AOPA briefs GA Caucus staff on rebate program

The Oct. 4 briefing focused on the requirements and initial impact of the rebate program, which offers owners of single-engine, piston-powered aircraft $500 to equip with ADS-B Out technology that meets FAA compliance standards. The rebate will run through Sept. 18, 2017, or until 20,000 rebates have been distributed, whichever comes first. Aircraft operators have until Jan. 1, 2020, to equip with the ADS-B Out technology, which is a critical element of NextGen modernization, if they want to continue flying in most airspace where a Mode C transponder is required today.

“The cost of equipping to meet the FAA’s 2020 deadline has been a major impediment for many GA aircraft owners, especially owners of older or less valuable aircraft,” said Rune Duke, AOPA director of airspace and air traffic. “Many AOPA members have told us this rebate, along with the availability of lower cost equipment, is making it possible for them to equip years sooner than they would have otherwise.”

During the discussion, Duke pointed out that the rebate was only made possible thanks to collaboration among the FAA, AOPA, and other general aviation organizations. He added that the rebate is bringing greater attention to the predicted installation bottleneck in 2018 and 2019 as aircraft owners rush to equip, overwhelming capacity at avionics shops. AOPA is urging owners who routinely fly in affected airspace to move promptly to install ADS-B Out equipment if they intend to do so.

Owners who wish to participate in the rebate program must complete an online form available through the FAA’s rebate page, which also includes information about eligibility as well as application and validation requirements.

In addition to AOPA, the panel included two FAA officials, as well as representatives from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the Aircraft Electronics Association, which is administering the rebate program.