ADS-B out Installed

wbecker

wbecker

New member
I just installed the uAvionix skyBeacon on my Decathlon, and flew public ADS-B performance flight. Received the report with no errors, now just waiting for my $500 rebate.
Bill B
 
A SkyBeacon was installed last week on our SuperD in conjunction with its (still incomplete) Annual. Any tips on a successful performance validation flight? Our home field is within the SeaTac Class B veil.
 
Installed SkyBeacon about a month ago. Validation flight was was very easy, I just flew over the top of class C airspace for a minimum of 30 minutes doing several 360 degree turns and a couple climbs and descents of 1,000 ft or more (maneuvering flight). Passed first time. I think under the shelf of class B is “rule airspace” (double check me on that) so it should be the same. Make sure Anonymous Mode is turned off!
 
I had the uAvionix skyBeacon installed in December, and in conjunction with a Stratus receiver, really enjoy the setup. Less than $2K installed, it's been working as advertised. Validation flight as easy as has been described in the Class B veil. My intent was to meet the basic "out" requirement with the most cost-effective and minimally-invasive route possible. I usually fly with an iPad anyway, so adding a quality portable receiver made sense versus an expensive setup in a VFR-only airplane. I read there's fewer than 1,000 rebates left to claim, so if you haven't equipped yet, I'd recommend moving forward with skyBeacon if it suits your needs.

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/may/pilot/adsb-installing-a-skybeacon
 
They are now out of rebate reservations. However if you keep checking you will get one when someone doesn't send in there validation in the allotted 90 days.
 
mamontb said:
A SkyBeacon was installed last week on our SuperD in conjunction with its (still incomplete) Annual. Any tips on a successful performance validation flight? Our home field is within the SeaTac Class B veil.
Click to expand...

Make sure that your encoder is warmed up enough; 10-15 minutes on the ramp with everything on should do it. Mine did not warm up until about five miles from takeoff and they monitor you from when you first leave the ground. Surprisingly, uAvionix has its own encoder, but that's not good enough for the Feds?!
 
I finally got round to "installing" the Tail Beacon and determined it is not a good option. The unit is large enough that a substantial portion of the light housing must be removed or otherwise altered. This is a structural part of the rudder trailing edge and significant cutting is probably not a good idea. In addition, it would be pressing against the inside of the fabric in front of the light housing.

I decided to find someone else who can use it and go with the wing unit.

Dale
 
As noted above, I tried to use the tail beacon, but it will not fit. I contacted uAvionix and they allowed me to swap it for a SkyBeacon and actually credited me the price difference. Rare to get that kind of customer service. I plan to get with my A & P in the next few days to install it. It appears the only mod required will be a filler plate to cover a little opening at the front since it is a little shorter than the original light.

If they come out with the right wing unit, I would like to wire up the strobes.

Dale
 
The right side is called the SkySensor and Spruce has it. It includes everything the Skybeacon has, but ADSB-In instead of Out. They call it for Experimental only because of certification costs (Thank you, FAA)
 
Robert, In my opinion, the right wing SkySensor can be installed as a "Minor Alteration". You may have to look for an A&P who understands "Minor Alteration", and is willing to sign it off. You might ask them to read the definition of "Minor Alteration" in CFR 1.1 . And then read CFR Part 43 Appendix A, (a) Major Alterations. The installation does not in any way fit the Major Alteration list, it is then a Minor Alteration which only needs an A&P to sign it off.
I have talked to a uAvionics engineer at length on this subject. While he would not say it can be installed as a minor Alteration, he did agree that he doesn't see a reason why it couldn't be.
Bill B
 
Bill, I am not an A & P, but based on my reading of minor/ major alterations, I agree replacing the right nav light with the SkyLight (SkySensor has ADS-B in and other electronics) would be a minor alteration. The question is the legality of installing a non TSO item in a certified aircraft. THey should have the TSO shortly.

My particular '65 model Citabria has a panel full of non TSO instruments. Plain old Stewart Warner gauges, and such. Whether adding a non TSO nav light may not be a real issue if you can get it signed off.

Dale
 
Dale, you have a very good valid point that deserver consideration, and some study.
I have read and search FAR's and cannot find where it says I can install a non TSO' d part, but I also cannot find where it says I cannot install a non TSO 'd part.
My reasoning is that In order to install the part as a Minor Alteration, I (the A&P installer) am responsible to determine that the part is not a major change to the TC, and that it can not have any effect on the operation or performance of the aircraft and does not interfere in any way with any other modification.
The part, SkySensor is the exact same part (except a mirror image) of an approved TSO' d and STC' d part with several electronic components left out, and ADS-B IN electronics installed.
I believe that it meets those criteria, and actually contributes to Safety of flight.
Unless I find an FAR that says why I cannot install it as a minor alteration I feel comfortable doing so.
Any A&P must make there own evaluation.
More thoughts on the subject are encouraged.
Bill B
 
Bill, I agree totally. I know as an owner, that I can change a light bulb. Can I cut two wires? If so, changing the SkyLIght is nothing but changing the bulb and housing. So, I should be able to do it without an A&P sign off. However, when I mount the SkyLight, (I don't really need the SkySensor as I already have WIngX Pro with ADS-B in.) I also want to wire up the strobes. I have an extra switch that I can use. Therefore, that job definitely requires an A&P sign off. Still a minor alteration.

Ps: The SkyBeacon unit is a little shorter in the front than the original light housing. I made backing plate from .020 aluminum a little long in the front to go between the unit and wing to cover a gap. I guess I better go ahead and make another one for when I add the SkyLight. :D

Dale
 
Update to my SkyBeacon installation. I assisted my A & P install it with a thin aluminun backer to fill the gap at the front. I was able to fly around near Panama City, FL in good coverage area and got a positive report. ATC, other aircraft and my own ADS B in saw me.

That was about a month ago. Unfortunately, a medical issue popped up Aug 21 and it looks like no PIC for me for about a year. :cry:

Dale
 
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