With 11 Weeks Until the ADS-B Deadline, Duncan Aviation Encourages ADS-B Emitter Status Checks

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LINCOLN, NEB — Duncan Aviation would like to encourage aircraft (AC) owner/operators who upgraded to Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) in 2014 or 2015 to make sure their system is transmitting in compliance with FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) 91.227.

In early 2019, the FAA published a Safety Briefing that looked at the rate of non-performing emitters (NPE). The emitters perform the Broadcast-Out requirement of ADS-B, periodically and automatically sending signals regarding your aircraft’s position, speed, location in relation to other aircraft, and other information to Air Traffic Control and other aircraft in the area.

“A recent report run by our Market Research Supervisor here at Duncan Aviation found that there are more than 7,700 aircraft with NPE,” says Manager of Completions & Modification Services Sales Nate Klenke. “Many of the aircaft with NPEs were likely installed more than four years ago or prior to changes made in the mandate and implemented over the years after its initial announcement. Some, however, may be a result of an improper installation or equipment configuation.”

Here are some common reasons the emitter may not be transmitting:

1. Incorrect software version or improper configuration. Either issue can reduce the accuracy of the aircraft’s position
2. Incorrect emitter category. This happens when the ADS-B system transmits the wrong emitter category based on its maximum take-off weight
3. Incorrect Flight ID. This happens when the aircraft’s registration for Mode S doesn’t match the Flight ID
4. Transmitting airborne data. An error when the signal is transmitting but the aircraft is on the ground

Test Your Compliance

Roughly one hour after a flight, go to the FAA’s website (https://adsbperformance.faa.gov/PAPRRequest.aspx) and request a Public ADS-B Performance Report (PAPR). The PAPR helps you verify that your ADS-B equipment is functioning properly.

If you are unable to determine whether your AC is in compliance, send an email to the FAA (9-AWA-AFS-300-ADSB-AvionicsCheck@faa.gov) and include the following information:

1. Aircraft registration number (N-number) in the Subject line
2. In the body of the email, include:

1. Flight identification code
2. Flight date & time
3. Make/model of ADS-B transmitter and GPS
4. Any ADS-B avionics operating abnormalities you have observed or reported during the flight

You should receive a report from the FAA showing what parameters of your system have failed. If you have any additional questions, call Duncan Aviation’s Avionics Tech Rep Marty Stevens at +1 269.565.3561.

About Duncan Aviation

Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of business aircraft operators, government agencies, and other aircraft service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections, engine maintenance, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit avionics systems, full paint and interior services, engineering and certification services, fabrication and manufacturing services, and preowned aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has international aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at +1 402.475.4125 who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory repairs and overhauls. Complete service facilities are located in Battle Creek, Michigan; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Provo, Utah. We also have dozens of other facilities strategically located throughout the United States to provide customers with scheduled regional support and the quickest response possible to avionics, engine and airframe Aircraft On Ground (AOG) situations.

For more information about any of Duncan Aviation’s services, call +1 402.475.2611 or visit https://www.DuncanAviation.aero/services