The ADS-B Out Mandates

On August 2, 2022, Nav Canada updated the implementation timeline for Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) equipage and operations. It will now be mandated for surveillance in Class A airspace in Canada on August 10, 2023. On May 16, 2024, this will expand into Class B airspace. This modified schedule announced by Nav Canada has been made to provide aircraft operators with some additional time to equip their aircraft with the necessary avionics.

ADS-B Outis a surveillance technology that provides Air Traffic Control (ATC) with a more accurate picture of the aircraft’s three-dimensional position in the enroute, terminal, approach and surface environments. The aircraft now broadcasts its identification, position, altitude, velocity and other information. ADS-B ground stations receive these broadcasts and present them on a controller’s display similar in nature to a radar return. It is replacing the traditional “skin-painting” by ground-based radars, which are being decommissioned as rapidly as possible.

The countdown to the U.S. mandate for ADS-B Out compliance has passed. ADS-B Out equipage is now required when operating over all 48 U.S. contiguous states. ADS-B Out is now mandated for aircraft operating in European Union (EU) airspace.  Requirements apply to Europe instrument flight rule (IFR) flights and for aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 5700 kg (12,566 lbs.) or greater and/or max cruising true airspeed (TAS) greater than 250 knots (kts). ADS-B Out is becoming required in more and more worldwide airspace including Australasia and Asia.

 

What’s Required

A typical ADS-B Out modification for a legacy commercial aircraft looks something like this:

Upgrade or replace the core navigation system with a Satellite-based Augmentation System (SBAS)-capable navigator or Flight Management System (FMS). A typical TSO-C129a approved non-SBAS FMS or GPS does not output the data required by Advisory Circular AC 20-165B or meet the accuracy, latency, and integrity requirements.

Replace or upgrade the aircraft’s transponders and controls with extended-squitter Mode S Transponders and controls with flight ID capability.

Flight Deck annunciators and wiring interfaces to alert crew of any loss of ADS-B output parameter.

Modifications to the interfaces between transponders and air data sources, including possible replacement of air data computers.

Additional wiring will be required for retrofit installations to provide a path between the FMS data and the transponders.

Approved data in the form of a Supplemental Type Certificate data package or aircraft OEM Service Bulletin.

The experts at Mid-Canada Mod Center (MC2) can help. We offer ADS-B Out solutions using avionics from:

  •     Collins Aerospace
  •     Honeywell
  •     L3
  •     Universal Avionics

Need Guidance on ADS-B Out?

Contact one of our friendly, knowledgeable avionics sales experts.