Eligible aircraft owners will be able to apply for government grants to fit ADS-B Out to VFR aircraft from 17 June 2022.
The grant program, which was announced as part of the coalition government's Aviation Recovery Framework, provides grants until 31 May 2023 or until the $30 million allocated to the program runs out.
Both VH- and RAAus-registered aircraft are eligible for a 50% rebate up to $5000 for purchase and fitment of panel-mounted ADS-B or for purchase of electronic conspicuity devices like SkyEcho 2.
"The objective of the program is to incentivise voluntary uptake of ADS-B equipment in Australian-registered aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules to improve safety and efficiency for Australian airspace users," the Grant Opportunity guidelines state.
"The intended outcome of the program is improved safety and efficiency of Australian airspace, through extension of ADS-B technology to the Australian VFR aircraft fleet."
According to the grant guidelines, having more VFR aircraft on ADS-B will provide better situational awareness for pilots, enhanced SAR capabilties and greater positional accuracy of VFR aircraft for ATC.
Equipment eligible for a rebate includes FAA TSO'd units, EU TSO authorised equipment and non-TSO'd ADS-B that is demonstrated to "technically equivalent". ADS-B systems that include ADS-B In functionality are also covered by the grant program.
ADS-B that meets Section 26.67 of the CASR Part 91 Manual of Standards (MOS) and transponders with external or internal Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position source all meet the criteria for a rebate.
The only portable ADS-B units acceptable are electronic conspicuity (EC) devices that meet the requirements of Section 26.72C of the Part 91 MOS.
Aircraft required to have IFR-standard ADS-B fitted are not eligible.
More information on eligiblity and how to apply for a rebate is contained on the Australian government's business website.
The Grant Opportunity guidelines are available by clicking the link below.