F L I G H T P L A N N I N G
ADS-B basics
Automatic Dependant Surveillance
- Broadcast (ADS-B) is a system that
requires no pilot input or external
interrogation; depends on accurate
position and velocity data from
the aircraft’s navigation system;
provides aircraft position, altitude,
velocity, and other surveillance data
to Air Traffic Control, and broadcasts
information continually so that it can
be monitored.
ADS-B broadcasts data around
every half of a second on a 1090MHz,
digital data link. Broadcasts can
include information such as flight
identification data, position, altitude,
velocity and emergency codes. Ground
stations receive ADS-B out signals at
ranges of up to 250 nautical miles.
ADS-B is becoming a mandatory
requirement in the USA for aircraft
that fly above 10,000ft at the start
of next year and on June 7 in Europe
for all aircraft that weigh more than
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5,700 kg (12,500 lbs) or have a max
cruise speed greater than 250 knots.
Other areas of the world have already
mandated ADS-B Out or are at a
similar stage to Europe and the USA
regarding its introduction.
Older aircraft must retrofit
ADS-B out transmitters and a global
positioning system receiver to comply
with the new regulations. Modification
costs range between US$4,000 and
US$20,000, depending on the system
selected and the aircraft. New aircraft
are being supplied with the system
already present.
ADS-B In is a receiver fitted on an
aircraft which enables the crew to
receive free information about the
position of other aircraft, traffic and
weather. ADS-B In either displays on
a computer screen or electronic flight
bag. The installation and operation of
ADS-B Out is not being mandated by
aviation authorities.
The use of ADS-B enables
trip support information
such as weather and air
traffic to be transmitted
directly to an aircraft
Simon Hocquard is director general of CANSO, the
global trade association for air navigation service providers.
He is genuinely excited about the new technology, which he
calls a “game-changer”. He says, “When I was working as a
controller in the UK it never ceased to amaze me that aircraft
would disappear as they travelled over the North Atlantic
and then reappear on the other side. You would count them
on the way in and way out. To have the capability now to see
aircraft anywhere in the world at any time is extraordinary.”
Deadline exceptions
Such a large advance in ATC technology impacts the way
business aviation flights are planned and managed. But
the immediate consideration for business and general
aviation has been fitting out aircraft to ensure they meet the
mandated deadlines for ADS-B Out (see box ADS-B basics).
With a fleet of thousands of aircraft, one of the most
contentious issues in the USA has been what happens
if an aircraft is not ADS-B Out equipped in time for the
FAA’s January deadline. In April, the FAA issued a policy
that outlined how aircraft without ADS-B may be able to
operate in restricted airspace. The exception gives aircraft
one-off allowances at ATC’s discretion and will be used
when an aircraft that normally operates outside of an ADS-B
mandated environment needs to move through an ADS-B
mandated environment.
David Kang, Avplan trip support account manager says,
“This is not a waiver or permit for ADS-B. The FAA has