EDMO Distributors has introduced the TBX-BOOT, a protective cover designed to shield the uAvionix tailBeaconX from damage while the aircraft is parked.
Made of high visibility orange PETG plastic, the boot is customized to provide a “hand-in-glove” protective fit over the tailBeaconX’s clear glass globe and dual ADS-B antennas to prevent accidental breakage, according to company officials.
Price: $49.95.
For more information: EDMO.com
This IS a problem for many tailBeaconX owners of taildraggers or aircraft with tail beacon locations that might result in the dual antennas being scuffed or snagged and broken off. I sat through a couple uAvionix training seminars at KOSH last July where this was mentioned as an issue of concern because it had actually happened to several people. EDMO obviously was listening. I have no problem spending $50 to protect a $2500 investment. If your tailBeaconX is 8ft in the air, don’t buy the boot as you clearly don’t need it; but why badmouth an innovative idea just because it doesn’t apply to you?
So now the pilot who forgets to remove his/her pitot tube cover can have a “perfect” day
by forgetting to remove his tailbeacon cover also.
Should make for an interesting flight.
An over priced solution to a non existent problem.
I can’t even reach mine without a ladder.
The very reason I went with it instead of a sky beacon.
What is it supposed to be protecting it from?
Certainly NOT from looking ridiculous.
49 bucks? YGBKM?
I’m not very familiar with ADSB but, first of all I assume it can stay on all of the time, Secondly,it seems to me that with the 2 antennas sticking out it can still be whacked and broken.
What am I missing ?
Per the FAA it must be on during all aircraft movement, ground and air.
The unit shown has 2 antennas, others have only one.
The antennas are fairly short so, little risk of damage.
The tail beacon on my Cessna is about 7 feet off the ground…. no need for this, and I couldn’t reach it if I did.!
Great profit for EDMO, it’s only costs them a dollar in 3D filament and the time to print it.