The race to develop a practical and affordable ADS-B solution that will be attractive to general aviation pilots is being led by transponder experts Trig Avionics.

Trig recently took another major step in this process by becoming the first company in the world to be awarded FAA TSO C166b certification for their TT31 and TT22 1090ES ADS-B Out transponders. This is a major milestone reflecting Trig’s achievement in demonstrating higher standards of software and equipment compliance as part of the FAA’s NextGen Airspace initiative. NextGen requires all aircraft to operate with certified ADS-B Out equipment by 2020.

Andy Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Trig said, “Achieving C166b certification demonstrates our commitment to provide light sports and general aviation pilots with a fully viable ADS-B solution ahead of 2020. As a company we aim to offer affordable transponder technology that is here today, but ready for tomorrow. With the majority of the U.S. national ADS-B infrastructure expected to be established and operational in 2013, we will see pilots taking advantage of ADS-B technology well before 2020”.

The TT31 is a popular retro-fit for the KT76A, and the TT22 is the world’s smallest Mode S general aviation transponder. Underlining Trig’s commitment to existing customers, the TT31 and TT22 ADS-B transponders can both be updated with new software which is due to be released in spring 2012, via Trig’s Approved Dealer network. This update will bring all existing TT31 and TT22 hardware up to the new C166b standard.

Concluding Andy said, “As a pilot I recognise that the cost of installing ADS-B avionics for many aircraft owners will be a serious financial challenge. That’s why Trig has developed products that are very competitive, of high quality and enable compliance with the ADS-B Out mandate with the minimum of installation difficulties”.

Further information can be found at www.trig-avionics.com