19 May 2022

ADS-B installations on NZ registered aircraft hit the 2000 mark at the end of April 2022, with 2039 aircraft in total now equipped. That’s approximately 41% of the 4966 aircraft on the Civil Aircraft Register.

With the ADS-B mandate of 31 December 2022 fast approaching, the NSS team encourages operators to equip as soon as possible to avoid being denied access to controlled airspace on 1 January 2023.

ADS-B Grant Scheme Technical Advisor Tom Gormley has some words of warning to those that continue to delay equipping.

“We are seeing some emerging issues with ADS-B equipage in NZ. Workshops that are able to carry out ADS-B installations are starting to fill up, and with only just over 6 months to go before the mandate this situation is not going to improve”.

“Also be aware that some equipment manufacturers are experiencing severe manufacturing delays, leading to up to 6-month delays on equipment delivery. To mitigate this, order your equipment as soon as possible and book a space in your workshop to ensure that you are equipped in time”.  

The ADS-B Grant Scheme also hit a milestone in April, with over 1500 claims now received. By the end of May 2022, over $4.25m will have been paid out to aircraft owners/operators. The scheme has plenty of funds remaining, however Tom reminds participants that the funds won’t be around forever.

“The Grant Scheme is currently due to run until 30 June 2023, and funds are still distributed on a first come, first served basis. Don’t expect to be able to claim a grant if you leave it right up to 30 June 2023, make sure you get in there in plenty of time. The government have provided these funds, so take advantage of it while you can”.

For further information on ADS-B and the Grant Scheme you can visit the ADS-B website (https://ads-b.aviation.govt.nz/) or email adsb@caa.govt.nz.