provided on a separate warranty card.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide iii

Section
Table of Contents Page

List of Illustrations ...................................... vii

List of Tables .............................................. vii
Abbreviations & Acronyms............................ vii
Chapter 1, System Description.................... 1-1
General Description ................................................................... 1-1
Transmitter Receiver Computer (TRC) ....................................... 1-2
Directional Antenna .................................................................. 1-2
Display (Not Supplied) .............................................................. 1-2
Interaction of Major Components .............................................. 1-3
Functional Description .............................................................. 1-5
Features ..................................................................................... 1-7
Chapter 2, Typical Controls & Indicators ....... 2-1
Introduction .............................................................................. 2-1
Control Panel (Not Supplied) ..................................................... 2-1
Power Switch ........................................................................ 2-1
Operating Mode Switch ........................................................ 2-1
Display Range Switch ........................................................... 2-1
Vertical Display Mode Switch ................................................ 2-1
Test Switch ........................................................................... 2-1
Typical Screen Elements ............................................................. 2-2
Discrete Indicator Lamps ........................................................... 2-5
Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps (Not Supplied) .......... 2-5
Operate Lamp (Optional, Not Supplied) ............................... 2-5
Aural Announcements ............................................................... 2-5
Chapter 3, Operating Instructions ................ 3-1
Introduction .............................................................................. 3-1
Turn On the SKY899A .............................................................. 3-1
Run the Operator-Initiated Self Test ............................................ 3-2
Switch Between Standby & Operating Mode............................... 3-3
Change the Display Range ......................................................... 3-4
Change the Vertical Display Mode .............................................. 3-4
Observe the Display ................................................................... 3-5
Respond to Traffic Advisories ...................................................... 3-6

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide v

 Table of Contents (continued)
Section Page
Turn Off the SKY899A .............................................................. 3-6
Failure Response ........................................................................ 3-6
Chapter 4, Principles of Operation ............... 4-1
Introduction .............................................................................. 4-1
Sensitivity Levels ........................................................................ 4-1
Sensitivity Level A ................................................................. 4-1
Sensitivity Level B ................................................................. 4-3
Audio Inhibit, SKY899A ............................................................ 4-5
Audio Inhibit, GPWS, EGPWS, or TAWS .................................. 4-5
TA Symbol Duration ................................................................. 4-6
Ground Intruder Filtering .......................................................... 4-6
Interference Limiting ................................................................. 4-6
Future ADS-B ........................................................................... 4-6
Chapter 5, Display Interpretation ................. 5-1
Introduction .............................................................................. 5-1
Chapter 6, Specifications ........................... 6-1

vi SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

 List of Illustrations
Figure Title Page
1-1 SKY899A Major Components ........................................................... 1-1
1-2 Typical SKYWATCH HP Screen ....................................................... 1-2
1-3 System Block Diagram ...................................................................... 1-3
1-4 Typical Vertical Display Modes and Traffic Zones ................................ 1-6
2-1 Typical Screen Elements .................................................................... 2-2
2-2 Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps .............................................. 2-5
3-1 Typical In-Flight Traffic Screen .......................................................... 3-2
3-2 Typical Test Screen ............................................................................ 3-3
3-3 Typical Traffic Screen on the Ground ................................................. 3-3
4-1 TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has a Radio Altimeter ................................. 4-4
4-2 TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has No Radio Altimeter, But Does Have a
Retractable Landing Gear .................................................................. 4-4
4-3 TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has No Radio Altimeter
and a Fixed Landing Gear .................................................................. 4-5
4-4 Future ADS-B-Based Free Flight Environment ................................... 4-7
5-1 TA & PA on 15 nmi Range, UNR Mode ........................................... 5-1
5-2 Other Traffic on 15 nmi Range, UNR Mode ...................................... 5-2
5-3 Other Traffic on 6 nmi Range, NRM Mode........................................ 5-2
5-4 TA & PA on 2 nmi Range, BLW Mode .............................................. 5-2
5-5 Off-Scale TA on 2 nmi Range, ABV Mode ......................................... 5-3
5-6 Standby Indicator .............................................................................. 5-3
5-7 SKY899A Failed Indicator ................................................................. 5-3

List of Tables
Table Title Page
4-1 Fourteen Situations in Which a Traffic Advisory Will Occur ................ 4-2
6-1 TRC899 Specifications...................................................................... 6-1
6-2 NY156 Directional Antenna Specifications ........................................ 6-3

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide vii

Abbreviations & Acronyms
ABV Above
Ack Acknowledge
ADS-B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
AFS Flight Standards Service
AGL Above Ground Level
AHRS Attitude and Heading Reference System
ARINC Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
ATC Air Traffic Control
ATCRBS Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System
ATI Air Transport Indicator
ATM Air Traffic Management
BLW Below
CPA Closest Point of Approach
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
EFIS Electronic Flight Instrument System
EGPWS Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
fpm Feet Per Minute
FSAW Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Airworthiness
GPS Global Positioning System
GPWS Ground Proximity Warning System
HP High Performance
I/O Input/Output
IVSI Instantaneous Vertical Speed Indicator
kn Knots
MFD Multi-Function Display
Mod Modification
MSG Message
Nav Navigation
nm Nautical Miles (on the display)
nmi Nautical Miles (in the text)
NRM Normal
OPR Operate
OT Other Traffic

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide ix

Abbreviations & Acronyms (continued)
PA Proximity Advisory
Rev Revision
RGC Radar Graphics Computer
RTCA Requirements & Technical Concepts for Aviation
SLA Sensitivity Level A
SLB Sensitivity Level B
SSR Secondary Surveillance Radar
STB Standby
STC Supplemental Type Certificate
TA Traffic Advisory
TAWS Terrain Awareness and Warning System
TCAS Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System
TRC Transmitter Receiver Computer
TSO Technical Standard Order
UNR Unrestricted

x SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

 Chapter 1
System Description

General Description
The SKYWATCH® HP Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance
System I (TCAS I), model SKY899A, from L-3 Avionics Systems,
monitors the airspace around your aircraft and advises the flight
crew where to look for transponder-equipped aircraft that may
pose a collision threat. The SKY899A displays traffic information
on one or more displays. The traffic information generally
includes the range, relative bearing, and relative altitude of
intruder aircraft. The SKY899A also makes aural announcements
such as traffic advisories on the cockpit audio system. The
SKY899A is intended for use by high performance corporate and
general aviation aircraft including rotorcraft. Figure 1-1 shows the
major components of the SKY899A.

