ADS-B

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is an aircraft surveillance system.

Aircraft receive accurate and precise location data from a satellite constellation and then broadcast this information through a transponder. This data can then be used by air traffic management services to maintain aircraft separation.

ADS-B grant scheme latest

The ADS-B grant scheme has now received over 1800 applications and almost 1500 claims since the scheme was launched in March 2020. By the end of March 2022, over $4m will have been put back into the aviation system, providing participants with some welcome relief.

Visit ADS-B grant scheme(external link)

ADS-B grant eligibility criteria

Updated 3 August 2021.

Aircraft owners who meet the criteria below will be eligible for ADS-B grants up to $2500+GST for ADS-B OUT and $500+GST for ADS-B IN. ADS-B grants will be paid up to these maximum amounts as a contribution to the costs associated with purchasing, installing and/or enabling ADS-B capability on eligible aircraft:

• The aircraft for which a grant application is made must be on the New Zealand Register at the time of application.
  • Note: ‘Ownership’ for the purpose of the grant scheme is determined by the name under which the aircraft appears on the New Zealand Aircraft Register.
  • Note: If the aircraft has multiple owners then only one application for each grant type can be made.
• The aircraft must have a Maximum Certified Take-Off Weight less than 7500 kg.
• The ADS-B OUT equipment installed must meet the requirements of CAA Notice NTC91.258.
• Eligible aircraft that have had Notice NTC91.258 compliant equipment installed from 14 June 2014 are eligible for ADS-B grants.
• Each eligible aircraft may receive one grant for ADS-B OUT and one grant for ADS-B IN on the provision of acceptable evidence to the CAA.
• ADS-B installations that occur at the time of aircraft manufacture, or before its arrival in New Zealand, are not eligible for ADS-B grants.
  • Note: For new aircraft where Notice NTC91.258 compliant ADS-B OUT equipment has been specifically chosen over the standard installation, and can be evidenced as such, an application will be considered. 
• ADS-B installations that replace an older Notice NTC91.258 compliant version of ADS-B are not eligible for ADS-B grants, however if the original installation meets the remaining criteria an application will be considered.
• Grant applications cannot be submitted until an ADS-B installation has been booked with a workshop, or installation has already occurred.
• Grant claims cannot be submitted until the equipment to be installed, and the acceptable technical data used to install the equipment, have been accepted by the CAA.

General notes

The amount of ADS-B grant funding available is capped, therefore grants will be allocated on a first-in first-served basis.

Once an application has been submitted, evidence of acceptable installation and testing must be provided to the CAA, and approved within six months. If this is not received within six months, then the application will be rejected, and the application process will need to be restarted.

Payment of ADS-B grants will not occur until the CAA is satisfied that the installed equipment and acceptable technical data is suitable, meets the rule requirements, and has been demonstrated to do so.