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AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE BROADCAST A D S - B 8 NextGen Now | Winter 2014 ADS-B, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast, is a highly accurate, rapid, and robust data and surveillance source being introduced across the National Airspace System (NAS). Target reports, based upon GPS and accurate to 300 feet or less, from equipped aircraft include a large amount of data reported every second on average to a ground based network of 634 radio stations across the NAS. The FAA is leveraging this new technology to enhance surveillance, safety, and efficiency. Aircraft flying in the NAS and other countries are mandated to equip with ADS-B, and as aircraft equipage increases, so will benefits. The ADS-B Rule published in 2010 requires all users flying in Class A, B, C, and E (with some additions and exceptions) to be equipped by January 1, 2020, resulting in a gradual but significant shift in capability between now and then for controllers and users alike. SURVEILLANCE ENHANCEMENTS Since 2000 in Alaska and 2009 in the Gulf of Mexico, controllers have had the ability to display ADS-B targets in areas outside of radar coverage. This has led to a tremendous increase in efficiency and safety. In Alaska, where the hazards of aviation in rugged terrain are well established, ADS-B data provided critical information to quickly locate downed aircraft and save lives during search and rescue events. With new surveillance enhancements in the Gulf of Mexico, controllers are now able to display ADS-B equipped helicopters well offshore as they sit on oil platforms awaiting takeoff. Meanwhile in the same location, an airliner at 35,000 feet cannot be displayed by radar. For Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico alike, the increase in efficiency of surveillance procedures over non-radar procedures is quite noteworthy. These two areas are the forerunners of what is about to be a system-wide expansion of ADS-B use in non-radar airspace thanks to the recent approval of Safety Risk Management Documents (SRMDs). Houston Center (ZHU) and Indianapolis Center (ZID) are ERAM ADS-B key sites for the expanded rollout of ADS-B "only" use in domestic operations. Other ERAM sites will quickly follow. STARS and CARTS sites are expected to begin in early 2015. ADS-B coverage has been proven in all facilities to enhance surveillance, and many facilities are anxiously anticipating this capability. Controllers will soon have ADS-B surveillance coverage in areas where they have never had radar coverage. However, expectations must be tempered with the fact that we are early in the aircraft equipage phase. This is by design as any change introduces challenges. It is better to address unforeseen anomalies in a low equipage state than in a high one. The numbers continue to grow. As of December 2014, approximately 8,500 aircraft were equipped with ADS-B, the majority being general aviation. Several early adopters contribute greatly to these numbers as well, including UPS, JetBlue, Gulfstream, and many others. The Agency has recently initiated serious discussions with the user community to foster early equipage and deal with concerns and constraints preventing users from doing so. Cost is

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