Carrot, Meet Stick

Since the deadline was established, rumors about how the FAA will handle the coming transition have ranged from extending the deadline at the last minute to dismantling every non-compliant aircraft within Class B airspace and selling them for scrap on January 2. Im so old I remember when Mode C first was required in certain airspace, and ATC would routinely accommodate non-complying aircraft. Later, they wanted at least an hours notice, and the request could be denied. In my experience, ATC has always tried its best to cut some slack on Mode C, especially if everything was working when you took off.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's January 1, 2020 deadline for ADS-B Out is firm and well-publicized, with incentives including a $500 rebate for installation and free traffic/weather benefits from ADS-B In.
The FAA has published formal guidance (FAR 91.225(g)) for aircraft seeking authorization to operate in ADS-B Out airspace without the required equipment.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) will continue to provide services to all aircraft, even those not equipped with ADS-B Out or lacking proper authorization.
However, the provision of ATC services does not constitute authorization, and pilots operating without ADS-B Out in rule airspace remain accountable for non-compliance.

See a mistake? Contact us.

If you’re a U.S.-based aircraft operator, by now you’ve heard of ADS-B and the FAA’s January 1, 2020, deadline for ADS-B Out to be used where merely Mode C is required today. In part, that’s because the date was set some 10 years ago—the news has penetrated even the thickest pilot’s head, despite early, feeble efforts to sell ADS-B and its benefits.

Soon after the deadline was established and the necessary infrastructure was up and running, ADS-B In receivers hit the market, highlighting ADS-B’s benefits. And if free traffic and weather information aren’t enough incentive, operators still can get a $500 rebate when they install ADS-B Out.