Flight Planning
AOPA sees few GA benefits in ADS-B proposal
It may seem far away, but at the same time, it’s very near. The comment period on ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) is closing soon.
AOPA intends to submit comments on behalf of its members, but those who want to submit their own must do so by Monday, March 3. The FAA originally published the proposed rule last October.
The rule would require all aircraft operating in Class A, B, and C airspace—plus any airspace above 10,000 feet msl—to equip with ADS-B. The proposed compliance date for the mandatory equipment is Jan. 1, 2020.
AOPA has identified several major concerns with the proposal, including the fact that the mandated avionics are very expensive and that there appear to be few benefits for general aviation. All aircraft would need to keep their transponders while adding the ADS-B equipment. The rule also proposes that all aircraft equipping with ADS-B use both top- and bottom-mounted antennas.
Download the rule. You can also submit comments on the same Web site. Please send a copy of your comments to AOPA.
February 21, 2008
