SUMMARY: On Aug. 30, 2010, the FAA published a memorandum that has caused severe turbulence for the early implementation of ADS-B equipment. In the memo, the FAA mandates that all ADS-B equipment must be installed via a supplemental type certificate (STC). The FAA does promise to ease the installation burden after enough early implementers commit to the STC to provide proof-of-interface validation for those who follow later.

Click here to view FAA memo.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS: In a letter sent Monday to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, the Aircraft Electronics Association points out the unintended consequence of this action, and states the policy likely will kill not only early implementation, but also any innovation and new products that were expected to be brought to market to provide low-cost solutions for general aviation aircraft.

The policy specifically addresses the installation of products that meet TSO-C166 Revision “B” or TSO-C154 Revision “C.” This policy does not apply to Mode S transponder products that were certified to earlier revision levels of these TSOs.

Click here to view AEA letter to FAA Administrator.

AEA COMMENTARY: The AEA continues to work directly with the FAA concerning this issue. If any AEA member receives pushback from the FAA regarding the installation of Mode S transponders, they should contact Ric Peri, vice president of government and industry affairs for the AEA.

The AEA cannot encourage or support the early implementation of ADS-B technology until this flawed policy has been resolved.

For More Information: Contact the Ric Peri, vice president of government and industry affairs for the EA, by e-mail at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.