ADS-B In VS. ADS-B Out
By Bill Forbes – Director of Avionics Sales for Elliott Aviation
Automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast, or ADS-B, is a system put into place by the FAA that promises to make the skies safer for everyone. ADS-B signals use GPS technology, which is far more reliable than radar and will allow air traffic control to reduce separation minimums. As an upcoming mandate, each aircraft will be required to transmit ADS-B to ground stations by January 1st, 2020. While the mandate to aircraft operators only requires ADS-B out, this technology can give you some highly beneficial information by utilizing ADS-B in. I’ll explain the differences below:
ADS-B Out
When you hear about mandates from the FAA, they are talking about ADS-B out. ADS-B out is a WAAS GPS-based signal that broadcasts your aircraft position, vector, altitude, and velocity to ADS-B ground stations. This will allow air traffic controllers to more efficiently route traffic to reduce congestion, emission, and fuel consumption. To ensure safety, ADS-B needs to broadcast WAAS GPS data from a highly accurate source. Your two options are the dedicated 978 MHz universal access transceiver (UAT), or a 1090 MHz Mode S “extended squitter” transponder with an approved WAAS GPS navigation source. If you already have a WAAS GPS on board, you may just need your transponder updated.
ADS-B In
While on the surface, ADS-B may just seem like a mandate, you can take advantage of ADS-B technology by utilizing the highly beneficial ADS-B in. ADS-B in gives you free datalink traffic and weather that can be shown on select displays and mobile devices. With a dual-link receiver, ADS-B in allows you to see all ADS-B-equipped aircraft in your vicinity because it receives signals for 978 UAT and 1090 MHz ES transponders. In addition, when you are in range of ground stations, you see a traffic picture similar to what the air traffic controllers are seeing.
ADS-B will give pilots and passengers many long-term benefits, however, ADS-B in gives you a more immediate return on your investment. If you have any further questions on if your aircraft will comply or how you can take advantage of ADS-B in, contact your certified avionics installer.
You can find out more about ADS-B solutions here.
About the Author
Bill Forbes is an Avionics Sales Manager for Elliott Aviation. Bill has been with Elliott since 2018. He started his career in aviation as a crew chief in the Air Force in 1985. He has been associated with Beechcraft Aircraft and Service Centers since 1996. He has been involved in avionics sales and management since 2003 and has been involved in several STC projects with Collins, Honeywell, and Garmin prior to joining Elliott Aviation. You can reach him at bforbes@elliottaviation.com.