Initially Approved For Cessna 172 Aircraft

The FAA has issued STC approval to uAvionix for its tailBeacon integrated rear position light ADS-B OUT solution.   Much like the popular skyBeacon, the tailBeacon has been optimized for ease of installation times of less than one hour, including documentation.  

tailBeacon employs an initial STC for a single aircraft type (Cessna 172) with follow on installations to be conducted using the ADS-B Policy Memo. That FAA memo, titled “Installation Approval for ADS-B OUT Systems,” explains that after an initial STC is achieved for ADS-B OUT equipment, additional installations can be accomplished on aircraft not listed on the AML by an A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA) so long as the installation does not require airframe modification.

This blanket approval requires only completion of a two-page FAA form known as a 337, with no authorizing signature. This is the same form and paperwork required if installed under the AML STL. Countless skyBeacon customers have installed their equipment using this memo, and it is a great example of the FAA being progressive to limit certification delays and installations costs.

The tailBeacon system consists of a total of four (4) TSOs:

• ADS-B (TSO-C154c, Class B1S)
• GPS (TSO-C145e, Class Beta 1)
• Barometric altitude sensor (TSO-C88b)
• Position Light (TSO-C30c, Type III)

Under the authority of the FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), production of the tailBeacon began immediately after TSO authorization.  Shipments of tailBeacon will begin immediately.

(Source: uAvionix news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.uavionix.com