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Letters From Readers: July 2019

We asked uAvionix about this and were told that it released a skyBeacon firmware field update in March 2019 and the company has been shipping new units with that updated firmware in place since the February 2019 timeframe. There isn't firmware specific for 24-volt aircraft, but the updated firmware resolves a compatibility issue uAvionix observed when installed on 24-volt aircraft. The company also issued a service bulletin for the requirement and posted it on the company website.

Aviation Consumer Staff
Verified

skybeacon validation

I read your field report on the uAvionix skyBeacon installation and fly-off in the May 2019 Aviation Consumer. Incidentally, I had an A&P/IA install a skyBeacon in my 28-volt Cessna 172N and directly after the installation found that the unit won’t validate with the FAA’s radar inside the Mode-C veil, required for the FAA rebate.

I have been troubleshooting this problem with uAvionix and was told the problem is because my unit shipped without the newest firmware update. Buyers need to make sure their skyBeacon has current firmware. Since mine was out of date, this mistake is costing me lots of money and time to fix on my own because I have to fly for an hour back to the shop.

Aviation Consumer Staff