Not there yet but we are getting closer

It has been a long and slow road but the general feeling is that we are getting close to having the CAA approvals needed to both purchase, legally install and have grant applications accepted for ADS-B systems suitable for use in gliders. Ross Gaddes of Sailplane Services has provided the below useful summary as Ross feels now could be a good time for early movers to start considering the option of a this winter install.

ADS-B OUT is a transponder system that has ability to send GPS positions through the normal transponder frequency.  Systems need to be certified and approved.  CAA are offering a grant of $2500 + GST to assist.  It will be mandatory to have ADS-B OUT in most aircraft using Controlled Airspace by the end of December 2022.

ADS-B IN is a system that picks up other transponder signals and displays them inside the aircraft.  It does not need to be certified – similar to FLARM.  Understandably, CAA wants to encourage its use, so they are offering a grant of $500 + GST to assist. It will NOT be mandatory in NZ airspace – similar to FLARM.

To qualify for the grant’s certain conditions need to be met and an application accepted by our CAA.

CAA have indicated they will accept some GPS sources with a lower-level certification for certain aircraft including gliders and motor gliders. Namely the Trig TN72 when coupled with the appropriate transponder (the TT21/22 Mode ‘S’ unit).

The Trig TN72 with TT22 (Class 1, over 15000’) or TT21 (Class 2, 15000’) is a much more suitable GPS source (size mainly) and is way less expensive.

GNZ has applied to have a GNZ Advisory Circular accepted so that fitting the Trig ADS-B units into gliders will be easier and meet the rules requirement. This is under review and there is no date set for the review to be finished or in what form it will take if accepted.

The ADS-B IN grant has been applied for and accepted by a few sailplane owners already.  Mostly using a system that mixes the FLARM and ADS-B onto a single display.  Watch this space as this is a good solution for sailplanes as FLARM is already proven to improve safety and awareness specific to our operational requirements.

Ross Gaddes –Sailplane Services Ltd – NZ agents for Trig