Frequently Asked Questions About FAA ADS-B Rebate

July 26, 2017

How long will the rebate program run?

The program will run for one year, or until the funds for all 20,000 rebates are exhausted. There are no plans to extend the program or increase the rebate. The last day to reserve a rebate is Sept. 18, 2017, if reservations are still available. As of now, it looks like they will be through Sept. 18. Once a reservation is established, you will still have time to complete the remaining steps in the process.

What is required before registering for the FAA’s ADS-B rebate?

The rebate reservation form requires the N-number of the eligible aircraft, make and model of the ADS-B equipment planned for installation, and the scheduled installation date. The rebate reservation software checks for aircraft eligibility using data from the FAA Civil Aircraft Registry.

Where do I go to make a reservation?

The ADS-B Rebate Reservation System is available at the ADS-B Rebate website: www.FAA.gov/go/rebate.

Why is the FAA requiring that aircraft must be flown in the airspace defined in 14 CFR 91.225 for a minimum of 30 minutes?

This type of flight is essential to confirm that the new avionics were installed properly and are rule-compliant. The rebate program targets pilots who typically fly in the designated rule airspace.

What do I need to do if I have received my PAPR report, but did not get my incentive code?

Aircraft owners should allow 24 hours to receive the e-mail from NoReplyADSBRebate@faa.gov, which will contain the Public ADS-B Performance Report (PAPR) and General Aviation Incentive Requirements Summary reports. Aircraft owners should check their spam and junk e-mail folders before contacting the ADS-B Rebate Program Office. If the reports do not arrive within 24 hours, e-mail ADSBRebateHelp@faa.gov and provide the aircraft tail number and date of the validation flight in Zulu time (UTC+0). The ADS-B Rebate Program Office will then manually check the database for the flight information.

Why is eligibility limited to TSO-certified equipment?

Because the rebate program is aimed at this segment of the general aviation community, only TSO-certified Version 2 equipment is eligible. The cost of TSO-certified equipment is typically higher than similar equipment that is not certified, making it less affordable for cost-sensitive customers. This program is geared to ensure full aircraft compliance to the rule, which will ensure continuous access to the rule airspace in 2020. The FAA maintains a list of the eligible equipment at www.FAA.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/equipment. This list is updated approximately every month. However, avionics manufacturers will have the latest status of TSO certification for their ADS-B Version 2 systems.

Why are software upgrades ineligible for this program?

The FAA Rebate Program considers a software upgrade an upgrade performed by personnel at an installation shop. This example is considered a software upgrade and therefore not eligible as a new equipment installation per the program rules, which require “permanent installation of new avionics equipment.”

Software upgrades are typically much less expensive than new equipment. Because the rebate program is aimed at cost-sensitive owners who need to equip to meet the deadline, eligibility is limited to the purchase of new ADS-B equipment following the rebate announcement.

Are aircraft with portable ADS-B “out” equipment eligible for the rebate?

Aircraft using portable units that have been flying in the national airspace system before September 19, 2016, cannot reserve a rebate without first contacting the ADS-B Rebate Program Office to request eligibility. Eligibility may be granted if ADS-B “out” avionics certified to FAA technical standard orders are permanently installed on the aircraft. To submit such a request, an aircraft owner must request consideration via ADSBRebateHelp@faa.gov. To be eligible, the aircraft owner must provide a clear picture of the portable unit and a serial number.

Because there may be a delay of up to one week from the time the request is submitted via e-mail, there’s no guarantee a rebate reservation will be available. The rebate program does not accept any responsibility for delays that are incurred during the process. The program limits one rebate per portable unit.

Does a certified installer or repair station have to do the installation to qualify for the rebate?

Aircraft owners who have a standard airworthiness aircraft — for example, parts 23, 25, 27, and 29 — may have the ADS-B equipment installed by a repair station, or an appropriately certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic. Owners of aircraft certificated as experimental or light sport must adhere to applicable regulations and established standards when installing ADS-B equipment.

What happens if the equipment is not installed on the scheduled date?

The ADS-B Rebate Program has allotted 60 days after the scheduled installation date to fly, validate, and claim the rebate. This allows the owner to resolve unforeseen issues with the installation or avionics. If the rebate is not claimed within 60 days of the initial scheduled installation date, the rebate reservation will be voided, and the aircraft owner will have to apply for a new one. Please note that the FAA does not guarantee that rebate reservations will be available.

After an aircraft owner successfully claims a rebate, how long will it take to receive a rebate payment?

If the program rules have been met, an applicant will receive the payment four to six weeks after the FAA has validated and approved the rebate claim.