CASA Media Release - Thursday, 20 January 2005
Aviation industry told to speak up on new technology
The aviation industry is being urged play an active role in the planning for new air traffic management technology which could revolutionise flying in Australia.
Pilots, aircraft owners, airlines and aircraft operators are being asked to comment on proposals for the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) technology.
ADS-B will provide radar-like surveillance for the many parts of Australia that do not currently have radar coverage and can in time replace much of the radar network.
If the full suite of the technology was fitted to all aircraft, pilots would know the exact position of all other aircraft in their airspace through a special cockpit display of traffic information.
Air traffic controllers would also have accurate information on the identity, position, altitude, heading and speed of all aircraft fitted with ADS-B.
This would mean pilots and air traffic controllers would rely less on radio calls and pilots would be assisted with in-flight pro-active flight management technology.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has released a discussion paper on the issues surrounding the safety regulations that may be needed to support ADS-B.
The discussion paper does not make any recommendations but it does state that analysis shows there will be important safety benefits from the widespread use of ADS-B in Australia.
ADS-B and its associated systems could help to reduce the number of accidents by alerting to pilots when they are too close to terrain, giving pilots accurate information on other aircraft, reducing the risk of collisions near airports and supporting more accurate navigation by pilots.
The discussion paper suggests a range of regulatory options for the introduction of ADS-B from a voluntary installation of the equipment to mandating its carriage.
It says the cost and benefits of ADS-B means the regulations covering the technology must be carefully considered by the industry. The discussion paper suggests a staged introduction of ADS-B may be appropriate.
Airservices Australia is currently installing ADS-B equipment at 28 locations around Australia to offer nationwide coverage to aircraft flying above 30,000ft. No decision has yet been taken on whether ADS-B should be extended to offer wide coverage below 30,000ft for all aircraft.
The discussion paper – carriage and use of ADS-B avionics – can be read at http://rrp.casa.gov.au/adsb Responses are needed by 18 February 2005.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
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