TRC Directional Antenna

Figure 1-1. SKY899A Major Components

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 1-1

TRC, Antenna, & Display Chapter 1 – System Description

Transmitter Receiver Computer (TRC)

The TRC is the primary unit of the SKY899A. It converts signals
from the directional antenna and from other aircraft systems
into an on-screen picture of intruder aircraft locations, and if
necessary, aural traffic advisories. The TRC can track up to 35
intruder aircraft simultaneously, but to reduce clutter, typical
displays only display the 8 to 12 most threatening intruders
being tracked. The TRC also has built-in test equipment to
detect faults and to verify proper operation.

Directional Antenna
The directional antenna transmits omnidirectional mode C
interrogations and receives directional replies from other transpon-
der-equipped aircraft in the vicinity. The antenna will also be able
to receive ADS-B mode S extended squitter broadcasts from
intruder aircraft in the future when ADS-B becomes standardized.

Display (Not Supplied)

The SKY899A displays traffic on a growing number of Multi-
Function Displays (MFDs) and Electronic Flight Instrument
System (EFIS) displays from companies such as Avidyne, UPSAT,
L-3 (i-linc™ MFD), and Collins, or on select Instantaneous
Vertical Speed Indicators (IVSIs) from Honeywell or Sextant, or
on a compatible weather radar indicator via the L-3 Avionics
Systems Radar Graphics Computer, model RGC250 EI or
RGC350. Check with your dealer or with L-3 Avionics Systems
for a current list of
approved TCAS I-
compatible displays.
Figure 1-2 shows a
typical SKYWATCH HP +03
screen. Traffic screens on
your particular display
may not match the -07
+80
figures shown in this
guide. Refer to your -35

UNR 35nm
Figure 1-2. Typical SKYWATCH
HP Screen

1-2 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description Interaction of Major Components

display manual for a detailed description of how your display

displays SKY899A traffic information.
Along with your display, you will also have a customer-supplied
on/off switch for the SKY899A and discrete buttons for selecting
range, vertical display mode, operate/standby, and test if the
display cannot provide these functions.

Interaction of Major Components

Figure 1-3 and the related notes on the next page show how the
major components of the SKY899A connect to each other and
to other aircraft systems.
Intruder Aircraft

Transponder Transponder
Interrogations Replies
SKY899A Directional
Antenna

Transponder Transponder
Interrogations Replies
Radio Altimeter
1
Barometric Altitude Radio Altitude or Flight Data
Encoding Altimeter
Computer
System Software (Optional)
Air Data Computer Updates
Configuration
(Optional) Configuration
Module Flight Data
Settings & System
Configuration
Operate Lamp Discrete Lamp Control
(Optional) Flash Card

ABV & BLW GPS Nav Data2

ABV & BLW Indicator Lamp Outputs (ARINC 429) GPS Navigation
8
Indicator Lamps System (Optional)

TX/RX Inhibit Aircraft

Aircraft Suppression Bus
Aural TA's & Other Audio Output
Audio +28 V dc
System Aircraft Power
Bi-directional Discrete I/O TRC
Audio Inhibit GPWS/TAWS
Auxiliary Serial Data (RS-422) (Optional)
Future 3
Enhancements Auxiliary Serial Data (RS-232) Magnetic Heading Synchro XYZ
Mag. Heading Valid Compass, or
Auxiliary ARINC 429 Data
AHRS (Optional)
4
7 SKYWATCH Display (ARINC 429) Weight On Wheels Squat Switch
Radar Indicator (Optional)
via RGC250 EI SKYWATCH Control Landing
5
or RGC350 Gear Position Landing Gear
OR
Switch (Optional)
SKYWATCH Display (ARINC 429) Diagnostic
MFD/EFIS/IVSI
7 Commands and Diagnostic
Display Status (RS-232)
Equipment e.g.
Control Panel for SKYWATCH Control Laptop (Optional)
use with
MFD/EFIS/IVSI or On/Off Control
6
Radar Display

Figure 1-3. System Block Diagram

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 1-3

Interaction of Major Components Chapter 1 – System Description

Notes on Figure 1-3:

1. The optional radio altitude input affects the SKY899A
audio inhibit feature, the ground intruder filtering
feature, and the sensitivity levels feature. (See chapter 4
for details.)
2. GPS navigation (nav) data is required if you plan on using
SKY899A’s ADS-B feature in the future (when ADS-B
becomes standardized) for intruder location enhancement.
It’s also used in certain sensitivity level calculations. (See
chapter 4 for details.)
3. The SKY899A works without a heading input, but experi-
ences degraded performance during high-rate-of-turn
maneuvers.
4. Having a weight-on-wheels input allows the SKY899A to
automatically switch out of standby when you take off,
and into standby when you land.
5. The SKY899A may be installed on aircraft with fixed
landing gear. The optional landing gear position input
affects the sensitivity levels feature and the SKY899A audio
inhibiting feature. (See chapter 4 for details.)
6. The control panel consists of only a power switch if
you’re using only a radar indicator via an RGC250 EI/
RGC350. The size, scale, scope, and implementation of the
control panel depends on the type and number of displays
installed.
7. Use a radar indicator via an RGC250 EI/RGC350, or an
MFD/EFIS/IVSI display, or multiple displays.
8. Only required when using a display that doesn’t display
vertical display mode indications.

