Universal Weather and Aviation master flight planner Jason Davidson provided a comprehensive update of worldwide automatic dependence surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) mandates in a recent post. The update summarizes current ADS-B Out mandates, as well as those that are in the process of being implemented. So far, no country has mandated ADS-B In capability, although more aircraft are equipping with ADS-B In, which provides improved traffic information and other benefits.
The U.S. mandate hasn’t changed since it came into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, requiring ADS-B Out for all aircraft flying in ADS-B-mandated airspace. The U.S. remains the sole country allowing either 1090ES or 978UAS equipment. The 978UAS ADS-B In equipment gives pilots access to free weather and traffic information but is available only for aircraft that do not fly above FL180.
In Europe, Davidson explained, aircraft flying IFR and with a mtow of 5,700 kilograms (12,566 pounds) or more and/or a max cruise speed of greater than 250 ktas must be ADS-B equipped. There are some exemptions, including aircraft with a CofA issued before June 7, 1995, or aircraft that will cease operating by Oct. 31, 2025, and flights for maintenance or export. For those exempt aircraft, pilots should enter “EUADSBX into the Item 18 SUR/field of their flight plan,” he advised.
The Canada mandate covers airspace above FL180, but that will extend to all Class B airspace on May 16, 2024, and no later than 2028 to Class C, D, and E airspace. A unique aspect of the Canada ADS-B requirement is that it uses Aireon’s space-based (satellite) ADS-B and requires aircraft to be equipped with antennas capable of broadcasting to ground stations and satellites. This could be via antenna diversity (antennas on the top and bottom of the fuselage) or with a suitable single antenna that can transmit in both directions.
Many Central and South American countries require ADS-B such as Colombia, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Mexico requires ADS-B for IFR operations in controlled airspace.
Davidson advises that pilots and operators become familiar with the applicable ICAO flight plan equipment and capability codes and performance-based navigation codes “to help prevent misunderstandings with air traffic control while in flight. Know which codes apply to the specific operation. Remember that codes filed in the [flight plan] should represent not only aircraft equipment and capabilities but also those crew members covered by necessary training, authorizations from the state of registry, and working equipment.”
He also pointed out that “better equipped, better served” applies “as it is no longer just first come, first served…Even though some countries do not currently have any ADS-B mandates or any proposals for mandates, they still may provide ADS-B services. ADS-B services are also provided in some non-radar environments with satellite-based ADS-B. If you are non-ADS-B equipped and flying in an area that does not have a mandate but does provide ADS-B services, you still may not get the altitude/route you want.”