Says Agency Is Working With Industry To Equip With NextGen Technology

The FAA is presenting a somewhat different take on the NextGen "Call to Action" summit held Tuesday at FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. than some of the "letter groups" that attended the meeting. The agency says it is working with aviation industry leaders to renew their commitment to equip aircraft with new NextGen avionics technology by the January 1, 2020 deadline, through the creation of an Equip 2020 working group led by the NextGen Institute. Under a 2010 rule, all aircraft flying in designated airspace must be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Out avionics to increase safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System.

“This is an important milestone for a core NextGen technology that will revolutionize the national airspace system by providing a more accurate view of aircraft location, increasing safety and efficiency,” said FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker. “The FAA laid the ADS-B infrastructure, and now the Equip 2020 group will work together to help ensure the fleet is equipped with this technology so we can utilize the benefits it brings.”
 
In order to meet the deadline, agency representatives and industry leaders identified the barriers delaying operators from equipping with ADS-B Out avionics. The organization agreed to work together to resolve them in a working group formed under the NextGen Institute called Equip 2020. The group will be led by Major General Marke “Hoot” Gibson, U.S. Air Force, retired, Executive Director of the NextGen Institute.
 
Some of the key barriers to equipage identified by industry include: cost and availability of upgrading GPS receivers; streamlined certification procedures; development of more low cost avionics; improving product availability; clarifying requirements; and ensuring repair station resources are available to complete installations.
 
ADS-B is a foundational technology which modernizes the national airspace from a ground radar system to satellite-based GPS technology. Whitaker noted that this year the FAA completed the installation of the nationwide infrastructure for ADS-B. The full benefits of increased safety and efficiency of the national airspace depend on 100 percent equipage for aircraft that fly in most airspace controlled by air traffic control.

FMI: www.faa.gov