1-4 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description Functional Description

Functional Description
The SKY899A is an active system that operates as an aircraft-to-
aircraft interrogation device. The SKY899A interrogates aircraft
transponders in the surrounding airspace (within a 35 nmi
horizontal radius) similar to the way ground-based radar
interrogates aircraft transponders. When the SKY899A receives
replies to its interrogations, it computes the responding
aircraft’s range, relative bearing, relative altitude, and closure
rate. (In the future, when ADS-B becomes standardized, the
SKY899A will also be able to receive any ADS-B broadcasts from
the responding aircraft and use that information along with
your own aircraft Global Positioning System [GPS] nav data to
enhance the computed relative position of the responding
aircraft.) The SKY899A then predicts collision threats and sends
traffic display information to the display.
Figure 1-4 shows the typical SKY899A vertical display modes
(look up, look down, normal, and unrestricted). (Some modes
may not be available on your display.) The figure also shows
the traffic zones around your aircraft and the typical traffic
symbols that appear on the display when intruding aircraft
enter one of those zones.
A solid amber circle is the visual part of the Traffic Advisory
(TA) that the SKY899A generates when it predicts that an
intruder aircraft may pose a collision threat. The aural part of
the TA, “traffic, traffic,” is annunciated over a cockpit speaker
or headset. An open white diamond represents Other Traffic
(OT) that does not pose an immediate collision threat. A solid
white diamond represents traffic that generates a Proximity
Advisory (PA), i.e., traffic that is close, but does not pose an
immediate collision threat.
The SKY899A uses either Sensitivity Level A (SLA) or Sensitivity
L evel B (SLB) to determine when to display a TA. In general,
SLB is used during the in-flight phase and SLA is used during
takeoff and landing. Sensitivity levels and other factors
affecting the display of traffic symbols are discussed in detail in
chapter 4.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 1-5

Functional Desccription Chapter 1 – System Description

15
up nmi
to 35 nmi †
+9900 ft

up to 35 nmi †
+9000 ft

Intruder Aircraft

up to 35 nmi +2700 ft
†

4 nmi
Look Up (ABV)

+1200 ft

0.55 nmi
Unrestricted (UNR)

+800 ft
Normal (NRM)

0.2 nmi
+600 ft
Sensitivity Level A
0 ft
Look Down (BLW)

* –600 ft

** –800 ft

–1200 ft

†
–2700 ft

Not To Scale

†
–9000 ft

†
–9900 ft
*15 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft
**20 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft
Refer to chapter 4 for details.
†
These vertical display mode numbers may vary depending on the display
– Proximity Advisory (PA) – Traffic Advisory (TA)
CPA – Closest Point of Approach – Other Traffic (OT)

Figure 1-4. Typical Vertical Display Modes and Traffic Zones

1-6 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 1 – System Description Features

Features
• Tracks up to 35 intruder aircraft (typical displays show only
the 8 to 12 most threatening intruders being tracked)
• Tracks intruder aircraft approaching at closure rates up to
1200 knots

• Certified as a TCAS I
• Costs only a fraction of the price of a traditional TCAS I or II
• Does not require a mode S transponder
• Typically provides for the display of traffic information in
four vertical display modes: normal (±2,700 ft), look up
(+9,000 ft to –2,700 ft), look down (+2,700 ft to –9,000 ft), and
unrestricted (±9,900 ft). These numbers may vary depending
on the display.
• Generates visual and aural advisories of aircraft that may pose
a collision threat
• Performs automatic and operator-initiated self tests
• Supports multiple simultaneous displays
• Transmits interrogations from the ground (if desired) as well
as from the air
• Uses only one antenna
• Displays traffic on a variety of MFD, EFIS, and IVSI displays as
well as radar indicators (radar indicators via the RGC250 EI or
RGC350)

• Anticipates the future ADS-B-based Free Flight environment

by being ADS-B-ready, i.e., it will be able to use information
from ADS-B broadcasts (if available) along with own aircraft
GPS nav data to enhance intruder location computation. ADS-
B surveillance will not be active in the SKY899A until ADS-B is
standardized by the aviation community and the FAA, at which
time you may be able to get a software upgrade from L-3
Avionics Systems to activate all of SKY899A’s ADS-B features.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 1-7

 Chapter 2
Typical Controls &
Indicators
Introduction
This chapter describes the typical controls, indicators, screen
elements, and aural announcements associated with the SKY899A.

Control Panel (Not Supplied)

A discrete control panel provides a power switch for the
SKY899A and the functions listed below (as needed) for displays
that cannot provide these functions on their own. (If you’re
using only a radar indicator via the RGC250 EI/RGC350 as your
display, the control panel will consist of only a power switch.)
Power Switch
This switch controls power to the SKY899A.
Operating Mode Switch
This switch toggles the SKY899A back and forth between
operating mode and standby.
Display Range Switch
This switch toggles the SKY899A display range between the
available display ranges.
Vertical Display Mode Switch
This switch changes the SKY899A vertical display mode
between above, normal, below, and unrestricted.
Test Switch
This switch starts an operator-initiated self test.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 2-1

Typical Screen Elements Chapter 2 – Typical Controls & Indicators

Typical Screen Elements

Figure 2-1 and the following paragraphs describe typical screen
elements for the SKY899A. Note that the range rings and own
aircraft symbol can be white if the PAs and OTs are cyan.
Range Other
Rings Traffic (OT)
-35
Off-Scale +05
Traffic +03 Data Tag
Advisory (TA)
Own
Traffic +80
Aircraft
Advisory (TA)

Proximity Vertical
UNR 6 nm Trend Arrow
Advisory (PA)
Vertical Display
Display Mode Range
Indicator Indicator
Figure 2-1. Typical Screen Elements

Traffic Advisory (TA) A TA consists of a symbol on-

screen and a “traffic, traffic” message on the cockpit
speakers or headset. When an intruder aircraft that
meets the TA criteria described in chapter 4 is within the
displayed range (inside or outside of the selected vertical
display mode), the corresponding symbol is this filled
amber circle located at a position on the screen that
indicates the relative bearing and range of the intruder
aircraft.
In general, the SKY899A issues a TA when it detects an
intruder aircraft within 30 seconds of a possible colli-
sion, or within a 0.55 nmi horizontal radius and a ±800
ft relative altitude range of your aircraft. (See chapter 4
for details.)

