Story ID: 
ANAC Validates Taillight ADS-B Transponder
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The Brazilian STC for uAvionix's tailBeaconX ADS-B transponder covers more than 250 single-engine airplane models.
Word Count: 226
Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) has validated the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the uAvionix tailBeaconX 1090 MHz ADS-B transponder. With the validation, the tailBeaconX is available for installation in more than 250 single-engine airplanes in Brazil, according to uAvionix, “including Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper, Mooney, Tecnam, and Socata.”

The tailBeaconX includes a rear navigation light, ADS-B Out with Mode S, SBAS GPS, and antennas in a compact, lightweight package. It replaces an airplane’s typical tail-mounted position light, which makes installation of the transponder fairly simple.

Aircraft fitted with a tailBeaconX need a control head for the transponder, and uAvionix offers the AV-30-C electronic flight instrument for that role. ANAC has also issued an STC for installation of the AV-30-C, but uAvionix is developing other control methods using its equipment or third-party devices. Because its antenna faces the sky and ground, the tailBeaconX also meets the requirement for use of space-based ADS-B that is being implemented in Canada.

According to uAvionix, “With the growing use of ADS-B in Brazil, tailBeaconX will offer a permanently installed ADS-B Out solution for certified general aviation aircraft, while offering optimal visibility to other aircraft and drones equipped with ADS-B receivers, saving aircraft owners thousands of pounds [in weight] for equipment and installation as compared to other systems.”