Nav Canada Plans to Implement ADS-B in Hudson Bay Area Late Next Year

Nav Canada plans to implement ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) at high altitudes in the Hudson Bay area on November 20, 2008.

The Canadian ANSP (air navigation service provider) says on its Website that it's taking the step, which it first announced in July 2006, to increase airspace capacity and to allow its customers access to more efficient routes.  Nevertheless, it recognizes that not all aircraft will be equipped with ADS-B avionics by this date, so it will segregate the airspace vertically, permitting only ADS-B aircraft to operate between specified FLs (flight levels), which will be determined in consultation with its customers.

Nav Canada says its own analysis indicates that the ADS-B-only airspace initially should be between FL330 and FL370, topped at FL410, and later lowering it to FL290, when most aircraft are equipped, Nav Canada will be able to extend the benefits of ADS-B separation down to FL290.  Because equipage on aircraft operating below FL290 is expected to take some time, early ADS-B control service will be limited to the higher flight levels.

The ANSP projects the lateral dimensions of the initial ADS-B airspace, including an allowance for transitioning, will be bounded by 100°W to 70°W north of 52.5°N and south of 70°N inclusive. The exact dimensions will be determined prior to operational commencement of services based on coverage flight testing and further customer consultation.

For more information one can refer to Aeronautical Information Circular 18/07 - Introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) airspace in the vicinity of Hudson Bay. 12-11-2007.

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