SAFO Safety Alert For Operators

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast Transmitter Anomalies. 

In consultation with uAvionix, the FAA has just released a SAFO (Safety Alert for Operators) regarding the pairing of Mode S transponders with skyBeacon and tailBeacon. Although the SAFO is short and to the point, and impacts less than 1% of installed skyBeacon and tailBeacons, it merits explanation as to why it exists.

Please see our blog for an explanation

SAFO 24004 - dated 6/25/24

Subject: Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Transmitter Anomalies. 

Purpose: This SAFO warns owners and operators of aircraft equipped with uAvionix tailBeacon or skyBeacon ADS-B transmitters paired with Mode S transponders of possible erroneous transmissions. 

Background: Aircraft equipped with uAvionix tailBeacon or skyBeacon ADS-B 978 MHZ Universal Access Transmitters (UAT) that are improperly paired with Mode S transponders have been found to emit erroneous and unreliable ADS-B performance parameters. The performance parameters are defined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 91 § 91.227.