Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) is an air traffic surveillance technology that enables aircraft to be accurately tracked by air traffic controllers and other pilots without the need for conventional radar.
Australia now has significant ADS-B surveillance coverage available across the continent. This additional surveillance has become necessary due to the ever-increasing volume of traffic that Australia now experiences, particularly in remote regions. Importantly, it also offers airspace users many benefits.
ADS-B Benefits
- Significantly improved surveillance coverage across the continent
- ADS-B has enabled more aircraft to operate safely in the same volume of airspace
- An increased likelihood of obtaining preferred levels/altitudes
- Improved incident, emergency and search and rescue response
- ADS-B improves the ability of air traffic control to provide navigation assistance during abnormal situations such as loss of position
- Improved situational awareness when using ADS-B ‘IN’
- Ability for ground staff/family/friends to track aircraft through freely available software
- Cost effective solutions available for whole of industry.
ADS-B fitment requirements
CASA has fitment requirements for ADS-B transmitting equipment as well as Mode A/C and Mode S transponders. Details of the fitment requirements as well as optional ADS-B equipment configurations for VFR aircraft can be found on the CASA CNS-ATM website.
ADS-B and transponder fitment requirements and optional capabilities are also summarised in GEN 1.5 of the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) book.