With just eight and half months left before the deadline for ADS-B Out takes effect in the U.S., Father Time is steadily approaching for thousands of turbine-powered business and general aviation aircraft in the U.S. fleet. Often depicted as an elderly man with wings, this symbol of the one-way march of time ironically looks set to participate in the grounding of a wide array of aircraft representing most manufacturers and aircraft size categories. While few believe that the looming ADS-B Out compliance deadline will be extended beyond Dec. 31, 2019, we will no doubt begin hearing more and more cries for help as the Grim Reaper approaches, aluminum-cutting scythe firmly in hand.
I am intrigued by the countless creative uses for out-of-service aircraft parts and pieces that seem to be as abundant as spring flowers, or weeds, depending on your perspective. I see flowers. A sizeable proportion of aircraft that will be coming out of service are truly timed-out, whether from maintenance status perspective, poor storage and pickling procedures, or economic obsolescence.
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