Fourteen GA groups told the FAA on Friday the agency must straighten out issues with the ADS-B Out compliance rules if aircraft owners are to meet the 2020 deadline for the new equipment requirements. In a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta (PDF), they highlighted concerns including compliance for experimental aircraft, which don’t have type certificates and so can’t comply with a new certificate or STC. They also reiterated the cost factor, saying ADS-B Out equipment would add up to a big proportion of aircraft values for those that are worth $40,000 or less — potentially affectingmore than 81,000certified, registered piston-powered aircraft.
Meanwhile, as of Jan. 1, about 8,800 aircraft in the nation’s GA fleet have met the mandate,said the letter, signed by organizations including the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, Cessna Pilots Society and Seaplane Pilots Association. “For owners of such aircraft the price to equip can be prohibitive … similar problems exist for those who purchase new glass-panel aircraft today and for many Part 25 operators. For thousands of these aircraft owners, too, no path to compliance currently exists.” In past discussions over ADS-B, GA groups have tried to move the compliance deadline and raised concerns that the mandates could drive thousands out of aviation.
