Story ID: 
FAA Completes Rollout of Baseline ADS-B Services
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: ADS-B last month became operational at Ohio airports Akron-Canton and Mansfield Lahm Regional, the last two of 155 slated for the technology.
Word Count: 199
The FAA completed the operational rollout of ADS-B baseline services with the recent implementation at the last two of 155 airports slated for the technology, the agency announced yesterday. ADS-B services became operational last month at Akron-Canton Airport and Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, both in Ohio.

“This brings the operational rollout of ADS-B baseline services to a successful conclusion, on schedule and within budget,” the agency said, adding it was completed before the Jan. 1, 2020 ADS-B aircraft equipage deadline.

ADS-B is now operational at airports, terminal radar approach control facilities, and en route facilities. The agency stressed ADS-B is the preferred source for surveillance at those facilities, citing improved situational awareness to both pilots and controllers, as well as more accurate tracking of airplanes and airport vehicles on runways and taxiways. In addition, the FAA further highlighted the ability to improve surveillance in geographically challenging areas, such as mountainous regions or over water.

According to the FAA, the number of aircraft equipped with “good installs” stood at 93,833 as of October 1, with general aviation accounting for 67,137 of those. This was up from at 90,157 total aircraft, including 64,672 general aviation aircraft, at the beginning of September.