FAA LAUNCHES REBATE PROGRAM FOR NEXTGEN AVIONICS UPGRADES FOR GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT

October 19, 2016

On September 19, 2016, the FAA announced the launch of its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast website, which gives general aviation aircraft owners the opportunity to redeem a $500 rebate to offset the cost of updating eligible aircraft with Next Generation (NextGen) avionics technology. According to a final rule on Performance Standards for Critical NextGen Avionics Systems published by the FAA in 2010, all general aviation aircraft are required to be updated with NextGen avionics by January 1, 2020.

The FAA will issue twenty thousand rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for one year or until all twenty thousand rebates are claimed – whichever comes first. The rebate is available only to owners of U.S.-registered, fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft first registered before January 1, 2016.

The FAA estimates that one hundred and sixty thousand aircraft need to be equipped with NextGen avionics by the January 1, 2020 deadline. Aircraft that fly only in uncontrolled airspace where no transponders are required, and aircraft without electrical systems, such as balloons and gliders, are exempt from the mandate.

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).

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