Published in Midwest Flyer – Dec 2016/Jan 2017
Starting January 1, 2020, you must be equipped with ADS-B Out to fly in most controlled airspace. Federal Regulations 14 CFR 91.225 and 14 CFR 91.227 contain the details.
Quite simply, Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is a precise satellite-based surveillance system. ADS-B Out uses GPS technology to determine an aircraft’s location, airspeed and other data, and broadcasts that information to a network of ground stations, which relays the data to air traffic control displays and to nearby aircraft equipped to receive the data via ADS-B In. Operators of aircraft equipped with ADS-B In can receive weather and traffic position information delivered directly to the cockpit.
For additional information, visit the FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/
The most immediate benefits of ADS-B in/out technology include:
• Improved situational awareness.
• Enhanced traffic information.
• Improved weather data.
• Improved collision avoidance information.
• Overall enhancement to flying safety.
• Numerous free services via the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT)*.
Do you still have questions? Go to: http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/faq/
*ADS-B Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and flight information service is only available to UAT-equipped aircraft. All larger commercial and business aircraft that operate at higher altitudes are required to have a Mode-S transponder operating on a 1090 MHz frequency with extended squitter. ADS-B In systems receive FIS-B weather and data services only on the 978 MHz frequency. Please note that UAT is only permissible as the sole ADS-B equipment up to 18,000 feet.