During Aero Club Airweek 2025 in Middelburg, African Pilot Editor Phillippa Dean spoke with Dean Polley, Director at SSASS, representing US-based uAvionix. The discussion focused on ADS-B – a transmission protocol now being adopted in South Africa ahead of a mandate driven by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Dean showcased several innovative, low-cost, and easy-to-install ADS-B solutions, including:
- tailBeaconX – replaces the tail navigation light and includes GPS and ADS-B Out
- skySensor – replaces a wingtip nav light and provides ADS-B In
- SkyEcho – a portable ADS-B transceiver for real-time traffic awareness
- ADS-B transponders for drones – with integrated GPS and barometer
Dean also outlined the upcoming 12 June 2025 compliance deadline for Class A airspace and discussed how ADS-B enhances situational awareness and contributes to safer skies.
