uAvionix tailBeacon Heads for TSO Certification

uAvionix is taking its tailBeacon ADS-B Out solution to the next step announcing yesterday at Sun n' Fun that the micro-electronics maker filed its TSO package for the device with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). Like the earlier TSOed skyBeacon for wingtip installations, the tailBeacon requires very little effort to install, even less than the skyBeacon. uAvionix COO Ryan Braun said, "it takes 33 percent less time than the skyBeacon in fact."

The patented uAvionix power transcoder ensures synchronization with existing Mode C or S transponders without additional wiring. Installation times on average are under one hour, including the required paperwork. tailBeacon, previously available only for experimental aircraft, includes a total of four TSOs in the compact groundbreaking package. They include the ADS-B (TSO-C154c, Class B1S), GPS (TSO-C145e, Class Beta 1), Position Lights (TSO-C30c, Type III), Barometric Pressure Altitude Sensor (TSO-C88b). Braun said, "tailBeacon's uniquely compelling form factor has struck a chord with customers. It is the right product at the right time, and we are thrilled to complement our skyBeacon offering with it.”

uAvionix expects final TSO approval from the ACO within weeks, followed by the initial STC shortly thereafter. As with skyBeacon, once the initial STC is approved, installation on other aircraft types can be quickly and easily approved as a minor alteration.