A skyBeacon/tailBeacon can legally be used to enter and exit United States airspace. Pilots must also be familiar with and comply with the destination country's ADS-B rules if applicable. At this time Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas do not have any ADS-B requirements for light aircraft.
skyBeacon is designed to be a direct replacement for the common navigation light or nav/strobe found on many aircraft. skyBeacon has the form factor and installation characteristics of a traditional Grimes style teardrop shaped wingtip navigation light. skyBeacon is a direct replacement for the lights shown below (as an example). Figure 1: "Grimes" style position [...]
skyBeacon is eligible for installation on any certified aircraft (part 23), that operates below FL180 (18,000’). STC Information as well as the Approved Model List (AML) for skyBeacon is located here. It is important to note under FAA policy the skyBeacon can be approved on any almost any airplane regardless of whether or not [...]
The skyBeacon will work with any Mode C transponder. Due to the unique design and technology of the skyBeacon, there is no need to run any new wiring to the transponder.
We do not currently recommend skyBeacon be installed on aircraft with fuel tanks commonly referred to as tip tanks which were popular additions to some aircraft. Tip tanks or other large obstructions on the wing may negatively impact GPS performance. For guidance on fitment and installation submit a photo of your wingtip along with the [...]
If your wingtips or lighting configuration are not supported by the skyBeacon you have a few options... Fairings: View Fairing 301 Details & Pricing View Fairing 302 Details & Pricing The port (left) 301 fairing is now available. Please note the following list assumes the factory wingtip configuration. This [...]
Experimental Aircraft: Yes Light Sport Aircraft: With manufacturer approval. Certified Aircraft: You cannot install skyBeacon unless you have Inspection Authority for your aircraft. We recommend you contact an avionics installation facility or your regular Inspection Authorization (IA). Most IAs, aircraft maintenance facilities, and/or repair stations are also qualified to install skyBeacon. Please note that the [...]
For certified aircraft, the skyBeacon and tailBeacon TSO units must at the very least be installed by an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic (A&P) and the installation must be reviewed and approved (signed off) by an IA. Part 145 shops and facilities with avionics expertise will optimize timely installation and downtime in addition to reducing overall [...]
The skyBeacon has been designed to be a simple installation. Please see the Installation Manual and Pilot’s Guide for full instructions. The installation process is to first remove the existing left-hand wingtip light. Connect the skyBeacon using the three wires as per the installation instructions and use the three screws to attach the skyBeacon to [...]
A typical skyBeacon installation will take an installer around 1 hour – this is the time taken for the physical installation of the skyBeacon to the aircraft and the paperwork needed to sign off the installation. Please note that all aircraft are different, especially older aircraft that have been modified for other STC’s. This can [...]
Once the skyBeacon has been installed it is required that the equipment be tested to show it meets the FAA requirements for ADS-B OUT. An Operational Flight Evaluation (often referred to as a performance flight) must be performed and verified by the FAA. Additionally, the installer may verify performance on the ground using an ADS-B [...]
To summarize the requirements of AC20-165B (see links below): The performance flight should take place for a minimum of 30 minutes from wheels up. The aircraft should climb to 3,000’+ AGL and perform a minimum of 2 360 degree turns in each direction. Banks in excess of 30 degrees and extreme maneuvers and attitudes should [...]
The ADS-B OUT alteration must be documented in the aircraft maintenance record per section 43.9(a) and include the statement, ·'The installed ADS-B OUT system was shown to meet the equipment performance requirements of 14 CFR section 91.227."
Yes, the position lights need to remain switched on during all operations. Removing power from the position lights also removes power from skyBeacon and/or tailBeacon. According to 91.225(f) “Each person operating an aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out must operate this equipment in the transmit mode at all times.”
The only impacted aircraft are those with active (interrogating) TCAS systems. These systems provide aural resolution advisories, and will generally be marked as TSO-C119. TCAS systems are required for Part 135 operations on large turbine powered aircraft. Aircraft equipped with TIS or ADS-B In systems for traffic awareness are NOT impacted. Also not impacted are [...]
The certified skyBeacon and tailBeacon feature a unique password secured configuration interface via Wi-Fi. A user must enter the password to change the device configuration including the aircraft ICAO and callsign. The password is unique to the device, and once configured, cannot be reconfigured for another aircraft without that password. The password is essentially an [...]
We suggest you read the manual located here. If you still have questions please send an e-mail to support@uavionix.com and we’d be glad to help.
We suggest you read the TSO manual located here. If you still have questions please send an e-mail to support@uavionix.com and we’d be glad to help.
Yes, skyBeacon will meet the 2020 ADS-B requirements when paired with an existing operational Mode C transponder. skyBeacon meets or exceeds all required performance and environmental standards for use in the national airspace. The certified skyBeacon will ship with 5 separate TSO certifications. UAT Transmitter: TSO-C154c Class B1S WAAS GPS: TSO-C145d Class Beta I Altitude [...]
A skyBeacon/tailBeacon can legally be used to enter and exit United States airspace. Pilots must also be familiar with and comply with the destination country's ADS-B rules if applicable. At this time Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas do not have any ADS-B requirements for light aircraft.