Guatemala and El Salvador Introduce ADS-B Out Mandates

Guatemala and El Salvador have introduced mandates requiring aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B Out systems to fly in specified airspace. The new requirements took effect in the Central American countries on December 31 and January 1, respectively.

According to UAS International Trip Support, Guatemala and El Salvador are so far the only jurisdictions in the MHCC/Central America FIR to introduce ADS-B Out mandates. The requirement still does not apply in Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Use of ADS-B Out systems is intended to make operations safer by more accurately tracking aircraft locations. This can be especially helpful in areas with limited radar cover.

ADS-B requirements apply to aircraft operating IFR flights with a maximum takeoff weight of 12,566 pounds or greater, and/or a maximum true airspeed in excess of 250 knots. Individual states have imposed mandates covering different flight levels and routings.

Exemption can be secured for aircraft with certificates of airworthiness issued before June 7, 1995, or which will cease operations by October 31, 2025. They can also be issued for flights being conducted purely for maintenance work or as part of an export process.