Post-Halloween Scare: Where ADS-B Equipage Stands

At the NBAA Media Kickoff Breakfast, Duncan Aviation President Aaron Hilkemann shared the numbers that his company has tracked on the subject. With 38 months remaining for the entire U.S. GA fleet to equip with FAA-approved ADS-B Out capability, only about 20,000 have made the plunge, which leaves, he estimated, around 100,000 aircraft left to go. Currently, he said, U.S. shops are doing around 65 installs a month. At this point, with so little time left, he says that that rate needs to be at 150 aircraft per month to barely hit the goal. Hilkemann didn't say if this rate was possible. And that increase would have to happen immediately. The longer the delay, the higher the rate grows.

Hilkemann said if the current rate of equipage continues, "2018 and 2019 are going to be very difficult," as shop floor space and tech time at some point soon won't accommodate the numbers of aircraft still needing to be outfitted with the required upgrades.