Fitment check
Send us your make, model and a photo of the wingtip. We confirm whether the unit drops straight in or needs a uAvionix fairing adapter.
uAvionix/Factory authorized dealer & installer
ADS-B out,
on the wingtip
skyBeacon replaces your left wingtip position light with a compliant ADS-B Out transmitter, an integrated WAAS GPS and LED lighting. We install it, configure it, test it and sign the logbook.
What it is/Equipment data
One light.
Three wires.
Compliant.
The uAvionix skyBeacon is a self-contained ADS-B Out unit built into a wingtip position light. There is no separate box in the tailcone, no new antenna on the belly and no external GPS to mount.
It pairs with the Mode C or Mode S transponder already in your panel. Together they satisfy 14 CFR §91.227 when the unit is installed to the manufacturer's instructions.
Equipment specification
| ADS-B link | 978 MHz UAT, TSO-C154c Class B1S (DO-282B) |
|---|---|
| Position source | Integrated WAAS GPS — no external antenna or wiring |
| Altitude | Built-in encoder with continuous calibration against your transponder. No static system connection |
| Lighting | LED position light and anti-collision strobe in the same unit |
| Mounting | Forward left wingtip, in place of the existing position light |
| Transponder | Works with any operational Mode C or Mode S transponder |
| Airspace | United States only, below 18,000 ft. Above FL180 or international operations require 1090ES |
| Continued airworthiness | No scheduled inspection or preventative maintenance required |
Installation
Checklist
Fit and wire
The old position light comes off, skyBeacon goes on in the same location using existing wiring and the existing circuit breaker. No airframe modification, no new antenna.
Configure and test
We set the unit up for your aircraft; call sign, ICAO address, equipage codes, then run ground checks and confirm the GPS acquires and the transponder pairing is clean.
Paperwork and PAPR
Logbook entries and return-to-service documentation are handled by our shop. We'll also walk you through pulling an FAA Public ADS-B Performance Report after your next flight.
Most aircraft are about an hour of shop time plus configuration and paperwork. Older wingtips sometimes hide riveted backing plates or corrosion. If yours does, you'll hear about it from us before we go further.
Is it right
for your aircraft?
Good fit
Piston singles and twins flying domestic VFR and IFR below 18,000 ft, with an existing wingtip position light and a working transponder. This is the sweet spot.
Talk to us first
Aircraft with non-standard wingtips, aftermarket tip tanks or previously modified lighting. Usually solvable with an adapter, occasionally not — a photo settles it in minutes.
Wrong tool
Anything operating above FL180 or crossing borders. UAT won't cover you there. We install 1090ES systems for turbine and jet operators — different conversation, same phone number.
FAQ/Questions we actually get
FAQ
Does my aircraft qualify?
skyBeacon carries a broad approved model list STC covering hundreds of general aviation types. Aircraft outside that list can still be equipped — FAA policy allows follow-on ADS-B Out installations as a minor alteration where no airframe modification is required, so a field approval is generally not needed. Some wingtips need a uAvionix fairing adapter. Send us your make, model and a photo of the wingtip and we'll confirm before you order.
Do I still need a transponder?
Yes. skyBeacon is an ADS-B Out transmitter, not a transponder replacement. It works alongside an operational Mode C or Mode S transponder, and together they meet the requirements of 14 CFR §91.227.
Can I fly above 18,000 ft or outside the US?
No. skyBeacon transmits on 978 MHz UAT, which is approved for use only in the United States below 18,000 ft. Above FL180 or internationally you need a 1090ES solution. We install those too — call and we'll scope the right system for how you actually fly rather than the cheapest box on the shelf.
Does it connect to my static system?
No. The unit carries its own altitude encoder and continuously calibrates itself against your transponder's reported altitude, so no static plumbing is involved. That also means it doesn't change your pitot/static certification interval.
Does skyBeacon give me ADS-B In?
Not on its own — skyBeacon is an Out solution. If you want traffic and weather in the cockpit you'll need a receiver feeding a tablet or panel display. We can spec and install that at the same visit.
Do I need any recurring inspections on it?
There's no scheduled service or preventative maintenance requirement for continued airworthiness of the unit itself. Your normal transponder and static certifications continue on their usual schedule.
Where do you do the installs?
All three of our bases: Westchester County Airport (HPN) in West Harrison, Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale and Long Island MacArthur (ISP) in Ronkonkoma. If it's easier, our mobile crew can come to your ramp anywhere in the New York metro area.
Book it/Fitment check
Send us your
wingtip.
Tell us the aircraft and where it lives. We'll confirm fitment, quote the install and give you a slot, usually within the same week.