Airservices Australia plans to have automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) avionics installed in a designated number of general aviation aircraft operating in different locations throughout Australia by 31 July 2007.
The air traffic services provider launched the request for proposals (RFP) for the design, manufacture and supply of GA ADS-B avionics for its Australian Transition to Satellite Technology (ATLAS) project in mid-September. Airservices plans to purchase between 500 and 1,500 GA ADS-B avionics units ahead of any regulatory decision on ADS-B implementation.
Australia is already installing ADS-B ground stations nationwide as part of an upper airspace programme, above 30,000ft (9,100m), that is due to take effect next year. The country’s air traffic management group, the Australian Strategic Air Traffic Management Group (ASTRA), is considering four options for additional ADS-B implementation in the country, with a decision to be made in early 2006. The first option is a do-nothing scenario whereby the 11 existing en-route radars would be refurbished before 2010.
Option two would see en-route radars replaced with ADS-B ground stations and aircraft that use radar services – as many as 7,660 – will be required to equip with ADS-B avionics units by mid-2009. Option C would involve a further 10 ADS-B ground stations, in addition to the 11 to replace enroute radars, for high traffic areas. This option would affect a further 1,000 aircraft. The final option being considered would involve all aircraft that currently carry VHF radios being equipped for ADS-B. This would require up to 8,660 aircraft with a maximum take-off weight less than 5,700kg (12,550lb) to be equipped by mid-2009 and a further 4,180 aircraft to be fitted by mid-2012.
Source: Flight International
