CAA extends Electronic Conspicuity device rebate scheme (again)

The rebate scheme for pilots to buy Electronic Conspicuity devices for up to half price has been extended – again – by the CAA and Department for Transport.

The scheme was set up to encourage the adoption of Electronic Conspicuity (EC) within the UK’s General Aviation (GA) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) communities. The CAA is distributing these funds via a rebate scheme.

Now, the CAA has announced the scheme will remain open to applications until 31 March 2024 or until the funding is used. Those meeting the requirements can claim a 50% rebate of the purchase cost of an EC device to a maximum of £250.00 (including VAT), per applicant.

What are the requirements to apply?

• Funding is for carry-on or aircraft-fitted devices only. Ground system components do not qualify for this scheme.
• Applicants can claim once for a single rebate of 50% – up to £250 – on EC equipment purchased. Organisations/charities can claim for multiple devices on the same rebate terms.
• Applicants to claim for equipment purchased up to 31 March 2024.
• Funding for up to 3500 rebates from 9 August 2021.
• If the funding allocated (up to 3500 rebates) is used before 31 March 2024 an earlier closing date will be agreed and published.
• You must produce a proof of purchase receipt.

You must hold at least one of the following UK issued pilot licences (UK or EASA part FCL):

• Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL)
• National PPL (NPPL)
• Sailplane Pilot’s Licence (SPL)
• Balloon Pilot’s Licence (BPL)
• Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (LAPL)

Or be a registered member of the British Gliding Association (BGA), holding a current BHPA, ‘Pilot’ or ‘Club Pilot’ rating, or a registered pilot of the Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors (APPI) and a UK resident.

If you are UAS/UAV operator then you must hold an authorisation issued specifically by the CAA (i.e. a permission, exemption or “operational authorisation”). General Exemptions, permissions or authorisations which are aimed at a wider and non-specific group of operators are not included.

Charities undertaking aviation activity, aviation clubs and flight training organisations are also eligible. Only one bulk application per organisation/charity is allowed. Aviation club applications are limited to Chair and Club Secretary level applications while charities are asked to provide proof of their charitable status.

What equipment is in scope of this rebate scheme?

The main equipment able to be used on an aircraft for EC purposes currently available (and that a refund can be claimed against) includes:

• ADS-B Out capable transponder inclusive of GNSS position source (Mode S ES Enabled).
• ADS-B Out capable transponder without GNSS position source (Mode S ES)
• Certified GNSS source for Mode S ES transponders (Including a GNSS position sources in line with the recently published AIC2019Y141, example being Trig TN72)
• FLARM
• Power FLARM
• Pilot Aware Rosetta
• Sky Echo 2

The CAA will consider requests from device manufacturers for alternative or newly developed equipment to be added on a case by case basis. At a minimum, devices need to be emitting and/or transmitting position and speed information on a dedicated frequency.

How to apply

Login or register for an account on the CAA online customer portal. This is a one-off process so if you have already registered you can log in using your existing account.

If you are registering for a new account, then you will need to wait for an email from us confirming your account is live. Please see our guidance on the customer portal for more information.

Once logged in to your account on the portal you can complete the EC rebate online application form where you will be asked to supply details and evidence of your purchase.

What are the benefits of Electronic Conspicuity?

The CAA said, “EC can play a vital role in three key areas to support the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS):

1. Enabling the on-going modernisation of the UK’s airspace structure and route network.
2. Helping to mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions in Class G, and infringements into controlled airspace.
3. Enabling the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft.

Click here for full details