ADS-B Summit: ‘Irreparable Harm’ Seen
Aviation groups are warning that the FAA’s inflexible requirement for ADS-B equipage by 2020 could force an exodus from general aviation. In statements issued as the FAA hosted a “call to action summit” on the looming issue, both EAA and AOPA said the costs are too high for the minimal benefits to individual aircraft owners and that could spell trouble for personal aviation.
Aviation groups are warning that the FAA's inflexible requirement for ADS-B equipage by 2020 could force an exodus from general aviation. In statements issued as the FAA hosted a "call to action summit" on the looming issue, both EAA and AOPA said the costs are too high for the minimal benefits to individual aircraft owners and that could spell trouble for personal aviation. EAA spokesman Sean Elliott told the meeting that with the least expensive ADS-B solutions costing 10 to 25 percent or more of the value of many GA airplanes, the situation "could drive people out of aviation." AOPA President Mark Baker wrote a letter to the FAA saying the economic scenario posed by the mandate is of serious concern. "It would be irresponsible to insist on enforcing a mandate that does not reflect the realities of general aviation flying and would cause irreparable harm to this industry," Baker wrote.
If the groups hoped to get an extension on the deadline, FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker made short work of the notion with his opening statement. "We are not here to rewrite the rule; rather, we are here to discuss any barriers we have in meeting the mandate," Whitaker said "The mandate is not changing." Aircraft Electronics Association President Paula Derks says the FAA is throwing up one of those barriers by refusing to sign off on an innovative financing program that would make it easier for aircraft owners to get the necessary gear. "The industry is ready, willing and able to meet the ADS-B Out 2020 mandate, but despite industry-wide efforts to promote early equipage, the FAA is dragging its feet on the incentive program by not approving the loan guarantee certificates for the NextGen GA Fund," Derks said. "Until the FAA issues the loan guarantee certificates, nothing moves on this program. Keep in mind that the monies raised for financing these loans are from private investors. Our industry is not asking for government money; we are only asking for the FAA to issue the loan guarantee certificates as it was directed by Congress to do so."