As we approach the January 1, 2020 implementation of the U.S.’s ADS-B mandate, we have been receiving questions from our members asking for clarification. Following is some useful information for you to be aware of, and a few links to the appropriate FAA website to answer any further questions.

COPA has confirmed that U.S. sovereign airspace delegated to Nav Canada will NOT require ADS-B.

For COPA members who have not installed an ADS-B transceiver and wish to fly into U.S. airspace following the January 1, 2020 ADS-B mandate implementation:

• The same transponder and customs procedures to cross the border are in effect.
• You must remain clear of U.S. ADS-B airspace; see Google Earth link below, or
• Contact the FAA to request an exemption:
  • The FAA have created a website to apply for an exemption. They are working to have it active prior to January 1, 2020.
  • You must receive approval from all ATC facilities at least one (1) hour in advance of the flight.

Note: Be aware that a flight plan does not constitute approval from the ATC facility.

91.225   Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT equipment and use.

(g) Requests for ATC authorized deviations from the requirements of this section must be made to the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the concerned airspace within the time periods specified as follows:

(1) For operation of an aircraft with an inoperative ADS-B Out, to the airport of ultimate destination, including any intermediate stops, or to proceed to a place where suitable repairs can be made or both, the request may be made at any time.

(2) For operation of an aircraft that is not equipped with ADS-B Out, the request must be made at least 1 hour before the proposed operation.

The FAA have provided a map that is accessed using Google Earth. Clicking here will download the map to your Google Earth application for you to see the U.S. ADS-B airspace.

For COPA members who have installed an ADS-B transceiver:

• The same customs procedures to cross the border are in effect.
• You do not need to prove certification of your ADS-B OUT transceiver to the FAA.
  • All certification and paperwork for your aircraft remain applicable to Transport Canada requirements.
• If you live in an area of Canada that has U.S. ADS-B coverage, prior to entering U.S. airspace, click here to request an ADS-B Public Performance Report (PAPR):
  • The PAPR can only be obtained after flying in U.S. ADS-B airspace.
  • The FAA have indicated that there is no problem for a Canadian aircraft to fly into U.S. ADS-B airspace with a new ADS-B system without obtaining their first Performance Report beforehand.
  • The FAA recommend that after Jan 1, 2020, everyone testing their ADS-B system for the first time do so quickly.
  • That is, obtain the PAPR as soon as possible after the first flight, make any necessary corrections to the ADS-B system in a timely manner, and retest.

Additional ADS-B information can be found here.

If you have a specific question for the FAA, email them to receive a response.

Image credit: FAA