Theres No Free Lunch

The primary purpose of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is to provide the FAA with the next generation of ATC surveillance capability at lower cost. ADS-B can be more accurate while simultaneously reducing the installation and maintenance costs of existing radar systems. It permits greater coverage where radar isnt practical, such as in mountainous areas and over the Gulf of Mexico. With ADS-B, ATC expects to safely handle more traffic in the same airspace. Much of the cost justification is based on the elimination of about half of the current radar installations. But dont plan on tossing your transponder yet. Radar will still be used as backup to the ADS-B system and for TCAS.

Key Takeaways:

• Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is the FAA's next-generation, lower-cost, and more accurate air traffic control surveillance system, mandated for most aircraft by January 1, 2020.
• The U.S. employs a dual-frequency strategy: 1090ES (international standard, required above 18,000 ft) and UAT (978 MHz, common for general aviation below 18,000 ft, providing free in-flight weather data).
• While ADS-B Out (transmit) is mandatory, optional ADS-B In (receive) provides access to free traffic information (TIS-B, ADS-R) and comprehensive weather services (FIS-B) from ground stations.
• Equipping aircraft with ADS-B Out involves significant upfront costs for users, estimated in the thousands, but eliminates subscription fees for traffic and weather services.

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