A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts yesterday told Australian Flying that the government will monitor the ADS-B fitment rebate scheme as the second deadline draws near.
The scheme, designed to encourage owners of VFR aircraft to voluntarily fit ADS-B Out or Electronic Conspicuity (EC) devices, has been hampered since it began in August 2022 by difficulty obtaining qualifying avionics and a lack of engineers to fit them.
With the current deadline set for 31 May, the government has said they will monitor the situation, but stopped short of committing to extending the deadline.
"Around $2.64 million in rebates have already been provided under the Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS-B) Broadcast Rebate Program as of 25 February 2024," the spokesperson said.
"This has supported the instalment of ADS-B systems in over 1300 aircraft, giving pilots better situational awareness and enhancing Australia’s aviation search and rescue capabilities.
"$15 million in funding is available under the program over the 2023-24 financial year, with the application deadline being 31 May 2024.
"Having already extended the program by a year last federal Budget to give eligible general and recreational aviation operators more time to install the technology in their aircraft, the Government continues to monitor the program’s uptake to ensure it is fit-for-purpose."
Originally intended to sunset on the same date last year, the department extended the deadline by 12 months when it became clear that the GA industry needed more time to secure equipment and have it fitted.
By 30 April 2023, only 635 aircraft had been fitted with a total value of $740,000. In total, to 25 February this year, 1357 out of 1516 grant applications have been approved and paid out.
The subsidy program is open to owners of GA or recreational VFR aircraft to fit either panel-mounted ADS-B equipment or electronic conspicuity (EC) devices such as SkyEcho II. The scheme will rebate up to 50% of fitment cost up to $5000.