With the approaching FAA mandate for ADS-B Out—required January 1, 2020, in most airspace where a transponder is required today—owners need to understand the options. Our ADS-B selection tool will help you determine the best solutions to consider for your aircraft and where you fly.
Do you fly in airspace where a transponder currently is required?
Though equipage is not required, there are many benefits to adding this technology to your aircraft.
Yes, you fly in airspace where a transponder is currently required.
Will you fly in Class A airspace (above FL180)?
For your operations, a Mode S Extended Squitter (1090 MHz) ADS-B transponder is required. For international operations, Mode S ES is strongly recommended. [Learn why]
Note: If you own an airplane with an integrated glass cockpit, check with your airframe’s manufacturer for information on available options.
No, you will not fly in Class A airspace.
Will you fly outside the United States, including Canada?
For your operations, a Mode S Extended Squitter (1090 MHz) ADS-B transponder is required. For international operations, Mode S ES is strongly recommended. [Learn why]
Note: If you own an airplane with an integrated glass cockpit, check with your airframe’s manufacturer for information on available options.
No, you will not fly outside the United States.
Does your aircraft have a WAAS-enabled, ADS-B-approved GPS receiver? [current list of approved units]
A Universal Access Transceiver, transmitting a WAAS signal from your approved GPS, will fulfill your ADS-B Out requirement. You also may choose from available UATs with integral WAAS GPS.
A Universal Access Transceiver with an integrated WAAS GPS receiver will fulfill your ADS-B Out requirement.
According to an August 2017 FAA legal interpretation, ADS-B equipped aircraft must emit the Flight ID that corresponds to what is provided on that aircraft's flight plan. For example, if the aircraft is registered as N12345 but will be flying on a flight plan using a callsign, such as ARF123, the pilot must ensure their ADS-B system is emitting that callsign, i.e., ARF123, during that flight. When considering what ADS-B equipment to buy, it is important to consider whether you will need to change your Flight ID routinely and whether the ADS-B product will allow you to do so in an easy manner.
If the ability to easily change Flight ID is important to your flying, review this article for information on ADS-B Out hardware that will provide this capability, and an overview of how you can edit your aircraft’s Flight ID.