Daleandee
Final Approach
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- Dale Andee
Following up on the very early messages about not being able to install ADS-B Out in an Ultralight, that may not necessarily be true.
Apparently you can install a battery operated uAvionix SkyBeacon in an Ultralight. It has to be a Permanent installation and would take a FSDO approval as the FAA looks at it as a Major Alteration. But I bet if you talked to the FSDO first and pointed out the safety gain for both you and other traffic, like the jet you mentioned, they'd probably tell you to go ahead and then sign it off at completion.
And again with the jet not being where you thought it would be.... Another prime example of why NOT to use Internet Data for Traffic. Works a lot of the times, but when there is latency in the server/systems, it can become very dangerous for all.
Apparently you can install a battery operated uAvionix SkyBeacon in an Ultralight. It has to be a Permanent installation and would take a FSDO approval as the FAA looks at it as a Major Alteration. But I bet if you talked to the FSDO first and pointed out the safety gain for both you and other traffic, like the jet you mentioned, they'd probably tell you to go ahead and then sign it off at completion.
And again with the jet not being where you thought it would be.... Another prime example of why NOT to use Internet Data for Traffic. Works a lot of the times, but when there is latency in the server/systems, it can become very dangerous for all.
What the heck is a major alteration of an ultralight? Where the hell is that defined?
Stevel
Line Up and Wait
One can be certain and wrong at the same time.
ColinD
Line Up and Wait
While flying an airplane, I've encountered a flight of two paramotors emerge from a grass strip and begin climbing a few miles ahead of me. They were a lot easier to spot than the typical GA airplane traffic, probably because they were so slow moving and brightly colored.
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It makes no sense that portable ADSB isn’t available for UL’s, Cubs and the like. See and avoid sucks. And I’d never concede airspace because “you’re close to airspace you shouldn’t be in”. Thats a slippery slope.
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No, the jet nearly killed him.
No real clue. My **guess** is that they really don't know how to address alterations or adding permanent equipment in an Ultralight. So this why it takes a little more paperwork and an inspection.
You might reach out to uAvionix if you were thinking about it to see if they had any guidance.
Hang 4
En-Route
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Not correct. Part 103 has no regulations regarding the vehicle itself other than weight, amount of fuel, max speed and stall speed. No way to create paperwork and no such thing as an inspection.
Except Part 43 does not apply to ultralights since it has no airworthiness certification or standards requirements, and so on. The only inspection required, if needed, is to see if the vehicle meets the Part 103 limitations. So you can add whatever equipment you want provided you remain within those 103 limitations and the equipment doesnt violate any other rule.
Well, don't shoot the messenger that things are changing.
I can't find the original article, but I just found a second source... A guy who added one for his flight to OSH. He gives some basic info in this video, so it sounds like it is a thing...
I can see that you likely can't install ADS-B since you don't have an N-number.
But can't think of any reason you couldn't install a Transponder.
I run a Trig TT22 with ADS-B in my sailplane off of a Lifepo4 battery.
Something like the TT21 would likely work ok in the ultralight but still cost close to $2500.
if you have 12V power available you could probably pick up something older for a lot less.
might want to add add an altitude encoder which would use more power and add more cost.
But wouldn't have to. A Transponder would at least get them looking for you.
Daleandee
Final Approach
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- Dale Andee
Help is on the way.
Bigfork, MT – 23 September 2025 – The FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations under 400’ AGL requires drones to carry ADS-B In and to yield to crewed aircraft that are transmitting an ADS-B Out signal.
But many aircraft fly below 400’ AGL including balloons, gliders, vintage planes, powered parachutes, ultralights, seaplanes, and ag aircraft. Many of these aircraft cannot easily accommodate a permanent ADS-B Out installation. The FAA is offering a new type of device, a portable EC device for these aircraft.
uAvionix has launched a new Pilot Awareness Website to allow this community to learn what EC is.
uAvionix’s new Pilot Awareness & Portable EC Hub shows how Portable Electronic Conspicuity (EC) offers an immediate, proven solution:
uAvionix urges every pilot to submit a public comment to the FAA supporting the acceptance of portable EC as a recognized method to extend the proven safety benefits of ADS-B to all aviators while offering an immediate solution for GA pilots to maintain right-of-way in these low altitude environments.
