Fourteen aviation groups are calling on the FAA to work with industry to help bring down the cost of installing ADS-B equipment in general aviation aircraft. In a joint letter sent to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on January 23, the groups noted that only 8,800 general aviation aircraft have equipped with ADS-B so far, and they expressed concern that the high cost of the equipment is a “serious obstacle” for many aircraft owners to equip well in advance of the 2020 mandate.

“We believe that it is in the best interests of the entire aviation community to see full participation in ADS-B equipage by 2020,” the organizations said, but added, “We do not support limiting access to airspace that pilots and aircraft owners enjoy today.”

According to an AOPA study, 81,564 aircraft are valued at $40,000 or less. Theprice of installing ADS-B equipment in a 1967 Cessna 150 valued at $34,000 could be $5,000, or 15 percent of its value, “just for the aircraft owner to continue to fly in the same airspace he or she uses today,” the groups said. The regulations are also confusing for light-sport and experimental aircraft because ADS-B compliance requires a supplemental type certificate. “But since experimental aircraft, by definition, are one of a kind and do not have type certificates, no supplemental type certificate can be issued,” the groups noted. “The problem is the same for factory-build light-sport aircraft.”

The FAA’s Flight Standards and Technical Operations offices must make it a priority to work with the manufacturers and operators to ensure general aviation can meet the mandate, according to the groups. “Failure to do so will hamper participation in ADS-B, prevent the full realization of safety benefits, reduce general aviation activity and create economic hardships,” they said.

Organizations signing the letter range from national trade associations such as NBAA, NATA, EAA and AOPA, to operator and specialty groups such as the American Bonanza Society and the Cessna Pilots Association.