Industry Still Studying Radical Changes In ATC

Heeding the aviation industry's call, the FAA is allowing more time to weigh in on its ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) proposal, reports the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

In its petition for the 60-day extension, AOPA said there were questions regarding the financial feasibility for general aviation as the FAA shifts to a satellite-based navigation and air traffic control system. Also, AOPA wanted to make sure that the proposal would improve ATC services at GA airports while enhancing safety.

"While the transition from today's radar to ADS-B will take more than 13 years, it is important for the FAA to get it right," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "At the current cost of $8,000 to $10,000 per aircraft for ADS-B equipment, it is a lot of money to spend for the same access and services we now have with a transponder."

Several other industry groups weighed in, as well... convincing the FAA it was wise to move the comment deadline to March 3, 2008.

The FAA estimates aircraft owners will invest between $1.27 billion and $7.46 billion in avionics equipment. While ADS-B offers a lot of potential benefits, Congress is already skeptical about the FAA's ability to keep tabs on the new ADS-B contractor.

As ANN reported, on August 30 the FAA awarded a contract to ITT Corp. to build and operate the ADS-B ground infrastructure and supply aircraft position data to the FAA. One month later, the FAA issued the proposed rules that would require all aircraft to add ADS-B equipment by 2020 to be able to fly within Class B and C airspace and above 10,000 feet.

FMI: www.itt.com, www.faa.gov