Off-Scale Traffic Advisory (TA) Either a symbol

such as this, or a text message, such as “OS” or “OFF
SCALE” is displayed to identify a TA that has been
detected beyond the current display range. In this
example, this symbol is displayed at a position along the

2-2 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 2 – Typical Controls & Indicators Typical Screen Elements

outer range ring that indicates the relative bearing of the

intruder aircraft.
Proximity Advisory (PA) This white or cyan
symbol represents an intruder aircraft that has not
generated a TA, but which is within a horizontal range
of 4 nmi and a relative altitude of ±1200 ft.
Other Traffic (OT) This white or cyan symbol
represents an intruder aircraft that has been detected
within the selected display range and vertical display
mode, but which has not generated a TA or a PA.
On some displays, OT symbols disappear when a TA
occurs, and reappear (if still in range) once the TA goes
away. Some displays can also be strapped to filter out all
OT symbols.

Data Tag Typically, some sort of numerical tag

-35 such as this is associated with the traffic symbol to
indicate the altitude or relative altitude of the
intruder. In this example, the two digits indicate,
in hundreds of feet, the relative altitude of the
intruder aircraft (3500 feet below you). Non-
altitude-reporting aircraft are considered to be at
the same altitude as your aircraft
Vertical Trend Arrow A vertical trend arrow such
as this may be displayed with a traffic symbol to indicate
that the intruder aircraft is ascending (up arrow) or
descending (down arrow) faster than 500 fpm.
Own Aircraft Typically a cyan or white symbol
such as this is near the center of the screen to represent
your aircraft’s relative position and heading.
Range Rings Cyan or white range rings such
as these help you to quickly locate traffic.

Display Range Indicator Typically an indicator

6nm such as this identifies the current display range.

UNR Vertical Display Mode Indicator Typically an

indicator such as this identifies the current vertical

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 2-3

Discrete Indicator Lamps Chapter 2 – Typical Controls & Indicators

display mode with abbreviations such as ABV (above/

look up), BLW or BLO (below/look down), NRM or
blank (normal), or UNR (unrestricted) (sometimes
shown as A/B or ABV/BLW). (See figure 1-4.)

TCAS OFF Standby Indicator A standby indicator

such as this is typically displayed to indicate
that the SKY899A is in standby. In standby, the
SKY899A does not interrogate, process, or
display traffic. This message does not mean the
SKY899A has been turned off (powered down).
It is also possible for the display to display
TCAS OFF instead of TCAS FAIL after a self test
failure on the ground.

TEST Self Test Indicator An indicator such as this is

typically displayed to indicate that the SKY899A
operator-initiated self test is in progress.

TCAS FAIL SKY899A Failed Indicator An indicator

such as this is typically displayed to indicate
that the SKY899A is not powered up, or has
failed, or has failed the operator-initiated self
test. When displayed to indicate that the
SKY899A is not powered up, the message
typically stays on the display for several
seconds after the SKY899A is turned on. It is
also possible for the display to display TCAS
OFF instead of TCAS FAIL after a self test
failure on the ground.

TA ONLY TA ONLY Indicator Whenever the SKY899A

is on and not displaying a failure and not in
standby, some displays will display TA ONLY to
indicate that the display is connected to a TCAS
I system instead of a TCAS II system. The
implication is that no resolution advisories will
be issued. On some displays, when an active TA
is detected, the background color of the TA
ONLY indicator changes from white to amber.

2-4 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 2 – Typical Controls & Indicators Aural Announcements

Discrete Indicator Lamps

Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps (Not Supplied)
Some displays do not display a vertical display mode indicator
on-screen. For those displays, the SKY899A supports two
discrete indicator lamps similar to those shown in figure 2-2 to
indicate the current vertical display mode.

Figure 2-2. Vertical Display Mode Indicator Lamps

Operate Lamp (Optional, Not Supplied)

This panel-mounted indicator light is lit whenever the SKY899A
is sending out interrogations. The light is not lit in standby or
when the unit is in failed mode.

Aural Announcements
“Traffic, Traffic” This aural component of a traffic advisory
is announced once over the cockpit speakers or headset when a
TA is first detected. (This announcement is not made if the
SKY899A audio is inhibited. See page 4-5 for details.)

“SKYWATCH System Test Passed” This message is

announced once over the cockpit speakers or headset after the
SKY899A has passed an operator-initiated self test.

“SKYWATCH System Test Failed” This message is

announced once over the cockpit speakers or headset after the
SKY899A has failed an operator-initiated self test.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 2-5

 Chapter 3
Operating
Instructions
Introduction
This chapter lists the SKY899A operating instructions and
describes its fault modes.

Turn On the SKY899A

CAUTION To avoid power surges that could damage the SKY899A, start your
engines before turning on the SKY899A.

NOTE Federal aviation regulations require that, if installed, TCAS

equipment be turned on during all flight operations. As such, the
SKY899A may be turned off only when it is inoperable or when, in
the opinion of the pilot-in-command, continued operation would
be more appropriately assured with the SKY899A turned off.

NOTE The SKY899A must be turned off if ATC advises the flight crew to
disable transponder altitude reporting.

1. Use the SKY899A power switch to turn on the SKY899A.

The SKY899A begins its power-on self test. Typically a TCAS
FAIL indicator remains on the screen for a few seconds and
is then replaced by a standby indicator such as TCAS OFF.
If the SKY899A passes the test, and your aircraft has a squat
switch, and your aircraft is on the ground, the display will
continue to display the TCAS OFF (standby) indicator.
If the SKY899A passes the test, and your aircraft has a squat
switch, and your aircraft is in the air, a traffic screen similar
to figure 3-1 appears.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 3-1

Run the Self Test Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions

+03

-07
+80
-35

UNR 35nm
Figure 3-1. Typical In-Flight Traffic Screen
If the SKY899A passes the test and your aircraft does not
have a squat switch, the display will continue to display the
TCAS OFF (standby) indicator.

