Desert Falcon's Archives
FAA Keeps 2020 ADS-B Deadline, But Cost Questions Remain
FAA's final rule outlining equipment requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance ? Broadcast (ADS-B) received a mixed reaction from industry groups, which see the FAA as the primary beneficiary.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Thursday the release of the much-anticipated rule, stating the agency has reached a "major NextGen milestone." FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, who joined LaHood in the announcement, says the release marks "A step across the threshold. This rule gives the green light for manufacturers to begin building the onboard equipment that will allow our air traffic controllers to know where aircraft are with greater precision and reliability."
As proposed, the rule requires all aircraft that fly in Class A, B and C airspace and above 10,000 feet to be equipped with ADS-B by 2020. FAA expects to have the ground infrastructure in place by 2013. Some industry people and lawmakers pushed for earlier deadlines, but FAA says the 2020 compliance date remains appropriate because airspace users "need to equip. FAA also expects this timeframe will provide sufficient operational experience to make ADS-B the primary source for surveillance."
READ MORE: AviatonWeek
