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Avionics

Avionics

Avionics is one of the fastest-moving areas of private jet ownership. From compliance mandates to next-generation flight deck upgrades, keeping your aircraft current requires staying ahead of both regulatory requirements and emerging technology.

CURRENT MANDATES AND COMPLIANCE DEADLINES

ADS-B Out: The FAA’s ADS-B Out mandate took effect January 1, 2020 for operations in most controlled airspace. If you acquired an older aircraft, confirm ADS-B Out compliance before your first flight in controlled airspace. Non-compliant aircraft require a waiver for each flight.

FANS and CPDLC: Future Air Navigation System and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications are required for transatlantic and certain international operations. If you fly internationally, confirm your avionics package meets current FANS 1/A plus requirements for your routes.

RVSM compliance: Reduced Vertical Separation Minima compliance is required for operations in RVSM airspace, which includes most high altitude domestic and international routes. Confirm your altimetry system meets current accuracy standards and that your RVSM authorization is current.

Emergency Locator Transmitters: The FAA has been phasing out older 121.5 MHz ELTs in favor of 406 MHz digital ELTs. Confirm your aircraft is equipped with a 406 MHz ELT registered with NOAA.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AVIONICS SHOP

Airframe specific experience matters as much in avionics as it does in maintenance. Look for shops with documented installation experience on your specific airframe. Ask to see STCs for any modifications they are proposing. Confirm the shop is FAA certified and ask about their project management process, specifically how they communicate progress and handle discovery of additional work during an installation.

COMING SOON

We are building an avionics resource covering upgrade options by aircraft type, compliance timelines, cost estimates, and a directory of avionics shops specializing in private jet installations. In the meantime contact us at chris@privatejetnation.com with any avionics questions.