In the scenario where ADS-B is inoperative at CRQ, what must you obtain before departure?

• A. ADAPT airspace authorization
• B. ATC clearance only
• C. A flight plan amendment
• D. A flight review

Answer: (A)

ADS-B outages in areas where surveillance relies on ADS-B require a special preflight authorization to protect airspace safety. At CRQ, the designated ADAPT airspace allows operations to continue under approved procedures even when ADS-B is inoperative. This ADAPT authorization is issued by ATC/FAA before you depart and sets the conditions for your flight—such as route, altitude, and timing—so you can be handled safely using alternative surveillance and procedures. Without this authorization, you would be operating outside the approved plan for ADS-B-inoperative operations. Simply having ATC clearance, filing a flight plan amendment, or a routine flight review does not provide the necessary ADAPT authorization for this situation.