Battery-Powered ADS-B Out Transmitters Coming?

Stephen Pope

Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 09:37 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

TSO-compliant, battery-powered ADS-B Out transceivers are coming, but despite being proven safe and effective by FAA testing, their use will be restricted to gliders and general aviation aircraft without electrical systems.
Similarly, lightweight, low-cost ADS-B transmitters are in development for UAVs, Experimental aircraft, and LSAs, but none are approved for the majority of Part 23 GA airplanes, which face a minimum $5,000 cost for mandated equipment.
This strict limitation on lower-cost ADS-B options, despite advocacy efforts by groups like AOPA and EAA, continues to fuel frustration among GA pilots over the high price tag of the ADS-B mandate.

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Will we soon be seeing fully TSO compliant battery-powered ADS-B Out transceivers that are approved by the FAA for the 2020 equipment mandate? Yes, we will. But don’t get too excited just yet.

Unfortunately you probably won’t be permitted to install the gear in the airplane you fly. That’s because under the new TSO guidance that avionics makers say they are reviewing, the battery-powered ADS-B Out products would be intended for use only in gliders and general aviation aircraft certified without electrical systems.