Similar to other busy airspace, 88NV will require ADS-B-Out for aircraft in the “airplane” and “rotorcraft” categories in 2025.
Why? When in operation, 88NV often ranks in the top 100 busiest airports nationally. Yet we do not have even basic radar coverage! ADS-B, when universally installed, largely fills that gap, improving safety, improving efficiency, and reducing frayed nerves for pilots and ATC alike. Complete ADS-B data also allows us to improve our flight procedures in a data-driven manner — with the help of this information, our safety metrics have improved considerably since 2022.
This policy is not intended to exclude anyone — there are some exceptions described further below, however note that prior approval is required. Contact us by August 1.
Specifics on the requirement:
- ADS-B position reports must be received at the tower from all airplanes and rotorcraft arriving or departing 88NV, within a 15nm radius from 88NV (i.e. approximately inside of Empire.) This includes scenic flights.
- ADS-B “anonymous mode” and ICAO temporary/private addresses may be used.
- ADS-B “In” is not required.
- Either ADS-B band may be used (UAT or 1090ES.)
- Weight-shift control aircraft (regardless of FAA category) and powered parachutes are recommended but not required to participate.
- LSAs are required to participate.
Common Concerns/Exceptions:
- I don’t have ADS-B: it’s time to install. It will benefit your safety and the safety of others when flying in congested airspace, both at 88NV and elsewhere.
- My aircraft doesn’t have an electrical system, or it would be a great hardship for me to install: Keep in mind that 2-way radio communication is also required to operate at 88NV. But if your airplane or wallet is really not compatible, get in touch, we may have an 88NV-only battery-powered tracking solution you can borrow. However it is not ADS-B and is not as good as ADS-B (won’t be visible to other aircraft using ADS-B-In). Prior approval is required before flying to 88NV – contact us before August 1.
- I am worried my system will fail in flight and I will be turned away: please test your system using PAPR here. Installs that are routinely unreliable pre-playa in the PAPR database are expected to be repaired before reaching the playa. This also goes for installs that routinely broadcast incorrect altitude data, which was seen on several aircraft in 2024. If your system fails in flight to the playa, we will be happy to assist you in fixing it when you arrive.
- I want to request a waiver for inop ADS-B per 14 CFR 91.225(g), or using the ADAPT deviation process: You are welcome to do that for your en-route travel, but this does not take the place of receiving prior approval from 88NV. Contact us before August 1.
Inop or missing equipment:
If it is determined that your aircraft was not equipped with properly-functioning ADS-B-Out equipment prior to your flight to 88NV, and you did not receive prior approval, you will not be able to fly during the event, and will not be allowed to return to 88NV until ADS-B is installed.
Regardless of prior approvals, any aircraft without a functioning ADS-B-Out system may be limited to fly only during less-busy periods of the day, and only with pre-flight coordination with ATC. This also applies to anyone with an en-route or on-playa failure.