Regulatory updates, retrofit planning and technical guidance on radar altimeters, ADS-B and GNSS/SBAS, from the FreeFlight Systems engineering and customer success teams.
What the FAA radio altimeter rule means at the install: antennas, coax, filters, service bulletins, approvals and interfaces. Answers for avionics technicians.
New FAA rule on interference-tolerant radio altimeters, published July 31, 2026. Why the rule exists, compliance dates, what it means for aircraft already upgraded, and the Terrain Series path.
ADS‑B In isn’t optional—it’s mandated. With the upcoming safety mandate and daily operational demands, pilots need more than compliance—they need clarity, confidence, and cockpit control.
🔹 FreeFlight Systems’ Dual‑Band ADS‑B In delivers:
>Traffic awareness via 1090 MHz & 978 MHz
>Real-time weather & NOTAMs through FIS‑B
>TCAS II fusion for enhanced collision avoidance
>Seamless integration with modern flight decks and legacy systems
>Certified retrofit readiness with broad STC support
SELCAL decoders are engineered for performance, using advanced circuitry and intuitive setup features to deliver consistent results.
Key Benefits:
> Solid-state circuitry with switched capacitor filters
> Thumbwheel coding simplifies configuration
> Supports 43,680 code combinations and 10,920 tones
> High-performance decoder circuit minimizes false alerts
In high-stakes environments, SELCAL decoders ensure continuous communication with ground stations—critical for safety and coordination.
Key Benefits:
>Robust connectivity during geopolitical tensions
>Compliance with global aviation standards
>Supports secure and timely ATC updates
>Enhances fleet readiness and reliability
Reduce cockpit noise and improve situational awareness with SELCAL decoders. Pilots receive alerts only when needed, minimizing distractions.
Key Benefits:
>Filters out unselected signals to prevent false alerts
>Creates a serene cockpit environment by reducing HF chatter
>Enables rapid communication during emergencies
>Supports uninterrupted focus during critical flight phases
SELCAL decoders eliminate manual monitoring, allowing pilots to focus on flying safely and efficiently.
Key Benefits:
>Seamless integration with VHF and HF transceivers
>Thumbwheel coding for easy setup—no wire jumpers needed
>Lightweight, low-power design for easy retrofit
>Exceeds airline category requirements
As global airspace becomes more complex and performance-based navigation standards evolve, upgrading to a certified GNSS/SBAS solution is no longer optional—it’s strategic.
Benefits of the 1203C Upgrade:
> Rapid 5 Hz Position Updates:
Ensures real-time accuracy across all flight phases.
> LPV & RNP Support:
Enables precision approaches without reliance on ground-based nav aids.
>Spoofing Recovery Built-In:
Maintains signal integrity in RF-challenged environments.
> MTBF >100,000 Hours
> Seamless ADS-B Integration
With new satellites and stricter mandates, operators need receivers that keep pace. The 1203C delivers certified performance and global coverage.
> TSO-C145c certified
> Approved for ADS-B Out
> Multiple STCs for retrofit installs
> Reliable across ICAO jurisdictions
Five questions tell you which compliance date applies and what the retrofit involves.
