FAA Phone Call -- ADS-B Unit Non-Compliant

RONSIM · #1 07-20-2015, 11:40 AM

"FAA CENTRAL" just gave me a phone call ---- my SkyguardTWX transceiver is "non-compliant" and MUST be turned off ---- continued use would elicit a visit from the local FSDO.

Obviously, a lengthy discussion followed. The FAA (his) position is that none of the portable transceiver units meet the approval (for use) of the FAA and should not be sold or used. This individual is going down the list and giving over 400 of we non-compliant persons a friendly call.

He also indicated that they continue to have problems with compliant, installed units, mostly due to installation and setup errors.

So, when I fly, tomorrow, my unit will be turned off, and I will miss the traffic and weather reporting safety enhancements that I have really enjoyed!

BobTurner · #2 07-20-2015, 12:05 PM

Quite honestly this should be no surprise.
Is there some way to turn off the transmitter only? Then you could at least receive weather, and some traffic.

FLightning · #3 07-20-2015, 12:19 PM

This has been reported to Don @ skyguard he has been aware of this issue.
They have their own forum on his website that he sells the unit from.
Did the FAA rep give you specifics of the issue?
here is a link to the issue,

http://adsb.skyguardtwx.com/forum/sk...ations/page-2/

RONSIM · #4 07-20-2015, 12:20 PM

I have an email to Don, at Skyguard about turning off the transmitter --- but, we are in a busy traffic area --- really going to miss the extra set of eyes.

R.

Mike S · #5 07-20-2015, 12:21 PM

Joe, welcome to VAF

FLightning · #6 07-20-2015, 12:26 PM

Thanks Mike!
I am following the ads-b stuff....
Waiting for my exp box to arrive from Navworx.
Done alot of research on this stuff for a while.

FLightning · #7 07-20-2015, 04:06 PM

I just downloaded the app for the sky guard and if you see on the top right say transmit "on" its green in color.
Touch where it says "on" and then it will say "off" in red color.
Hope this helps.

rv6n6r · #8 07-22-2015, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RONSIM

"FAA CENTRAL" just gave me a phone call ---- my SkyguardTWX transceiver is "non-compliant" and MUST be turned off ---- continued use would elicit a visit from the local FSDO.

I received a similar call re. my non-TSO'd Navworx ADS-600B. However my conversation went a little differently -- in essence the gentleman, when pressed, indicated that my unit (and by extension, other units) can be operated without being in compliance until 2020. Here's the relevant excerpt from an email sent to me from a member of the FAA ADS-B Compliance Team:

Quote:

He can operate with SIL=0 until the mandate, then will need a compliant GPS.

I think FAA, with these calls, is trying to rectify a situation they, and the mfgs of portable & other non-compliant units, got themselves and us into before it becomes a really big problem, i.e. 2020. But my read on it is that it's not illegal to operate these units in the meantime. Just my non-expert opinion however, so take it for what it's worth.

Anyway there's been a lot of good discussion on this topic by people who know more than I do -- search for ADS-B on the entire forum, or see for example this thread and this one for much more good info.

Scrabo · #9 07-22-2015, 10:21 AM

>> Quote:
He can operate with SIL=0 until the mandate, then will need a compliant GPS.

True but as of Jan 2016, SkyGuardTWX and similar portables will not trigger a reply from a tower as it does today, the FAA has made that clear.

GalinHdz · #10 07-22-2015, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrabo

>> Quote:
He can operate with SIL=0 until the mandate, then will need a compliant GPS.

True but as of Jan 2016, SkyGuardTWX and similar portables will not trigger a reply from a tower as it does today, the FAA has made that clear.

IOW: They can operate with SIL=0 all they want, but we are not going to send them any data with an SIL=0.