ADS-B Out: 978 UAT Or 1090ES?

You have less than four years until the January 1, 2020, mandate to have a working ADS-B Out system installed if you want regular access to airspace where a Mode C transponder currently is required. Many aircraft owners already have upgraded; many more have yet to bite the bullet, perhaps because theyre still waiting for prices to come down and capabilities to go up.

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The January 1, 2020, deadline for ADS-B Out installation in certain airspace requires aircraft owners to choose between 1090ES and 978 UAT systems, with 1090ES being the international standard and mandatory above FL180.
While 978 UAT is a U.S.-only standard that typically requires retaining a Mode C transponder, 1090ES is usable at all altitudes and ensures compliance for international or high-altitude flights.
For ADS-B In traffic and weather, portable receivers wirelessly connected to tablet-based EFB apps are preferred over fixed panel displays due to their superior and rapidly evolving display technology.
"All-in-one" solutions, combining 1090ES ADS-B Out with 978 UAT ADS-B In and offering flexible display options, are recommended for comprehensive compliance and utility in both U.S. and international operations.

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You have less than four years until the January 1, 2020, mandate to have a working ADS-B Out system installed if you want regular access to airspace where a Mode C transponder currently is required. Many aircraft owners already have upgraded; many more have yet to bite the bullet, perhaps because they’re still waiting for prices to come down and capabilities to go up.

The good news is some recently introduced all-in-one boxes may make your decision easer. Newer ADS-B products, along with others that have been around for a few years, show some clear choices in capabilities, utility and price points. But making sense of all the options first requires an aircraft owner to decide where he or she intends to fly.