With the 2020 ADS-B deadline looming, the FAA is reopening its rebate program to incentivize light general aviation operators to install ADS-B Out-compliant equipment on their aircraft. Beginning today, the agency is offering $500 rebates to owners of fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft who purchase qualifying equipment. This offer is expected to run for one year “or until funds for all the remaining rebates are exhausted, whichever comes first.”

To qualify, aircraft must have been registered before Jan. 1, 2016. In addition, the equipment must have TSO authorization and meet ADS-B Out rule requirements, the agency said. Software upgrades to existing equipment are not eligible. Rebate reservations must be made within 90 days of installation.

The FAA previously had run a year-long rebate program, taking reservations through Sept. 18, 2017. But as many as one-third of the available rebates went unclaimed, then FAA administrator Michael Huerta said at the time, adding that "we’re just not where we want to be” on equipage.

AOPA praised the FAA’s decision to reopen the rebate, estimating that the $4.9 million available under the new rebate program will help fund 9,800 new installations. Association president and CEO Mark Baker said this “will make our skies safer and more efficient by incentivizing even more pilots to adopt the cutting-edge technology.”