February 22, 2009: ADS-B technology implementation schedule changes

[Guest OzChris]

Source: RAAus

 

February 22, 2009: ADS-B technology implementation schedule changes. Airservices Australia have advised their intentions regarding ADS-B air traffic surveillance technology. The implementation date for the upper airspace 1090ES ADS-B program has been revised. Eighteen ground stations are now operational, another 10 will be operational by December, 2009 allowing Airservices Australia to provide the traffic separation service across the current non-radar airways above FL290. So, from December 31, 2013, carriage of ADSB-Out equipment will be mandatory for aircraft operating at or above FL290.

 

An accelerated introduction of ADS-B surveillance into lower airspace was planned initially* but it is now agreed that a more gradual transition to satellite-based systems — harmonised with the North American and European transition plans — would be wiser. Airservices Australia will now "proceed with the replacement of enroute radars and ground navaids as necessary to ensure the integrity of Australia's air traffic control system." "The timing and scope of future steps will be progressed through normal regulatory processes and will take into account outcomes of the Government’s Green and White Paper aviation policy development process." The previously announced cross-industry funding proposals for ADS-B will not go ahead.

 

It is possible that, for operations in controlled airspace and perhaps above 10 000 feet, Australian recreational aviation and general aviation aircraft will be required to fit ADS-B Out equipment (probably at own cost); if this eventuates it is unlikely to be mandatory before 2020.

 

You can read the NPRM issued October 1, 2007 by the US FAA regarding their plans for ADS-B implementation. For a general outline of ADS-B technology in Australia see ADS-B surveillance technology.

 

* A Joint Consultation Paper proposed that from June 2012, ADS-B OUT transmitters will be mandatory for all VFR operations (including RA-Aus registered aircraft) that currently require carriage and use of a transponder; which includes operations in Class E airspace, Class G above 10 000 feet and many control zones. From June 2014, ADS-B OUT transmitters would also be required for all VFR operations that currently require carriage and use of VHF radio; which includes operations in Class G airspace above 5000 feet and in CTAF ®.