FAA Proposes Initial ADS-B Mandate by 2020

The FAA is proposing that all aircraft flying in U.S. controlled airspace be equipped with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) avionics by 2020.  Aircraft not flying in controlled airspace won't be required to have ADS-B avionics, but may choose to do so in order to realize the safety benefits.

These proposals would affect all U.S. commercial air carrier operations, foreign-flag carriers operating in the designated classes of U.S. airspace, air charter operations, air cargo operations, and a significant portion of the general aviation fleet.

The proposed rule is open to public comment for 90 days, and is scheduled to become final by late 2009.  The proposed compliance date of 2020 will give the industry more than 10 years to equip aircraft with the necessary avionics, the FAA says.

More specifically, the FAA is proposing ADS-B Out (message from the aircraft) performance requirements for all aircraft operations in Class A, B, and C airspace areas in America's NAS (national airspace system), and Class E airspace areas at or above 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) over the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia. The proposal also would require that aircraft meet these performance requirements in the airspace out to 30 nautical miles from the surface up to 10,000 MSL (mean sea level), around certain identified airports that are among the nation's busiest.  In addition, this proposal, if adopted, would require that aircraft meet ADS-B Out performance requirements to operate in Class E airspace over the Gulf of Mexico from the U.S. coastline out to 12 nautical miles, at and above 3,000 feet MSL.

(Generally, Class A applies to airspace between 18,000 feet and FL (flight level) 600. Class B airspace is used around major airports, in a funnel shape that is designed to contain arriving and departing air traffic operating under IFR. Class C airspace is used around airports and military air bases with a moderate traffic level.  Class E airspace is used for airways and other purposes.)

The FAA proposes to require aircraft flying at or above FL 240 to have ADS-B Out performance capabilities using the 1090ES (extended squitter) broadcast link.  Aircraft flying in the designated airspace below FL 240 would have to use either the 1090ES or UAT (universal access transceiver) broadcast link.

Under a contract awarded to ITT Corporation last month, ground stations for the new system will be brought online across the country, starting in the East Coast, portions of the Midwest, Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Nationwide coverage is expected by 2013.  10-03-2007.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines