TDR-94D Transponders: Are You Compliant?

August 2017

Owner/operators who upgraded their Rockwell Collins TDR-94D transponders in 2014 or earlier may not be in compliance with the FAA’s ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) mandate.

The transponders were manufactured to the DO-260/260A, which was an earlier requirement for Australia and other parts of the world. The version the United States uses, DO-260B, changed the requirements and the part number, primarily to eliminate latency and add annunciation requirements. This standard was later accepted as the worldwide standard by all civil air authorities.

Transponders with part numbers of 409 or lower are not compliant with the mandate and will need to be upgraded in the waning months before January 1, 2020.

To fully upgrade to ADS-B prior to the mandate deadline, you’ll need to put down your aircraft for a week or two. Contact a Satellite Avionics Shop to reserve a slot (www.duncanaviation.aero/locations/#satellites) or call Duncan Aviation (+1 402.475.2611) for more information.