The FAA's January 1, 2020 deadline for upgrading aircraft to ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) has come and gone. If your aircraft is not compliant, you'll need to file a flight plan with the FAA at least 60 minutes prior to take off, preferably much earlier. As long as your aircraft is equipped with an operational transponder and operational altitude encoder (that is, Mode C), follow these step-by-step instructions from the FAA for permission to fly in ADS-B Out airspace: https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/adapt/
The FAA policy statement dated April 2019, clarified how ATC (Air Traffic Control) will handle non-compliant aircraft. They were clear in their statement that no in-flight authorizations will be issued to non-compliant aircraft. Permission must be requested and obtained at least an hour before takeoff.
Pilots flying aircraft that are not equipped with ADS-B must wait for permission from ATC in the airspace through which they intend to fly, and if ATC is busy, airspace is congested, or there's inclement weather, permission may be denied.
Exceptions to fly may be granted one or two times only. However, it is probable non-compliant aircraft will face inconvenient restrictions and downtime in the coming weeks. These restrictions may pose some problems, but the FAA will likely grant permission for aircraft to fly to MRO (Maintenance Repair Overhaul) centers like Duncan Aviation in order to obtain the ADS-B upgrade.
Some of the Duncan Aviation Satellite Avionics Shops have space available for upgrading aircraft to ADS-B. We strongly encourage you to call the Avionics Shop nearest you to see about scheduling in January or February or contact your Duncan Aviation Regional Avionics Sales Manager for more information:
