While most of us are still settling into 2016, aircraft owners across the country have already circled January 1, 2020, on their calendars. Why? That’s the FAA’s immovable deadline for equipping aircraft with ADS-B Out capabilities. At 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2020, if you don’t comply, you don’t fly — at least not in controlled airspace, including Class A, most of Class B, and certain Class C, D and E airspaces.
Getting Compliant with the Looming ADS-B Mandate
Key Takeaways:
- Aircraft owners face an immovable FAA deadline of January 1, 2020, to equip their planes with ADS-B Out capabilities, otherwise they will be prohibited from flying in controlled airspace.
- As of 2016, only about 20% of the U.S. fleet had complied, primarily due to the significant cost of upgrades (starting around $6,000) and widespread confusion over the numerous equipment options and compatibility.
- Owners are urged to proactively plan their ADS-B upgrade path soon to avoid technician logjams and ensure compliance before the ticking deadline, with FAA resources available for guidance.
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