Poll – What is the status of ADS-B out in your airplane?
1 min read 
While it was the iPad that led the way for fast adoption of “ADS-B In” receivers several years ago, it’s the FAA’s 2020 mandate coming up in a few weeks that has aircraft owners installing “ADS-B Out” today. We want to know – are you ready for January 1, 2020?
Bret is a senior vice president at Sporty's and senior flight instructor for Sporty's Academy. In addition to Bret's teaching responsibilities, Bret leads Sporty's video production and app development team and serves as editor of iPad Pilot News. As an airline transport pilot, Bret is a senior captain in Sporty's corporate flight department.
Latest posts by Bret Koebbe (see all)
- iPad Storage Full? 8 Ways to Free Up Space Before Your Next Flight (2026 Update) - March 31, 2026
- iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.4 - March 26, 2026
- Use ForeFlight Debrief to grade and score every flight - March 20, 2026
I have traffic alerts on my GPS 530. The ads B out is incredibly expensive and not the best investment in safety upgrades for my airplane. I would have rather installed shoulder harnesses and they would cost far less than ADS B out. Technology is changing so quickly that the expensive installations being done now will probably have the same value as a Garmin 430, 530 or Garmin 330 Mode S transponder in a couple years. The FAA has overstepped here in requiring a financial investment of this magnitude. I have to ask, how many mid air collisions occur compared to the number of forced or off airport landings where shoulder harnesses could save lives. I would have thought shoulder harnesses or engine overhauls would take precedence.