Purpose: This Characteristic sets forth user specifications for a Full-Format Printer intended for use on commercial transport aircraft. The printer is capable of printing up to 132 characters of alphanumeric and/or semi-graphic data on paper measuring up to eight and one-half inches in width. It is optionally capable of producing hard-copy graphics in the form of addressable dot plotting data. The intent of this document is to provide general and specific design guidance for the development of the printer. It describes the desired operational capabilities of the printer and the standards necessary to ensure interchangeability.

This document encourages manufacturers to produce maintenance-free, high performance equipment rather than that of minimum weight and size. They are at liberty to accomplish this objective by the means that they consider to be most appropriate. Materials selected should be of the best commercial quality and be readily available. Microelectronics and other technologies with proven reliability should be applied to the maximum extent possible. Airline users are interested primarily in the final product rather than the means employed to achieve it.