ADS-B Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On Wednesday Jan. 1, 2020, the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) rule takes effect, requiring operators to utilize equipment meeting the requirements of FAR Part 91.225 and 91.227 when flying in rule airspace. Review answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the subject.

Updated Jan. 8, 2020

What process do I need to follow if my transponder is in-op?

Operators with an in-op transponder will need to apply for an authorization to transit rule airspace through the FAA’s ADS-B Deviation Authorization Prediction Tool (ADAPT).

Operators can review the FAA’s latest ADAPT tool video below.

Additional information is available on the FAA’s ADAPT website.

If I am not equipped, what are the steps to getting a ferry permit to fly to a facility?

Non-equipped aircraft operators will need to make application to fly through rule airspace via the FAA’s ADS-B Deviation Authorization Prediction Tool (ADAPT).

If I obtained an FAA LOA following an ADS-B upgrade a few years ago, am I ADS-B compliant?

Not necessarily. The LOA may have been issued following a Version 1 install, which does not equip aircraft to the current required compliance level. “Any airspace that requires the use of a Transponder today will on January 01, 2020 also require aircraft to be equipped with a Version 2 ADS-B Out system. This can be either a 1090ES (DO-260B) ADS-B system or a UAT (DO-282B) ADS-B system.”

For more information, review the FAA ADS-B requirements per airspace.

How do I know if my aircraft has a 1090ES (DO-260B) ADS-B system or a UAT (DO-282B) ADS-B system?

The aircraft logbook may list the system installed meets the requirements listed above. However, if this can’t be determined by the logbook entry then you should consult with your OEM or STC Holder.

If I have Version 1 avionics that are not currently rule compliant, can I seek a blanket exemption?

If your aircraft is equipped with pre-2011 ADS-B equipment or “Version 1” installed, you will need to utilize the FAA’s ADS-B Deviation Authorization Prediction Tool (ADAPT) to seek permission on a flight-by-flight basis to operate in rule airspace. There is not a blanket exemption for non-compliant aircraft.

What is the “12555 Exemption?”

In 2018, the FAA facilitated the development and use of “Exemption 12555” that addresses performance requirements of some GPS receivers used to support ADS-B equipment. In some cases, the performance of affected GPS receivers falls below the requirement stated in the rule. The FAA is allowing continued use of this GPS equipment to meet the rule requirements when backup FAA surveillance is available. This exemption expires on Dec. 31, 2024, and is not a time extension for compliance with the ADS-B rule for aircraft or a general relaxation of the rule performance requirements. In other words, this exemption does not extend the compliance date for ADS-B transponder equipment meeting current standards.

How do I maintain privacy while operating with ADS-B equipment?

Non-FAA, third-party data sources are able to capture ICAO aircraft addresses directly from ADS-B Out transmissions. To address the privacy concerns with access to this data, the FAA has created the Privacy ICAO Address (PIA) program, which allows operators to use alternate, temporary ICAO aircraft addresses that aren’t tied to an operator in the Civil Aviation Registry (CAR).

How do I use ADS-B Out for RVSM Height monitoring?

RVSM capable aircraft must verify altitude keeping capabilities upon start of RVSM operations, then every 1,000 hours or 2 years, whichever is greater, thereafter. Any aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out may take advantage of the ADS-B height monitoring methodology regardless of the authorization mechanism. ADS-B height monitoring requires only that the aircraft operate in RVSM airspace where the FAA monitors ADS-B. The practical result of this is that ADS-B equipped aircraft will likely meet their monitoring burden during normal operations. Operators can request monitoring results for ADS-B equipped aircraft via a short on-line form at:
FAA ADS-B Height Monitoring Request Form

For more information, review NBAA’s ADS-B Privacy FAQs.