UNCLASSIFIED
Dear ACT RAPAC attendees - Please see information below from Airservices regarding ADS-B units as discussed at last weeks meeting.
A copy of the email below will be attached the Meeting Minutes.
Subject: ACT RAPAC 27AUG15 - Airservices Action response [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
As a follow up to ACT RAPAC, I have provided some information below on the action I received during my Airservices update on ADS-B (Agenda item 6.3): RAPAC Convenor, would like to understand the methodology behind why the Australian ADS-B mandate is limited to 1090-ES and why aircraft owners cant simply install any ADS-B avionics that are currently available in the American market.
The following explains the Australian adoption of 1090MHz ES (Extended Squitter) and why UAT will not be adopted:
ADS-B in the USA
The USAs FAA has adopted a dual system using both 1090MHz and Universal Access Transceiver (UAT).
The FAA has adopted 1090MHz for all flight levels, and UAT only for operations below 18,000 feet.
UAT supports two-way links, and the FAA provides additional services on the uplink including TIS-B, ADS-R and FIS-B, for weather and aeronautical information.
Dual 1090/UAT systems have not been adopted in Australia or any other country.
Why can't we use UAT in Australia?
In Australia, air traffic infrastructure is funded by the aviation industry, including airlines and general aviation.
No stakeholders are willing to fund the high cost of dual-link supporting infrastructure (combination of 1090MHz ES and UAT) and so there are no UAT based ADS-B ground stations in Australia.
UAT equipment cannot be used in aircraft in Australia.
Will ADS-B provide weather information in Australia?
There are no plans to uplink weather data on an ADS-B link in Australia.
No stakeholders are willing to fund the necessary supporting infrastructure.
Other methods of obtaining weather and operational relevant information is being widely adopted through smart device applications such as Ozrunways and Avplan, amongst others.
The following provides information on the purchase of ADS-B avionics:
Can I buy an ADS-B transponder and GPS from the USA? Will it work here?
Yes, provided you buy only Mode S, Extended Squitter (1090ES) equipment that complies with the required Technical Standard Orders (TSOs).
Remember that the USA provides TIS, TIS-B, FIS-B, ADS-R, and UAT services, which are not supported in Australia.
Operation of UAT equipment is not frequency-licensed in Australia and therefore not permitted; and UAT transmissions cannot be detected by ATC.
Do not forget that equipment purchased in the USA must be installed in an Australian aircraft by a licensed and appropriately rated LAME and that CAR 21M design approval may be required.
In many cases, owners find that the expected savings from purchasing overseas are outweighed by the added complexity of purchasing equipment and arranging approvals and installation separately.
Additional information:
The following is a link to the Airservices ADS-B FAQs which may be of interest to ACT RAPAC members:
http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/...1-11-MAY15.pdf
Aircraft operators are also reminded that they can contact the Airservices ADS-B hotline on 1800 844 487 should they have additional questions.
Kind Regards,
Aviation Relations Manager
Corporate and Industry Affairs
25 Constitution Ave, Canberra ACT 2601