MIT Study Reveals Pilots Satisfied with ADS-B

Results from an MIT survey administered last spring in Flying's Enews reveal that general aviation pilots value ADS-B In traffic and weather information as a tool to increase situational awareness, decision-making capability and safety.

Of the 1,407 pilots who responded to the survey, 56 percent indicated that they had used ADS-B traffic and weather services. A higher percentage of pilots reported using portable ADS-B In systems (82 percent) versus installed panel-mounted systems (28 percent).

The majority of survey comments focused on the value of ADS-B traffic as a supplement to see-and-avoid and ATC advisories. Among pilots who reported using ADS-B In traffic services regularly, 64 percent said that the technology frequently helps them visually acquire traffic. Among this same group, 42 percent reported that ADS-B had provided information that may have helped prevent a midair collision. In terms of inflight decision-making, pilots reported using ADS-B In weather information to make better decisions about rerouting, changing altitude or diverting to alternate airports.

A sizable increase was noted in pilot satisfaction with ADS-B In traffic information for pilots who also flew with ADS-B Out gear. Among those pilots, 60 percent reported being "extremely" or "very" satisfied with traffic service coverage. For pilots using ADS-B In systems without ADS-B Out capability, the satisfaction rate was only 26 percent. Respondents in both groups voiced concerns about incomplete traffic information due to selective broadcast of TIS-B and ADS-R traffic information to ADS-B Out equipped aircraft only.

Among pilots who have not yet flown with ADS-B In equipment, about half indicated that they have plans to equip in the future. The most common reason given for not equipping with ADS-B was cost, although 27 percent of pilots also indicated that their existing cockpit equipment provided similar information.

Get exclusive online content like this delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our free enewsletter.

We welcome your comments on flyingmag.com. In order to maintain a respectful environment, we ask that all comments be on-topic, respectful and spam-free. All comments made here are public and may be republished by Flying.

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox