ADS-B Requirements are an FAA mandate to install devices that transmit my position to other airplanes actively, and consume information from those airplanes so I can see them as well. Basically ‘free’ weather and traffic information becomes available to everyone. That is the dream at least – but reality will be something different.
Since I am required to comply with by Jan, 2020, I am taking my time, but I do plan to commit to a direction and a plan by the first quarter of next year.
Here is the best, baseline option I have found that gets close to what I need.
Right now the leading option will cost around $7,500, and includes:
– Garmin GDL-88
– Flightstream 210
– Garmin Pilot App
PROs – New capabilities include:
- Wx and traffic on the Garmin 530WAAS
- Wx and traffic on two iPads
- Backup AHARS on two iPads
- Synthetic Vision on the iPads
- Flight Planning with two way communication (change the 530waas flight plan and the iPads get it…. vice versa)
CONs – Shortcomings include:
- This ADS-B solution only works below 18,000′ and only in the USA. I don’t go to Canada or the islands at all, but I might like too. Include 1090 ES would be nice.
- I’d be forced to use the Garmin Pilot App, and I’m not a fan. Foreflight is my application of choice, and I’m very loyal.
- I intend to keep the XM weather – it’s more reliable and of better quality. The free weather is not as effective.