Airplanes R Us: Basic Med and the ADS-B Mandate

From the June 2019 newsletter, by John Meyers, page 8

Open the PDF at page 8 See the whole June 2019 issue

FAA and regulations

This is midpoint in year 2019, and I can think of two “hot” items that are not necessarily universal to all local aviators but have some pertinence for general discussion:

BASIC MED. This writer will soon make a visitation to a general practitioner in hopes of completing the steps for “Basic Medical.” It is an attractive way to continue my aviation experience as a senior aviator. It appears that my list of ailments and complaints do not disqualify me from this “certification.” It is not without some sad sentiment that I would allow my regular Airmen’s Medical to expire. It has been my continuous “friend” and enabled livelihood since 1961.
ADS-B MANDATE. So when we wake up on New Year’s Day 2020, the regulatory world of airspace will have a new layer of regulation and compliance issues. If you are like Rip Van Winkle and your airplane is not ADS-B “out” equipped, you may need to change your “fly-to-lunch” habits.

From Sequim (and the whole of North Olympic Peninsula) you can actually fly “local” and not violate anything if you are lacking ADS-B “out” after January 1. Let’s call that “ADS-Bandito”. Here are some “ADS-Bandito” examples I can think of:

a) YES, I can fly KCLM to lunch at PT (0S9). Port Angeles is Class E to the surface but that airspace is not part of the new mandate … and Jefferson Co. Airport is OK as well. NO, I cannot fly to Bremerton for lunch because it sits under the Mode C Veil of Seattle airspace centered upon KSEA. If you are ADS-Bandito, there are a whole bunch of square miles around SEA where you cannot go. If Pi-R-Squared is still correct, then you are banished from 2827 square miles around SEA , thus your dining choices are limited in that direction.

b) YES, I can fly to Bellingham (KBLI) and the San Juans as “ADS-Bandito.” So, towered airports like KBLI are Class D … and are not mentioned in the new requirements. Along the way, you might find Whidbey Approach to be customarily helpful but not allowing entry into their Class C airspace, according to the new rules.

c) How about KPAE, Paine Field ? It is a Class D airport… but it sits under the Mode C Veil. Big fat bummer…. Nope !

Once we pass January 1 and ADS-B becomes effective, there will be some revelations, awakenings, and interpretations. Seems like getting the equipment installed is the way to go … but … if you are satisfied with some geographical constraints, then maybe not.

John Meyers