Avionics News August 2015 - 15

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
United States
Portable ADS-B devices

are assigned to an aircraft during registration
and then programmed into transponders and
ADS-B Out avionics. Mode S codes remain
static until a change in aircraft registration
or identification (N-number) occurs. Portable
units require users to input the Mode S code
assigned to each aircraft flown. A high number
of Mode S code entry errors have occurred
with this procedure, which prevent proper target correlation within ATC automation systems
(target drops/traffic conflict alerts), resulting in
increased workload and unnecessary distractions for pilots and controllers.

The following information is quoted from the
Federal Aviation Administration's Equip ADS-B frequently asked questions.

QUESTION:

Why are portable ADS-B devices not allowed?

ANSWER:

Portable ADS-B Out systems, also known as "suitcase" units, should not be operated (transmitting)
aboard any aircraft. While marketing associated with
these units may imply approval for use by way of an
FCC license, the FAA prohibits their use for the following reasons:
1.

The positioning of portable, suction-cup GPS
antennas associated with these units often
require they be affixed to front or side windows or glare shield to obtain a usable signal.
Such antenna placement obstructs the pilot's
view. Connecting wiring also interferes with
aircraft controls and instruments.
ADS-B Out avionics require a valid Mode S
code to be transmitted to operate properly with
ATC automation and other ADS-B aircraft.
Mode S codes, also known as the ICAO code,

necessitate only an operator-based evaluation submitted
to an FAA inspector for EFB hardware and software
application authoriz ation. The FAA envisions all new
authoriz ations for use of AM M D functionality on EFBs
be obtained under AC 1 20-76 C as a Type B application.
FAA AC 1 20-76 C - Guidelines for the Certification,
Airworthiness and Operational U se of Electronic Flight
Bags, dated M ay 9, 201 4, replaces AC 20-1 5 9 and
provides guidance for applicants seeking authoriz ation
to display an own-ship symbol limited to the airport
surface as a Type B application for use on any EFB.

The positioning of ADS-B antenna also is vital
in the quality of the signal that is transmitted,
and if capable, received by the ADS-B device.
There have been a number of aircraft identified using portable ADS-B devices that result
in degraded performance due solely to poor
antenna location.

ote he
offers Fre uentl s ed uestions to foster
greater understanding of the aviation regulations and the rules
governing the industr he
strives to ensure F s are as accurate as ossible at the time of ublication however rules change
herefore information received from an
F should be verified
before being relied u on his information is not meant to serve
as legal advice f ou have articular legal uestions the should
be directed to an attorne he
disclaims an warrant for the
accurac of the information rovided

Designee Management Policy,
FAA Order 8000.95 CHG 1
The FAA issued Change 1 to FAA Order 8000.95 .
This order is a comprehensive publication establishing
policy and procedures for managing all aspects of certain
representatives of the administrator, including selection,
appointment, orientation, training, oversight, suspension
and termination. This change is issued to capture the
ex tensive changes to the processes and practices since the
order' s original issuance.
Continued on following page

AVIONICS NEWS

AUGUST

2015

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News August 2015