In standby, the SKY899A waits 5 minutes for critical sensors

such as the barometric altimeter to warm up and come on
line before it displays a TCAS FAIL message or other message
indicating the lack of the sensor input; however, if you
switch into operating mode, the SKY899A only waits 2
seconds for the sensor inputs before it displays a message.
If a TCAS FAIL message appears, refer to the Failure Re-
sponse section on page 3-6. For installations with an ARINC
429 barometric altitude input, turning on the SKY899A
during flight may cause a temporary TCAS FAIL message
while the system is syncing up to the 429 data source.

Run the Operator-Initiated Self Test

It is recommended, but not required that you run the opera-
tor-initiated self test before the first flight of the day and
whenever you get a TCAS FAIL message.
1. With the SKY899A in standby or failed mode, use the test
switch or menu selection to start the self test.
The SKY899A begins its self test and a test screen similar to
figure 3-2 with certain artificial traffic symbols appears.
Upon successful completion of the self test, you will hear
“SKYWATCH system test passed” and the display will revert
to the previous standby screen.

3-2 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions Switch to Operating Mode

+ 10
- 10

-02

TEST

NRM 6nm
Figure 3-2. Typical Test Screen
2. If you hear “SKYWATCH system test failed,” or see a TCAS
FAIL message, or you don’t see the test screen, run the test
again. If it fails again, refer to the Failure Response section
on page 3-6.

Switch Between Standby & Operating Mode

When you’re on the ground, you must manually switch out of
standby if you want the SKY899A to display traffic information.
The ability to switch out of standby on the ground in conjunc-
tion with the above display mode is especially useful for
scanning the airspace around the airport before takeoff.
1. Use the operating mode switch or menu selection to manu-
ally switch into operating mode from standby.
The SKY899A switches
out of standby into +10
operate and displays a
traffic screen similar +04
to figure 3-3. The
standby indicator
(e.g. TCAS OFF) goes +07
away and may be +94
replaced by a TA
ONLY indicator.

If your aircraft has a

ABV 6 nm
squat switch and you
don’t manually switch Figure 3-3.Typical Traffic Screen on
out of standby, the the Ground

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 3-3

Change the Display Range Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions

SKY899A automatically switches out of standby 8 to 10

seconds after takeoff.

2. Use the operating mode switch or menu selection to manu-

ally switch into standby from the traffic screen.
The SKY899A goes into standby and the display switches
back to the standby message (e.g. TCAS OFF replaces TA
ONLY). If your aircraft has a squat switch, the SKY899A will
not go into standby while airborne.
If your aircraft has a squat switch, the SKY899A also goes
into standby automatically, 24 seconds after landing. This
delay allows the SKY899A to remain out of standby during a
touch-and-go maneuver.

Change the Display Range

You can change the display range when the SKY899A is in
operating mode.
1. Use the display range switch or menu selection to toggle the
display range between the available display ranges.
The screen changes to display the traffic detected within the
chosen display range. The numerical value of the chosen
display range is displayed on the screen.
The SKY899A continues to track up to 35 intruder aircraft
within its maximum horizontal surveillance range (35 nmi
radius) regardless of the display range selected.

Change the Vertical Display Mode

You can change the vertical display mode when the SKY899A is
in operating mode.
1. Use the vertical display mode switch or menu selection to
toggle between the available modes, typically above, normal,
below, and unrestricted.
The screen changes to display the traffic detected within the
chosen vertical display mode (figure 1-4). The name or
abbreviation of the chosen vertical display mode, such as
ABV, NRM, BLW, or UNR, is displayed on the screen or
indicated by discrete indicator lamps as described on page 2-5.

3-4 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions Observe the Display

The SKY899A continues to track up to 35 intruder aircraft

within its maximum vertical surveillance range (±10,000 ft)
regardless of the vertical display mode selected.

Observe the Display

WARNING The SKY899A relies on information obtained from transponders in
nearby aircraft. The SKY899A does not detect or track aircraft
which are not equipped with an operating Air Traffic Control
Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) transponder.

WARNING The SKY899A does not track intruder aircraft approaching at a

closure rate greater than 1200 knots.

WARNING Some traffic within the chosen display range may not be displayed
due to traffic prioritizing, antenna shielding, ground intruder
filtering, interference limiting, or surveillance range being shorter
than the chosen display range.

CAUTION Optimum SKY899A performance is realized when intruder aircraft

are reporting their altitude (via a mode C or other altitude
reporting transponder).
Monitor the activity of any traffic displayed. Keep in mind the
following points when watching traffic on the display:
• Traffic Prioritizing – The SKY899A tracks up to 35
intruder aircraft simultaneously, but to reduce clutter,
most displays display only the 8 to 12 most threatening
aircraft of those tracked.
• Ground Intruder Filtering – If a radio altimeter is
connected to the SKY899A, no traffic symbols are
displayed for traffic detected under 380 ft Above Ground
Level (AGL) when your aircraft is below 1,700 ft AGL.

• On some displays, OT symbols disappear when a TA

occurs, and reappear (if still in range) once the TA goes
away.
• Some displays can be strapped to filter out all OT
symbols.
• Refer to chapter 4 for a description of the TA criteria and
other factors that affect the display of traffic symbols.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 3-5

Failure Response Chapter 3 – Operating Instructions

Respond to Traffic Advisories

WARNING Do not attempt evasive maneuvers based solely on traffic informa-
tion on the display. Information on the display is provided to the
flight crew as an aid in visually acquiring traffic; it is not a
replacement for Air Traffic Control (ATC) and See & Avoid
techniques.
When the SKY899A issues a TA, look outside for the intruder
aircraft. When you spot an intruder aircraft, use normal right-
of-way procedures to maintain separation.

Turn Off the SKY899A

Use the SKY899A power switch to turn off the SKY899A.

