After weeks of waiting for a final signature from the FAA, uAvionix yesterday announced the agency had given the official stamp of approval through a supplemental type certificate necessary to begin shipping the company's unique, inexpensive ADS-B Out solution, the skyBeacon.
While uAvionix would not disclose the actual number of skyBeacons on back order, the company began shipping units yesterday that include everything needed for aircraft owners to replace most left-wing navigation lights with the uAvionix product using just a screwdriver and a pair of wire crimpers. That effort transforms any of the 272 approved aircraft models included in the STC into ADS-B Out aircraft a year ahead of the FAA's ADS-B deadline. The skyBeacon also qualifies for the FAA's $500 rebate.
With the skyBeacon installation guide in hand, an aircraft owner can swap out their current red position/anti-collision light in about 15 to 20 minutes, including the time demanded to register the unit with the FAA using either an iPhone or an android device. All that’s later needed to make an aircraft legal is a signoff once an inspection authority mechanic confirms the changes.
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