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 impending January 1, 2020, ADS-B Out mandate requires aircraft upgrades, with new "all-in-one" systems entering the market to simplify compliance decisions.
Aircraft owners must choose between the internationally accepted 1090ES standard (required for high altitudes and international flights) and the U.S.-only 978 UAT (typically for lower altitudes).
The article recommends "all-in-one" boxes that combine 1090ES ADS-B Out with 978 UAT ADS-B In for comprehensive compliance, traffic/weather reception, and display flexibility, often leveraging portable devices.

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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.