Failure Response
All errors indicated by a TCAS FAIL message prevent the
SKY899A from performing its collision warning functions;
however, some errors are recoverable. For example, if you turn
on and try to operate the SKY899A before you turn on the
barometric altitude source or before it comes on line, a TCAS
FAIL message appears and continued operation of the SKY899A
is not possible; but when you eventually turn on the baromet-
ric altitude source and it comes on line, the TCAS FAIL message
disappears and operation returns to normal.
If you see a TCAS FAIL message, respond as follows:
1. Make sure the barometric altitude source has been turned
on and given enough time to warm up.
Many errors are due to the failure of equipment external to
the SKY899A.

2. Use the test switch or menu selection to run a self test to

see if the system is still failed.

3. If the system is still failed, remove power from the SKY899A

at the circuit breaker.

4. Contact your authorized L-3 Avionics Systems dealer for

troubleshooting help.

3-6 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

 Chapter 4
Principles of
Operation
Introduction
This chapter describes Traffic Advisory (TA) criteria and other
factors that affect the display of traffic symbols including ADS-
B (which will affect the display in the future once the technol-
ogy is standardized). Table 4-1 on the next page summarizes
the criteria necessary for the SKY899A to display a TA.

Sensitivity Levels
The SKY899A uses one of two sensitivity levels, A or B, to
determine when to display a TA. Having two sensitivity levels
allows the SKY899A to reduce the number of nuisance TAs
during takeoff and landing (sensitivity level A), and to maxi-
mize the detection of TAs during the cruise phase of flight
(sensitivity level B).

Sensitivity Level A
Sensitivity level A consists of two criteria for displaying a TA:
1. The intruder aircraft enters into a cylinder of airspace
surrounding your aircraft defined by a 0.2 nmi horizon-
tal radius and a height of ±600 ft from your aircraft.
(See figures 4-1 through 4-3.)
OR…
2. The intruder aircraft approaches your aircraft on a
course that will intercept your aircraft within 15 or 20
seconds (within 15 seconds for a non-altitude reporting
intruder aircraft; within 20 seconds for an altitude
reporting intruder aircraft).

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 4-1

TA Criteria Chapter 4 – Principles of Operation

Table 4-1. Fourteen Situations in Which a Traffic Advisory Will Occur

The SKY899A Will Issue a Traffic Advisory…
And Your And Your And Your And An Intruder
If Your Aircraft’s Landing Ground Speed Aircraft Is
No. Aircraft… Altitude Is… Gear Is… Is… Detected…
1 has a radio below 2000 ft within a 0.2 nmi
altimeter* AGL horizontal radius and a
±600 ft relative altitude
2 within 15–20 sec.
of CPA**
3 above 2000 ft within a 0.55 nmi
AGL horizontal radius and a
±800 ft relative altitude
4 within 20–30 sec.
of CPA**
5 does not down within a 0.2 nmi
have a radio horizontal radius and a
altimeter* ±600 ft relative altitude
6 within 15–20 sec.
of CPA**
7 up within a 0.55 nmi
horizontal radius and a
±800 ft relative altitude
8 within 20–30 sec.
of CPA**
9 fixed not available*** within a 0.55 nmi
horizontal radius and a
±800 ft relative altitude
10 within 20–30 sec.
of CPA**
11 available and within a 0.55 nmi
greater than or horizontal radius and a
equal to 120 knots ±800 ft relative altitude
12 within 20–30 sec.
of CPA**
13 available and less within a 0.2 nmi
than 120 knots horizontal radius and a
±600 ft relative altitude
14 within 15–20 sec.
of CPA**
Sensitivity Level A Sensitivity Level B
* Having a radio altimeter means having a compatible radio altimeter wired to the SKY899A
and providing valid altitude information.
** CPA means Closest Point of Approach.
*** Ground speed is not available whenever your GPS navigation information is not available.

4-2 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 4 – Principles of Operation Sensitivity Levels

The SKY899A uses sensitivity level A in the following situations

(corresponds to numbers 1, 2, 5, 6, 13, and 14 in table 4-1):
1. Your aircraft has a radio altimeter and is below 2,000 ft
AGL.
2. Your aircraft has no radio altimeter but its retractable
landing gear is down.
3. Your aircraft has no radio altimeter, a fixed landing
gear, and your ground speed is available and is less than
120 knots.

Sensitivity Level B
Sensitivity level B consists of two criteria for displaying a TA:
1. The intruder aircraft enters into a cylinder of airspace
surrounding your aircraft defined by a 0.55 nmi
horizontal radius and a height of ±800 ft from your
aircraft. (See figures 4-1 through 4-3.)
OR…
2. The intruder aircraft approaches your aircraft on a
course that will intercept your aircraft within 20 or 30
seconds (within 20 seconds for a non-altitude reporting
intruder aircraft; within 30 seconds for an altitude
reporting intruder aircraft).
The SKY899A uses sensitivity level B in the following situations
(corresponds to numbers 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in table 4-1):
1. Your aircraft has a radio altimeter and is above 2,000 ft
AGL.
2. Your aircraft has no radio altimeter but its retractable
landing gear is up.
3. Your aircraft has no radio altimeter, a fixed landing
gear, and your ground speed is not available.
4. Your aircraft has no radio altimeter, a fixed landing
gear, and your ground speed is available but is greater
than or equal to 120 knots.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 4-3

TA Zones Chapter 4 – Principles of Operation

Intruder aircraft
0.55 nmi +800 ft

TA zone when
own aircraft is
above 2,000 ft
(sensitivity level B)

This area or 30 seconds* –800 ft

2,000 If own
feet aircraft
is below
1,700 ft
AGL
Ground
0.2 nmi +600 ft intruders
below
380 ft
This area or 20 seconds** –600 ft AGL are
filtered
out If own
TA zone when aircraft
own aircraft is is below
400 ft
below 2,000 ft
(sensitivity level A) SKY899A audio AGL
is inhibited
GL
*20 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft Not to scale
**15 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft

Figure 4-1. TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has a Radio Altimeter

