uAvionix tailBeacon Gets TSO Approval

uAvionix has received technical standard order (TSO) authorization for its tailBeacon ADS-B Out system that could offer a last-minute solution for GA operators who haven’t yet complied with the Jan….

uAvionix has received technical standard order (TSO) authorization for its tailBeacon ADS-B Out system that could offer a last-minute solution for GA operators who haven’t yet complied with the Jan. 1, 2020, mandate. The tailBeacon could replace the rear position light on dozens of light aircraft types and includes an integrated complying GPS, barometric altitude sensor, ADS-B transponder and the position light that it replaces. It’s designed as a plug-and-play replacement for the existing position light using existing wiring and takes a short time to install.

The next regulatory step is to get Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for specific aircraft types and the company says the first one is already in the works.  “We have expanded our production footprint in Montana and expect to be delivering the product with plenty of margin for our customers to meet the year-end deadline,” the company told AVweb in an email. “In addition, we now have a qualified installer network of over 600 A&P IAs nationwide who have been specifically trained on its installation." 

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.