Many pilots are already using ADS-B In, with portable receivers such as the Stratus or the Garmin GDL 39 series, and enjoying the situational awareness afforded by in-cockpit weather and traffic information. These ADS-B In devices alone do not fulfill the FAA’s January 1, 2020, mandate for ADS-B Out equipage. ADS-B In refers primarily to the ability to receive the FAA’s Flight Information System-Broadcast (FIS-B) data, which is delivered only over the 978UAT datalink and includes METARs, SPECIs (Non-Routine Aviation Weather Reports), TAFs and amendments, Nexrad precipitation maps, NOTAMs (Distant and FDC), SIGMETs and Convective SIGMETs, winds and temperatures aloft, PIREPs, TFRs, and status of special use airspace.
Although ADS-B In is not required, it does provide increased situational awareness. Without ADS-B Out installed, none of these devices will present a full picture of nearby traffic. (Please see: What About Portable ADS-B Receivers) However, combined with ADS-B Out, they provide all available traffic and weather information. Any of them—including portable units—can serve as a complete ADS-B In solution, even in aircraft using the 1090ES datalink.
Click on any column header to sort the products by that column.| Manufacturer | Product | MSRP | Portable | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appareo | Stratus 1S | $549 | Y | Y | |
| Appareo | Stratus 2S | $899 | Y | Y | dual band, AHRS, flight data recorder |
| Avidyne | SkyTrax100 | $2,499 | N | Y | for IFD540/440 w/AXP340 |
| Bendix/King | KGX 130R | $1,695 | N | Y | opt wifi |
| Bendix/King | KGX 150R | $2,995 | N | Y | opt wifi |
| Dual | XGPS190 | $850 | Y | Y | dual band, AHRS |
| Flight Data Systems | Pathfinder | $549 | Y | Y | |
| FreeFlight Systems | FDL-978-RX | $1,995 | N | Y | wifi; w/antenna, install kit |
| FreeFlight Systems | FDL-978-RX/G | $2,995 | N | Y | wifi; w/WAAS GPS; pair with 1090ES |
| Garmin | GDL 39 | $639 | Y | Y | |
| Garmin | GDL 39R | $799 | Y | Y | remote mount |
| Garmin | GDL 39 3D | $849 | Y | Y | attitude, synthetic vision in Garmin Pilot |
| Levil Technology | iLevil 3 SW | $1,195 | Y | Y | dual band, AHRS, data recording |
| Levil Technology | iLevil 3 AW | $1,395 | Y | Y | dual band, AHRS, data recording |
| Radenna | SkyRadar-D2 | $699 | Y | Y | dual band |
| Radenna | SkyRadar-DX | $849 | Y | Y | dual band, AHRS |
| uAvionix | Scout | $199 | Y | Y | dual band, ultraminiature |
| uAvionix | Sentry | $499 | Y | Y | dual band, AHRS, 12-hr batt, CO detector |
ABOUT THE TABLE
MSRP: Manufacturer’s suggested retail price does not include installation. May not include antennas, installation kits, control heads, or other required accessories; check with individual manufacturers.
Wx: Unit also receives subscription-free FIS-B weather (ADS-B In)
Notes: Dual band—receives both 978UAT and 1090ES datalinks; Opt wifi—optional WiFi capability for data display on tablet or smartphone; Remote—remote mount, with control head or control through other avionics; Xpdr repl—replaces existing transponder
Manufacturers: Contact [email protected] to request updates, corrections, or to add any missing products.