only 40,000 general aviation (GA) aircraft flying in the USA have been equipped with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment ahead of the Federal Aviation Administration’s 1 January 2020 deadline, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

The FAA estimates that between 100,000 and 160,000 GA aircraft will need to comply with the regulation in order to operate in airspace wher a Mode C transponder is currently required.

ADS-B Out is designed to improve air traffic management by enabling an aircraft to continuously transmit highly accurate position and status information to air traffic control.

“We’re now just over two years out from the FAA compliance deadline,” says GAMA president Pete Bunce. “As we move forward, knowing that date will not change, it is essential that those operators who haven’t yet, make a plan for equipage to avoid havin their aircraft grounded and losing its residual value.”

GAMA says there are a number of affordable products available on the market for light aircraft. “By choosing to equip now, operators are investing in their safety and ensuring they meet the 2020 deadline before installation lines grow long,” says Bunce.