What is ADS-B?
ADS-B stands for “Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast” and is one of the improvements in the NEXGEN upgrade to the world’s Air Traffic Control System. I say the world because NEXGEN is a a U.S. concept but ADS-B will be installed all around the world. In the U.S. pilots who fly in areas where a Mode A/C transponder is required today must have an ADS-B “OUT” compliant aircraft by Jan. 1, 2020. The goal of ADS-B is to convert the ATC system from radar based to satellite based and to therfore provide a more reliable and safer way to separate aircraft. ADS-B will in fact, allow more aircraft into a given airspace because the location of each aircraft’s position will be more accurate. This is of significant advantage to the airlines and will hopefully make flying a GA aircraft in this country in VFR or IFR conditions safer.
Where is ADS-B Required?
Today, all aircraft that fly within certain “controlled airspace” must have a Mode A/C transponder on board and functioning. After Jan 1, 2020, all of these aircraft must have an ADS-B “Out” device on board and functioning to fly in this airspace. Commercial aircraft are frequently required to install new equipment that the FAA deems necessary to operate safely but this is the first time that I am aware of that the average GA aircraft owner flying a private, small aircraft has been asked to “invest” in safety equipment.
What Equipment is Required to meet the ADS-B Mandate?
The 2020 Mandate is for ADS-B Out however the real feature and benefit of ADS-B to pilots in ADS-B IN which provides WX and Traffic information courtesy of the FAA. ADS-B Out requires either an Mode S ES (Extended Squitter) transponder operating on 1090 MHz or a UAT (Universal Access Transmitter or Transceiver) operating on 978 MHz. Aircraft that fly above 18,000 feet must use 1090 MHz or the transponder option while smaller aircraft may use either the 1090 Transponder option or a UAT on 978 Mhz. Of interest, the U.S. is the only place in the world (at this time) that is using 978 MHz. The rest of the world settled on 1090 MHz as the standard. This means that there are two frequencies being used in the U.S. in an attempt to maximize bandwidth but it creates an other issue. How does an aircraft on 978 “see” aircraft on 1090? The answer is through a “rebroadcast” from the ADS-B system which happens seconds later.
How do you decide which Equipment is right for me?
You do your homework or … you let someone do that for you! ADS-B Out equipment must be TSO’d and there are nine manufacturers making ADS-B out “certified” equipment and many more than that making ADS-B certified and non certified “IN” equipment. Note there is no requirement that ADS-B “IN” equipment be certified unless the device will interface to a certified display of some kind. Portable ADS-B receivers displayed on a smart tablet is very popular in combination with a certified ADS-B “OUT” device. Choosing the right ADS-B equipment starts by identifying how you fly, what you have now (that may interface) and how much you want to spend. I am very knowledgeable about ADS-B and the products available and once I know your “situation” and budget, I can point you towards the right ADS-B “solution” for you and your aircraft! We can accomplish this in a single, one-hour phone conversation.
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Bob Hart www.AvionixHelp.com