Intruder aircraft
0.55 nmi +800 ft

TA zone
when landing gear is up
(sensitivity level B)

This area or 30 seconds* –800 ft

0.2 nmi +600 ft

This area or 20 seconds** –600 ft SKY899A audio

inhibited when landing
gear is down
TA zone
when landing gear is down
(sensitivity level A)
GL
*20 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft Not to scale
**15 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft

Figure 4-2.TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has No Radio Altimeter, But Does Have
a Retractable Landing Gear

4-4 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 4 – Principles of Operation Audio Inhibit

Intruder aircraft
0.55 nmi +800 ft
TA zone
when your ground
speed is unavailable,
or when your ground
speed is available,
but is greater than or
equal to 120 knots
This area or 30 seconds* –800 ft (sensitivity level B)

0.2 nmi +600 ft

TA zone
when your ground speed
This area or 20 seconds** –600 ft is available and is
less than 120 knots
(sensitivity level A)
GL
*20 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft Not to scale
**15 seconds for non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft

Figure 4-3.TA Zones If Your Aircraft Has No Radio Altimeter

and a Fixed Landing Gear

Audio Inhibit, SKY899A

This audio inhibit feature prevents the aural part of TAs,
“traffic, traffic,” from being announced during takeoff and
landing in order to minimize pilot distraction. The corre-
sponding TA symbols are still displayed.
The SKY899A uses this audio inhibit feature in the following
situations:
1. Your aircraft has a radio altimeter and you’re below 400
ft AGL. (See figure 4-1.)
2. Your aircraft has no radio altimeter but its retractable
landing gear is down. (See figure 4-2.) (Audio is not
inhibited if you have fixed landing gear and no radio
altimeter.)

Audio Inhibit, GPWS, EGPWS, or TAWS

If your aircraft has a Ground Proximity Warning System
(GPWS), Enhanced GPWS (EGPWS), or Terrain Awareness and
Warning System (TAWS) interfaced with the SKY899A and an
alarm from one of those systems occurs, the SKY899A senses the
alarm and delays the aural “traffic, traffic” component of any
TAs issued until the alarm clears.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 4-5

Ground Intruder Filtering Chapter 4 – Principles of Operation

TA Symbol Duration
A TA symbol remains on the screen for at least 8 seconds, even
if the intruder aircraft no longer meets the TA criteria, as long
as the SKY899A continues to track the aircraft.

Ground Intruder Filtering

Ground intruder filtering reduces the clutter of visual symbols
and aural announcements that would otherwise be generated
for intruder aircraft typically present on or near the ground
near airports.
For intruder aircraft determined to be below 380 ft AGL,
ground intruder filtering prevents the display of all traffic
symbols (TA, PA, & OT) and suppresses the “traffic, traffic”
aural announcement. (See figure 4-1.)
The SKY899A uses ground intruder filtering only if your
aircraft has a radio altimeter connected to the SKY899A and
you’re below 1,700 ft AGL.

Interference Limiting
To assure that all interference effects from active TCAS I
equipment are kept to a minimum, the FAA requires TCAS
equipment to “interference limit,” i.e. reduce its transmit
power, when it is operating in congested airspace. This
limiting function is based on the number of TCAS interroga-
tors detected via mode S broadcast reception and the reply rate
of your transponder. Interference limiting reduces the effective
surveillance range of the TCAS equipment and is independent
of the display range selected; therefore, selecting a display
range of 20 nmi does not guarantee a 20 nmi surveillance range
when operating in high density areas.

Future ADS-B
Unlike the current ATC system of ground-based Secondary
Surveillance Radar (SSR) interrogations and aircraft transpon-
der replies, the ADS-B-based Free Flight Air Traffic Manage-
ment (ATM) system of the future will depend more on aircraft-
to-aircraft exchange of aircraft state information (figure 4-4).

4-6 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 4 – Principles of Operation ADS-B

GPS satellite GPS satellite GPS satellite

Intruder
aircraft

ADS-B
squitter
message

Own aircraft

Figure 4-4. Future ADS-B-Based Free Flight Environment

The SKY899A anticipates the future Free Flight environment by
including hardware and software that will continuously
monitor the dedicated data link frequency (1090 MHz) for ADS-
B mode S extended squitter messages within 50 nmi when ADS-
B becomes standardized. These messages will be broadcast,
without interrogation, from aircraft with ADS-B-capable mode
S transponders. The SKY899A will not require a mode S
transponder, ADS-B-capable or otherwise, to perform its ADS-B
surveillance.
An ADS-B message will contain nav data for the intruder
aircraft including GPS position, ident, ground speed, and
intent. The SKY899A will use this nav data along with its own
aircraft GPS nav data to calculate the relative position of the
intruder to enhance its active ATCRBS surveillance of the
intruder when ADS-B becomes standardized.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 4-7

 Chapter 5
Display
Interpretation
Introduction
This chapter explains the meaning of several typical screens.
The abbreviation CPA used in some of the figures means closest
point of approach.
Traffic Advisory
Intruder aircraft at
1 o’clock, 2 nmi
away, 300 ft above
you, descending at
+03
a rate greater than
500 fpm. CPA within
20 to 30 seconds.
-07
Proximity Advisory
Intruder aircraft at
4:30, 4 nmi away,
UNR 15nm 700 ft below you,
ascending at a rate
greater than 500 fpm.
No immediate threat.
Figure 5-1. TA & PA on 15 nmi Range, UNR Mode

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 5-1

Other Traffic & TAs Chapter 5 – Display Interpretation

Other Traffic
Non-altitude-reporting
intruder aircraft at
10:30, 9 nmi away.
No immediate threat.

