There are different types of ADS-B which offer a range of options for aircraft flying under visual flight rules.
These include:
- simple devices providing you and other pilots with improved situational awareness but not visible to air traffic control
- equipment visible to the air traffic control system and useable for air traffic separation purposes.
What you buy depends on the type of flying you do. All options provide significant safety benefits regardless of cost or complexity of the equipment.
There are strict technical requirements that apply to any ADS-B OUT equipment used in Australia. Before purchasing equipment, check that it meets the appropriate Australian standards.
Learn more about how ADS-B works.
Can you be seen? ADS-B and transponder guide
In our Can you be seen? ADS-B and transponder guide we explain who can see the different types of ADS-B equipment.
Electronic conspicuity devices
An electronic conspicuity (EC) device is a low-cost way to have both an ADS-B OUT and ADS-B IN capability. Pilots use EC devices for air-to-air situational awareness in non-controlled airspace.
If you use an EC device, other pilots can see you only if they have:
- an EC device
- ADS-B IN
- a transponder together with an EC device.
Use our Can you be seen? ADS-B and transponder guide to help you decide if an EC device is right for you.
You can use an EC device in a non-certified aircraft.
Air traffic control cannot see information from EC devices. This means you cannot use an EC device to meet a transponder or surveillance requirement for operations in a particular class of airspace.
Read more about EC devices on our Surveillance network and equipment page.
Approved ADS-B equipment
Your avionics installer or equipment supplier is best placed to advise you on what you need for your aircraft.
If your aircraft will be flying Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), it will need:
- performance-based navigation capable system (GNSS)
- equipment certified to the relevant standards.
You must have an avionics LAME fit and certify the installation.
What to consider before buying
There are a wide range of choices to suit your operations. Before buying, consider:
- where you tend to operate in terms of classes of airspace, traffic type and density
- aircraft type and airworthiness category
- whether you have registered the aircraft with us or a self-administering organisation
- likelihood you may fly the aircraft under the IFR in future
- confirmation that the product satisfies the relevant equipment specifications
- physical size, display clarity, ease of use, and functionality
- cockpit space and accessibility of portable devices
- other equipment carried in the aircraft and compatibility
- for portable equipment, battery life relative to the types of operations envisaged
- cost, product quality and installation and support arrangements.
Consider who else is using the airspace you are flying in and whether the technology you choose will allow them to see you.
Use our Can you be seen? ADS-B and transponder guide to help you.
To maximise the safety benefits of ADS-B, choose the equipment that has the most green in both its rows and columns.
Government rebate
Find out if you qualify for the Government’s rebate on ADS-B .