Pilots are also asked to share this message with fellow pilots, flight schools, and online aviation groups to strengthen the community’s voice to the FAA.
Learn more and file your comment here: https://uavionix.ac-page.com/EC_Pilot_Awareness
uAvionix Calls on Pilots to Support Portable EC under Part 108 Rule
Bigfork, MT – 23 September 2025 – The FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations under 400’ AGL requires drones to carry ADS-B In and to yield to crewed aircraft that are transmitting an ADS-B Out signal.
But many aircraft fly below 400’ AGL including balloons, gliders, vintage planes, powered parachutes, ultralights, seaplanes, and ag aircraft. Many of these aircraft cannot easily accommodate a permanent ADS-B Out installation. The FAA is offering a new type of device, a portable EC device for these aircraft.
uAvionix has launched a new Pilot Awareness Website to allow this community to learn what EC is.
uAvionix’s new Pilot Awareness & Portable EC Hub shows how Portable Electronic Conspicuity (EC) offers an immediate, proven solution:
- See and Be Seen – A portable EC device broadcasts ADS-B Out so other aircraft, including drones equipped with ADS-B In, can detect and avoid your aircraft.
- Low-Cost, Quick to Deploy – Compact, battery-powered units typically cost under $1,000, require no costly airframe modifications, and can move from aircraft to aircraft for owners of multiple aircraft.
- Private and Anonymous – An EC device does not transmit a signal that is traceable to your aircraft. Avoiding mid-air collisions only requires knowledge that an aircraft exists, not who it belongs to.
- Extends Right-of-Way Protection – Helps ensure GA pilots maintain right-of-way as intended by Part 108.
uAvionix urges every pilot to submit a public comment to the FAA supporting the acceptance of portable EC as a recognized method to extend the proven safety benefits of ADS-B to all aviators while offering an immediate solution for GA pilots to maintain right-of-way in these low altitude environments.
Pilots are also asked to share this message with fellow pilots, flight schools, and online aviation groups to strengthen the community’s voice to the FAA.
Learn more and file your comment here: https://uavionix.ac-page.com/EC_Pilot_Awareness
About uAvionix
uAvionix is a global leader in ADS-B and aviation safety technology, delivering innovative solutions that keep the National Airspace System safe and accessible for every aviator.Sounds more like uAvionix wants to increase their potential market share for their EC devices by having the FAA mandate ADSB or EC equipment for all manned flights below 500' vs supporting the requirement for the drones to have a DAA system installed. Be careful what you wish for.
The last video I watched stated you had to "Register" but I don't know what that means. Maybe you can get an N# if you're trying to get ADS-B Out.
Other thing might be that you "Register" like some of the drones do that have ADS-B Out.
Except that would require changes to several regulations as ultralights are not considered aircraft and do not qualify for an N-number. Technically, UAS or drones are considered aircraft so they can obtain a registration. Plus there are international requirements to adhere to with aircraft registrations as well.
Unless they are in the process of making those changes maybe??? I really don't know much about Ultralights, but it sounds like someone was pushing the "Safety" button to push it through.
Other than as a curiosity, it's not something I'm going to spend a lot of time on. But if it's something you want to track down, the guy in the video said to reach out to him for more info on how to do it.
Not really. Changes like these happen in a very predictable method. The Executor Order that pushed Part 108 to the forefront also pushed eVTOL ops to the front of the line. So at present there is only one NPRM in the mix for Part 108 and either the eVTOL move is following an existing NPRM or there will be a new notice published for that initiative. At best, "the guy in the video" may want to brush up on the NPRM process.
Pinecone
Final Approach
Old fashioned non-ADSB transponder does not need or use the N-number.
Daleandee
Final Approach
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