📘14 CFR §91.225 – ADS-B Out Equipment and Use
🚩 Overview
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out enhances safety by automatically broadcasting your aircraft’s precise location, altitude, and velocity to ATC and nearby aircraft. The FAA mandates ADS-B Out for operations in certain airspace.
✅ Key Operational Requirements
📡 1. Required Equipment (ADS-B Out)
Aircraft must be equipped with ADS-B Out when operating in the following airspace:
Class A, B, and C airspace.
Within the lateral boundaries of Class B airspace (surface up to 10,000 feet MSL), including the Mode C veil (within 30 nautical miles of Class B airports).
Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL (excluding below 2,500 feet AGL).
Above the ceiling and within the lateral boundaries of Class C airspace up to 10,000 feet MSL.
Class E airspace over the Gulf of Mexico (above 3,000 feet MSL within 12 NM of the U.S. coastline).
🚀 2. Operational Requirements
ADS-B Out equipment must comply with FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO-C166b or TSO-C154c).
The equipment must continuously broadcast position, altitude, velocity, and identification data.
🚫 3. Exceptions
Aircraft without electrical systems (gliders, balloons, etc.) or aircraft not originally certified with engine-driven electrical systems may have limited exemptions.
Certain aircraft operations, including military and airshow operations, might have limited exemptions as defined by FAA authorization.
🛩️ Example Scenario
You’re planning a cross-country flight that passes near a major metropolitan airport with Class B airspace. Before departure, confirm your aircraft has compliant ADS-B Out equipment operating properly, as required within Class B and its Mode C veil. If you lack compliant equipment, you must plan a route that completely avoids this airspace.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Awareness and Compliance: Teach students early to recognize airspace where ADS-B Out is required, emphasizing preflight planning and equipment verification.
Technology Familiarity: Encourage students to understand basic ADS-B operations, its benefits for safety and situational awareness, and troubleshooting techniques if equipment issues arise.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §91.225 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-C/section-91.225
FAA ADS-B Information: https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/
FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – ADS-B: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_5.html
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