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FAA Cracks Down on Erroneous ADS-B Codes

The FAA is targeting non-performing ADS-B equipment that transmits incorrect flight identification codes and erroneous position reports, among other false data. FAA
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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA is actively addressing "non-performing equipment" (NPE) in ADS-B-Out systems that transmit invalid or erroneous data, such as incorrect ICAO addresses.
  • NPE aircraft are filtered from air traffic control (ATC) systems and TIS-B service, preventing their ADS-B data from being processed and potentially excluding them from other pilots' ADS-B-In displays.
  • Erroneous or duplicated ICAO address codes create a significant safety hazard, as aircraft could be removed from radar or ADS-B-In displays if multiple planes share the same incorrect code.
  • Pilots can verify their ADS-B equipment's performance and correct Mode S code through the FAA's Public ADS-B Performance Report (PAPR) service or by checking the FAA aircraft registry.
See a mistake? Contact us.

If you are one of many pilots who have stayed ahead of the mandate to install ADS-B-Out equipment in your airplane before January 1, 2020, you might want to make sure that the transponder codes in the system are correct. The FAA is cracking down on what is called non-performing equipment (NPE) — ADS-B equipment that transmit invalid or unassigned 24-bit ICAO addresses, incorrect flight identification codes, erroneous position reports, and other false data.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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