NextGen Cornerstone ADS-B Install Complete

Earlier this week, the FAA announced that Exelis, a NextGen contractor to the agency, has finished installing all 634 U.S. ground stations for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), the ground component of an air traffic surveillance system based primarily on GPS. ADS-B is one of the cornerstone technologies for NextGen and provides more accurate and more up-to-date aircraft location information than the ground-based radar-surveillance system.

Of the 230 ATC facilities in the United States, 100 are capable of using ADS-B information to separate traffic. ADS-B is expected to be fully operational at all 230 facilities by 2019.
The FAA will require, by Jan. 1, 2020, all aircraft operating in controlled airspace to be equipped with ADS-B Out avionics that broadcast the aircraft’s position.

ADS-B will also enable more accurate tracking of aircraft and airport vehicles on runways and taxiways, increasing safety and efficiency. The system significantly improves surveillance capability in mountainous, oceanic, and remote airspace. ADS-B In, not currently mandated, will enable cockpit displays of other air traffic, bad weather, terrain, and temporary flight restrictions.

The announcement supports the work that ALPA has done and continues to do to modernize the U.S. national airspace system and improve system capacity, efficiency, and safety. ALPA Air Safety Organization members, supported by the Association’s professional staff, have played a critical role over the years in providing the professional airline pilot perspective to government/industry groups that continue to refine the blueprints for tomorrow’s U.S. air transportation system.