Whats the incentive?
U.S. Transportation announced a $500 rebate incentive for General Aviation (GA) aircraft owners who equip their aircraft with required avionics technology. Accelerating compliance is critical to ensuring that pilots, manufacturers, and retail facilities have adequate time and capacity to equip aircraft in a timely and efficient manner, ahead of a 2020 regulatory deadline.
What is ADS-B?
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a foundational element of the FAA’s NextGen program, which consists of a suite of technologies that are modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system. ADS-B transforms aircraft surveillance using satellite-based positioning.
Why offer the incentive?
“Owners who wait too long to equip may not be able to get an installation appointment before the deadline. This limited-time rebate provides an incentive for early retrofitting, and will help draw attention for the urgent need for owners to comply so that they can continue to fly their aircraft in 2020.” said Administrator Huerta.
The FAA published a final rule in May 2010 mandating that aircraft flying in certain controlled airspace will need to be equipped with ADS-B by Jan. 1, 2020. That airspace is generally the same busy airspace where transponders are required. Aircraft that fly only in uncontrolled airspace where no transponders are required, and aircraft without electrical systems, such as balloons and gliders, are exempt from the mandate. In order to facilitate this change, the FAA created this incentive to help offset the costs of installation.
What’s the benefit of using ADS-B?
“ADS-B provides the General Aviation community with increased safety, efficiency, and situational awareness,” said Whitaker.
General aviation and air taxi aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out enjoy more efficient spacing and optimal routing in some non-radar environments, including busy airspace in the Gulf of Mexico, mountainous regions of Colorado, and some areas in Alaska. ADS-B improves life-saving search-and-rescue with accurate and timely last-reported positions. General aviation pilots may also benefit from air traffic control services outside radar coverage.
The FAA is continuing to work with stakeholders such as the Aircraft Electronics Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and others to inform and educate the aviation community about the ADS-B requirements.
Aero-Sphere is now compliant!
Here at Aero-Sphere we’re happy to say that all of our aircrafts are all compliant with ADS-B with Garmin GTX 345. This means your iPad with Firelight or Garmin Pilot now shoes traffic, EX, and Geo-Ref positioning. This allows our Colorado flight training to produce better, safer, and more educated pilots. Interested in learning more about ADS-B? Check out our blog that reviews the Apparel Stratus 1 ADS-B receiver.
More information about equipping and the rebate program is available on FAA website.
