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Time Is Running Out To Equip for the ADS-B Mandate

If you haven't already upgraded your avionics, now is the time to get serious. iStock/aapsky
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The ADS-B Out mandate takes effect on January 1, 2020, requiring equipped aircraft for most controlled airspace, with avionics shops already experiencing significant backlogs.
  • Aircraft owners should select a system (978-MHz UAT or 1090ES) based on their flight operations, strongly considering ADS-B In for valuable real-time weather and traffic data.
  • It's essential to find an experienced avionics technician for installation, potentially integrating other panel upgrades, and a $500 FAA rebate is still available if initiated soon.
  • While lower-cost options exist, some system prices have increased, and comprehensive upgrades for certain aircraft can be costly, but ADS-B provides benefits like free weather and simplified RVSM compliance.
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If you’re an aircraft owner and have not yet installed ADS-B Out equipment in your airplane, you’re running out of time. The mandate goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020, and if you’re not compliant you won’t legally be able to fly in most controlled airspace. And if you don’t act quickly your airplane might be grounded for some time after this year’s end. Experienced avionics shops are already overloaded with work and are scheduling installations far in advance.

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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