NEWS Alert

FAA Releases ADS-B In Aviation Rulemaking Committee's Recommendations

On November 17, 2011, the FAA announced the release of a Report from the ADS-B In Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), entitled “Recommendations to Define a Strategy for Incorporating ADS-B In Technologies into the National Airspace System (“NAS”). This committee was chartered by the FAA to provide a forum for the U.S. and international aviation community to provide recommendations on a global strategy to proceed with ADS-B In while ensuring compatibility with the standards adopted for ADS-B Out. In addition, the FAA requested the ARC provide near-term recommendations on how to proceed with legacy ADS–B Out avionics issues and whether the FAA should continue development of Flight-deck-based Interval Management–Spacing (FIM–S), Interval Management–Delegated Separation (IM–DS), and Airport Traffic Situation Awareness with Indications and Alerts (SURF–IA).

The recommendations were submitted by the ARC on September 30, 2011 and are now available.

Among the strategy recommendations, the ARC discussed the issues of equipment mandate, defined interval (DI) versus delegated separation (DS), a prioritization of applications, and operational demonstrations. The ARC also made several technical recommendations in the broad areas of ADS–B including traffic data on non-technical standard order (TSO)–C195 displays, hazard level determinations for applications, data communications in the NAS, retaining the ADS–B requirements as established in the rule for ADS–B link, the future integration of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) with ADS–B, spoofing, ownership position source, and areas for future research emphasis.

The ARC supported ADS–B as the primary mechanism to provide future surveillance for air traffic control (ATC) in the NAS, and recognized this future system as a foundational element of transforming the NAS to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). However, based on currently available cost/benefit information, the ARC concluded that there is not a positive business case for air carrier or general aviation (GA) operators for widespread ADS–B In implementation in the near- or mid-terms. While many ADS–B In applications show significant promise, additional development and analysis are required before operators can justify investment or implementation decisions. At this time, therefore, the ARC does not support an ADS–B In mandate, but supports the voluntary deployment of ADS–B In capabilities in the NAS as the near-term option. Accordingly, the ARC recommended the FAA clearly demonstrate that equipage benefits are both achievable and operationally implementable in a cost-effective manner, including operations in a mixed equipage environment before considering a mandate.

For questions or more information on the ARC’s recommendations, please contact Ronce Almond at (202)457-7790.

The Wicks Group - 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 - T: +1.202.457.7790 /