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News & Media FAA certifies Garmin GDL 82

FAA certifies Garmin GDL 82

New UAT helps lower cost of ADS-B compliance

December 21, 2017 By Mike Collins

Garmin announced Dec. 21 that it has received FAA certification for its new GDL 82 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transceiver, the latest addition to the company’s line of certified ADS-B solutions. The GDL 82 is a small, lightweight Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) with a built-in GPS receiver that uniquely integrates with the aircraft’s existing transponder and transponder antenna. Early orders are already shipping, Garmin said.

Garmin's recently certified GDL 82 universal access transceiver, right, is designed to be installed between the aircraft's transponder and transponder antenna. The antenna, left, is for the unit's integral GPS receiver, which meets ADS-B rule requirements. Photo courtesy of Garmin.
Garmin's recently certified GDL 82 universal access transceiver, right, is designed to be installed between the aircraft's transponder and transponder antenna. The antenna, left, is for the unit's integral GPS receiver, which meets ADS-B rule requirements. Photo courtesy of Garmin.

ADS-B is a key technology behind the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System. The FAA has mandated ADS-B Out after Jan. 1, 2020, for flight in airspace where a transponder is required today.

Garmin announced the GDL 82 in July, shortly before EAA AirVenture. With an expected street price of $1,795, which includes a WAAS GPS antenna and installation kit, Garmin said the GDL 82 provides a turnkey solution that economically meets the ADS-B Out requirement. Installation will be quick and easy because of the GDL 82’s patent-pending design, the company added; the UAT is installed in line with the aircraft’s existing transponder antenna to transmit the necessary ADS-B Out data. The installation is minimally intrusive and does not require any panel modifications.

With only two years remaining before the FAA’s ADS-B Out mandate takes effect, Garmin said the GDL 82’s easy installation will be an advantage, especially as backlogs at many avionics shops continue to grow.

The GDL 82 uses Garmin’s patented AutoSquawk interrogation technology, which interfaces with most Mode C general aviation transponders to synchronize the squawk code between the transponder and the GDL 82. This eliminates the need to install a separate UAT control panel and reduces pilot workload.

The GDL 82 broadcasts on the 978-MHz frequency, providing a rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution for aircraft operating below 18,000 feet in the United States. Because the WAAS GPS position source required for ADS-B compliance is built in, aircraft owners do not need to upgrade an existing GPS navigator or install a separate WAAS receiver.

Although the GDL 82 provides only the mandated ADS-B Out capability, and not the optional ADS-B In services that have been embraced by so many general aviation pilots, it can be used in conjunction with any portable ADS-B receiver—including the Garmin GDL 52, GDL 39, GDL 39 3D, and Appareo’s Stratus line of portable solutions—to provide a more comprehensive ADS-B In traffic picture, resulting in improved situational awareness.

The GDL 82 is compatible with both 14- and 28-volt electrical systems. More information can be found on the Garmin website.

Mike Collins

Mike Collins

Technical Editor
Mike Collins, AOPA technical editor and director of business development, died at age 59 on February 25, 2021. He was an integral part of the AOPA Media team for nearly 30 years, and held many key editorial roles at AOPA Pilot, Flight Training, and AOPA Online. He was a gifted writer, editor, photographer, audio storyteller, and videographer, and was an instrument-rated pilot and drone pilot.
Go to Mike Collins's Profile
Topics: Gear, ADS-B

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