Air Carrier Inoperative ADS-B Authorized Deviation Request Process

TO Request an authorized deviation for inoperative ADS-B between the hours of 0600-2200 Eastern Time

Follow the steps listed in this document instead of guidance contained in the ADS-B Deviation Authorization Process Tool (ADAPT) User’s Guide. This process is intended to address limitations with ADAPT that are not suitable for handling of time-critical deviation requests associated with air carrier operations. This guidance revises Advisory Circular (AC) 90-114B CHG 1, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Operations, and the ADAPT User’s Guide instructions until these documents are updated.

Note: For most air carrier aircraft, ADS-B is inoperative when the transponder is inoperative. These instructions assume the aircraft transponder is otherwise operating normally, and that only the ADS-B function is inoperative.

1. For departures within two (2) hours of the request:
   1. Upon discovery of inoperative ADS-B:
      1. Flight crew contacts dispatcher.
      2. Dispatcher confirms the aircraft transponder and two-way communications are working properly.
      3. Dispatcher/air carrier representative contacts Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC) telephonically (contact information in Table below) for approval of the immediate operation.
   2. Upon JATOC review:
      1. JATOC will provide a prompt reply to dispatcher/air carrier representative.
      2. Dispatcher/air carrier representative relays approval for operations to flight crew; or
      3. Dispatcher/air carrier representative relays denial to flight crew and works to mitigate the situation.
2. For departures more than two (2) hours from the request:
   1. If subject aircraft is scheduled for additional operations in the coming days before maintenance action is possible, consistent with the approved minimum equipment list (MEL), dispatcher/air carrier representative will e-mail the ADAPT Help Desk (contact information in Table below) and relay the following information:
      1. Aircraft registration number (and flight numbers, if possible).
      2. Proposed departure and destination airport(s).
      3. Flight date(s).
      4. Number of operational days (if known).
      5. Planned date of repair.
      6. Confirmation that the aircraft transponder and two-way communication systems are operative.
      7. Email address for the dispatch/air carrier office making request.
   2. Request will be reviewed by appropriate FAA personnel.
   3. FAA ADAPT Helpdesk will email FAA approval/denial decision to the dispatcher and the air carrier. The approval email narrative may include approval limitations and a statement that use of ADAPT is NOT required to obtain an authorization for departures more than two (2) hours from the request.

      Contact Info - Only Available Between 0600-2200 Eastern Time
      JATOC Air Traffic (AJT) Desk	ADAPT Helpdesk
      Phone: 540-422-HELP (4357)	Phone: N/A
      Email: 9-ATO-JAJT@FAA.GOV	Email: adapthelp@faa.gov

TO Request an authorized deviation for inoperative ADS-B between the hours of 2201-0559 Eastern Time



1. Make the request directly with the appropriate Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility, as directed by regulation (summarized below).
2. In accordance with 14 CFR 91.225(g), operators must make requests for ATC-authorized deviations to the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over the concerned airspace or airport movement area within the time periods specified below:
   1. For operation of an aircraft with inoperative ADS-B equipment to the airport of ultimate destination (including any intermediate stops) or to proceed to a place where suitable repairs can be made, or both, the request may be made at any time.
   2. For operation of an aircraft that is not equipped with ADS-B Out, (91.225(g)(2)), the request must be made at least 1 hour before the proposed operation.
3. Air carriers are not precluded from using the ADAPT; however, there is no guarantee that an automatic authorized deviation will be issued.

AFS-400 [Published 5/20/24]