Other Traffic
-99 Intruder aircraft at
8 o’clock, 11 nmi
away, 9,900 ft below
UNR 15nm
you in level flight. No
immediate threat.
Figure 5-2. Other Traffic on 15 nmi Range, UNR Mode

Other Traffic
Intruder aircraft at
5 o’clock, 4.5 nmi
away, at your altitude,
ascending at a rate
00
greater than 500 fpm.
No immediate threat.
NRM 6nm

Figure 5-3. Other Traffic on 6 nmi Range, NRM Mode

Traffic Advisory
Non-altitude-reporting
intruder aircraft at
2 o’clock, 1 nmi
away. CPA within
15 to 20 seconds.
Proximity Advisory
Intruder aircraft at
+ 10 5 o’clock, 1.5 nmi
away, 1,000 ft above
you, ascending at a
BLW 2nm rate greater than
500 fpm. No
immediate threat.
Figure 5-4. TA & PA on 2 nmi Range, BLW Mode

5-2 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 5 – Display Interpretation Standby & Failed Screens

Off-Scale TA
+05 Intruder aircraft at
9:30, more than
2 nmi away. 500 ft
above you, descending
at a rate greater than
500 fpm. CPA within
20 to 30 seconds.
ABV 2nm

Figure 5-5. Off-Scale TA on 2 nmi Range, ABV Mode

Standby Indicator
When in standby, the
SKY899A does not
transmit interrogations
TCAS OFF
or track intruder
aircraft.

Figure 5-6. Standby Indicator

SKY899A Failed
Occurs when the
SKY899A is not
powered up, and any
time the SKY899A
detects an error that
TCAS FAIL prohibits further
operation of the
SKY899A.

Figure 5-7. SKY899A Failed Indicator

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 5-3

 Chapter 6
Specifications

Table 6-1. TRC899 Specifications*

Part Number Definition:
805-11900-002
Size:
Not including mounting tray:
7.62 in (19.36 cm) high
3.56 in (9.04 cm) wide
12.52 in (31.90 cm) deep
Weight:
Not including mounting tray:
9.00 lb (4.08 kg)
Including standard mounting tray:
9.88 lb (4.48 kg)
Including ruggedized mounting tray:
11.01 lb (4.99 kg)
Tracking Capability:
Up to 35 intruder aircraft
Surveillance Range:
Horizontal tracking radius:
35 nmi maximum for ATCRBS surveillance
50 nmi maximum for ADS-B surveillance (ADS-B surveillance will
not be active in the SKY899A until ADS-B is standardized by the
aviation community and the FAA, at which time you may be able
to get a software upgrade from L-3 Avionics Systems to activate
all of SKY899A’s ADS-B features.)
Relative altitude tracking range:
±10,000 ft maximum
(Continues on next page) *Specifications subject to change without notice.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 6-1

TRC Specs (Continued) Chapter 6 – Specifications

Table 6-1. TRC899 Specifications* (Continued)

Vertical Display Mode Capability (typical numbers):
(actual numbers and modes may vary depending on display type)
±2,700 ft (normal mode)
+9,000 ft to -2,700 ft (above mode/look up)
+2,700 ft to -9,000 ft (below mode/look down)
±9,900 ft (unrestricted mode)
Range Accuracy:
0.05 nmi typical
Bearing Accuracy:
5° RMS typical
Altitude Accuracy:
±200 ft
Maximum Closure Rate:
1200 knots
Power Input Requirements:
18 to 32 V dc, 2 A maximum at +28 V dc
Transmitter Power Output:
Peak 1030 MHz RF output power of 52 dBm (158.5 W) ±1dB
Operating Temperature:
-55 to +70 °C (-67 to +158 °F)
Storage Temperature:
-55 to +85 °C (-67 to +185 °F)
Operating Altitude:
55,000 ft maximum
Cooling:
Conduction and forced air convection (internal fan)
Certification Compliance:
JAA JTSO-C118
U.S. FAA TSO C118. Contact L-3 Avionics Systems for the latest
foreign country certifications. Refer to the latest revision of FSAW
98-04 for Flight Standards Service (AFS) policy concerning follow-
on field approvals.
FCC:
Part 87 (FCC identifier PMYTRC899)
RTCA Compliance:
Environmental:
DO-160D Category
[F2X]BAB[SBM]XXXXXXZBABA[RR]L[XXXX]XXA
Software:
DO-178B Level D
*Specifications subject to change without notice.

6-2 SKY899A Pilot’s Guide

Chapter 6 – Specifications Antenna Specs

Table 6-2. NY156 Directional Antenna Specifications*

Part Number:
805-10003-001
Size:
1.30 in (3.25 cm) high
6.25 in (15.88 cm) wide
11.12 in (28.24 cm) deep
Weight:
2.3 lb (1.04 kg)
Speed:
Rated to 600 knots (0.9 Mach) @ 25,000 ft
Frequency:
1,030-1,090 MHz
TSO Category:
C118
Environmental Category:
DO-160C F2-AC(CLM)XSFDFSXXXXXXXL(2A)X
Finish:
Gloss white Skydrol®-resistant polyurethane paint
*Specifications subject to change without notice.

SKY899A Pilot’s Guide 6-3

Notes
Notes
 Record of Important Information
Dealer Information
Name _______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________

Equipment Information
Date of Purchase ______________________________________
Installation Date ______________________________________
TRC:
Model Number _____________________________________
Part Number ______________________________________
Serial Number _____________________________________
Mod Letter ________________________________________
Software Version ____________________________________
Antenna:
Model Number _____________________________________
Part Number ______________________________________
Serial Number _____________________________________
Mod Letter ________________________________________
Display (not supplied):
Model Number _____________________________________
Part Number ______________________________________
Serial Number _____________________________________
Mod Letter ________________________________________

NOTE
To ensure that a new or repaired SKY899A meets the TSO, meets
foreign government certification requirements, and meets L-3 Avionics
Systems performance standards, your SKY899A must be installed
and tested by an L-3 Avionics Systems authorized SKY899A dealer.
 This data is provided at no charge, or at cost, to the
public and is considered publicly available, No License
Required (NLR) as defined in the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR) Part 734.7-11.

009-11906-001 (Rev. B, 2/24/04)

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc.

5353 52nd Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA SKY899A
(800)253-9525
www.L-3com.com/as