Cites Lack Of Advanced Capabilities, Delays In User Equipage

The DOT Inspector General has released a report saying that the benefits of ADS-B are limited due to its lack of advance capabilities and the still-small percentage of aircraft that have installed the proper equipment.

In a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, Assistant Inspector General for Aviation Audits Matthew Hampton said that while ADS-B will provide some useful services ... particularly in areas with no radar coverage ... the system’s initial capabilities and benefits are limited.

"For example, ADS-B’s weather and traffic broadcast services are primarily designed for general aviation users, and FAA warns that pilots should not rely on ADS-B information to separate themselves from and avoid other aircraft," Hampton wrote. "According to FAA, airspace users will gain the most benefits with the advanced capabilities of ADS-B In, which is expected to provide pilots with enhanced merging and spacing capabilities for airport arrivals, including for closely spaced runways.

However, requirements for ADS-B In advanced capabilities continue to evolve, creating significant challenges related to developing and certifying ADS-B In avionics, maturing advanced capabilities, and partnering with airlines to verify and validate benefits and gain experience through demonstration projects. As a result, FAA is not well positioned to mandate the use of ADS-B In as directed by Congress for the foreseeable future."

Hampton said that the FAA's cost estimate for full implementation of the ADS-B system has grown by $400 million to $4.5 billion, and that the final cost and timeline for full operational capability remain unclear.

The FAA plans to spend approximately $1.7 billion on ADS-B through 2014, and an additional $1 billion between 2014 and 2020, which is the equipage deadline for airplanes for ADS-B out.

The report was requested by the leadership of the House Transportation Committee.

In a response to the report, AOPA president and CEO Mark Baker said that it "highlights the profound problems associated with the 2020 mandate and the FAA’s modernization program, which has seen repeated delays and cost overruns over a period of years. The Inspector General’s findings raise significant questions about whether the system will be ready by 2020, adding to the aviation community’s confusion about when and how to equip. We look forward to working with the FAA and the aviation community to develop solutions that are cost effective and offer greater flexibility in addressing ADS-B equipage issues.”

The FAA has scheduled an Oct. 28 summit to address the challenges around ADS-B implantation.

(Graphic provided by the FAA)

FMI: DOT IG Report