Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B)

Aircraft moving through the system today are separated by air traffic controllers who rely on conventional radar to determine aircraft location.  Instead of bouncing a signal off the aircraft and monitoring its return, ADS-B allows the aircraft to transmit its precise GPS-derived position and other valuable information to controllers and other aircraft.  Considered the cornerstone of the FAA Next Generation Air Transportation System (NGATS), ADS-B will create additional capacity, reduce FAA costs, enhance situational awareness, and facilitate further safety improvements across the system.

• ATA member airlines support a transition to an ADS-B surveillance system.  As envisioned by ATA, ADS-B will ultimately enable real-time cockpit displays of weather and traffic, both on the ground and in the air.  For more information, see ATA's 2006 Economic Report, section on Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B).

• ATA Issue Brief on ADS-B

• ADS-B:  How It Works (November 2006 Air & Space Magazine Article on ADS-B)