ADS-B ‘In’ ARC Does Not Support Equipment Mandate

The aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) chartered by the FAA to recommend a strategy for implementing automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) “In” capability in aircraft cockpits says it does not support an equipage mandate at this time because the investment by airline and general aviation operators cannot be justified. The ADS-B In ARC was formed on June 30, 2010, and chaired by Steve Brown of NBAA and Thomas Hendricks of the Air Transport Association of America. Its report, submitted to the agency September 30 and released publicly today, calls on the FAA to “clearly demonstrate that equipage benefits are indeed both achievable and operationally implementable in a cost-effective manner.” The ARC recommends that the FAA continue efforts to mature equipment standards, certification guidance and operational approvals for ADS-B In applications. ADS-B In is the capability to display air traffic information in the cockpit for reduced separation and improved situational awareness. ADS-B “Out,” the capability of an aircraft to regularly broadcast its GPS-derived position to the ground, is required by 2020 and will cost industry an estimated $2.5 billion or more to equip.