FAA Eases ADS-B STC Requirement

This is from early March, so it's likely old news to some here, but in a
new policy letter the FAA has eased the requirement for a separate STC
for every model of aircraft. This should have happened years ago!

New FAA Policy: http://tinyurl.com/FAA-ADSB-Policy

News Article:
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-ne...-installations


"The FAA released a policy memo on March 2 that updates guidance on
installation of ADS-B out systems, essentially allowing avionics shops
to install ADS-B equipment on aircraft not covered by a supplemental
type certificate (STC) without having to obtain a new STC. This new
policy, said Bill Stone, Garmin senior business development manager,
“significantly reduces cost, downtime and uncertainty about how long the
aircraft is going to be down.� The installer does have to obtain
permission from the original STC holder.

Earlier in the ADS-B upgrade process, the FAA was requiring that each
aircraft model have its own STC. “The agency was pretty concerned as new
equipment hit the market to ensure that it worked correctly,� Stone
explained. “The original policy was that it could be installed only via
STC. That would maintain a high level of involvement and ensure that
aircraft entering airspace [where ADS-B is required] are operating as
intended and not bringing the system to its knees.�

The FAA eased the requirements somewhat a few years ago, allowing
approved ADS-B transmitter and GPS position source pairings–once
STC’d–to be field approved in other aircraft models. “This is less of a
cost and time burden than an STC,� he said, “but it does require FAA
involvement, and that could inject FAA time and uncertainty and
additional cost.�

Now the FAA has issued the new policy, and basically if the installation
is a major alteration, it will still need field approval. This may be
the case where a new antenna needs to be installed on a pressurized
airplane, for example. A simple ADS-B out installation in a
non-pressurized airplane will be a minor alteration, and it can be
signed off by an A&P mechanic holding an Inspection Authorization or a
Part 145 repair station. “It doesn’t call for FAA involvement at all,�
Stone said. “Basically we’re talking a radio installation; it’s not
major surgery.�"
(Rest of article at the link)