Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced yesterday that the rebate for fitting ADS-B systems to VFR aircraft would be extended and expanded.
Speaking in the aftermath of Tuesday night's Federal Budget, King said the ALP government would continue the rebate scheme despite the looming 31 May deadline.
"To further enhance aviation safety, we will provide $3.6 million over three years from 2024-25 to extend and expand the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) rebate program, supporting general and recreational aviation operators to install ADS-B devices in their aircraft, bringing about improved airspace management and safety," she said.
Rob Walker, CEO of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) applauded the rebate extension.
“We are ... pleased to see the Government will provide $3.6 million over three years from 2024-25 to extend support for the Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADSB) Program for the benefit of general and recreational aviation operators to encourage the installation of ADS-B in their aircraft, he said.
"The safety benefits of alerted see and avoid that ADS-B provides all aviation participants cannot be underestimated."
The rebate scheme began in 2022, offering a subsidy of to 50% or $5000 for VFR aircraft owners who voluntarily fit ADS-B avionics in the form of panel-mounted systems or electronic conspicuity (EC) devices.
In the first year, shortages of equipment hampered the program causing the rebate to be continued for another 12 months. Since then, engineer availability has further restricted the ability for some owners to take up the subsidy offer.
As of 25 February this year, 1357 out of 1516 grant applications have been approved and paid out, representing a very small proportion of Australia's GA and recreational VFR fleet.
Grant applications will need to be submitted through the Federal Government's business website.