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:

U.S. aircraft operators faced a January 1, 2020, deadline for ADS-B Out equipage in specific airspace, supported by incentives like rebates and benefits such as free traffic and weather information.
The FAA published a formal policy for non-compliant aircraft, outlining how those seeking authorization can operate under FAR 91.225(g).
Air Traffic Control (ATC) will continue to provide services to all aircraft, including those without ADS-B Out or proper authorization; however, ATC is not responsible for verifying an aircraft's compliance status.
Operators flying without proper authorization remain solely responsible for non-compliance, risking potential enforcement actions even if ATC provides air traffic services.

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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.