NavWorx AMOCs updated

The UATs provide Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out and In on 978 MHz. An airworthiness directive issued June 6 requires that, by Jan. 11, 2018, owners of aircraft with the affected UATs disable the unit; upgrade the software that makes the unit noncompliant with the FAA’s 2020 ADS-B Out mandate; or couple the UAT to an approved GPS position source.

An AMOC is FAA approval of different techniques or approaches to correct an unsafe condition on an aircraft or aircraft product, in addition to remedies that are specified in the AD itself. In the case of the NavWorx AD, the agency has issued global AMOCs—also known as “AMOCs of general applicability”—that are available to any affected aircraft owner who meets the requirements of the AMOC. The changes expand the original AMOCs, making them potentially applicable to more aircraft owners.

Two of the original AMOCs did not list all of the Garmin WAAS GPS navigators using the same position sources. Updated AMOCs now cover the GTN 625, 635, 650, 725, and 750; the GNC 420W and 420AW; GPS 400W and 500W; and GNS 430W, 430AW, 530W, and 530AW, making the AMOCs available to owners of aircraft with any of those navigators installed. In addition, because of an oversight, the original AMOC for the Garmin GNS 480 omitted NavWorx UAT part number 200-0012; the updated AMOC now includes that part number.

The FAA told the petitioners that the original AMOC documents remain in effect and aircraft owners who have already utilized the earlier version do not need to take any further action.

The updated AMOCs, which are available online, were obtained by three individual aircraft owners. Bob Leffler requested an AMOC for the Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750 series of GPS navigators, and has become a spokesman for the group; Ralph Capen sought an AMOC for the Garmin GNS 430W and GNS 530W series, and Phil Yoder for the Garmin GNS 480. NavWorx, manufacturer of the UATs, told AOPA that it has applied for similar AMOCs, although its application has not yet been approved. In social media, the company has directed customers to the AMOCs obtained by Leffler, Capen, and Yoder.

Before a private operator can utilize one of the AMOCs, he or she must notify the manager of his or her local FAA fight standards district office.

The FAA rebate office has said that aircraft owners who purchase and install NavWorx UATs with part number 200-0012 or 200-0013 after Sept. 18, 2016, can apply for a $500 ADS-B Out rebate if they comply with Airworthiness Directive AD 2017-11-11 or an FAA-approved AMOC. The last day to reserve a rebate is Sept. 18.