Phoenix East Aviation Claims First ADS-B Equipped Independent Training Fleet

Daytona Beach-based Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) said Monday it has installed ADS-B systems on its fleet of training aircraft. PEA says by doing so, it has become the first independent flight training academy in the U.S. to have such a system.

ADS-B-equipped aircraft determine and then broadcast their positions to ground stations and other aircraft.  Position data is derived from a global navigation satellite system or an aircraft’s inertial reference system. ADS-B provides accurate information and updates to airspace users and air traffic controllers and is an important safety and efficiency enhancement.

This system is the latest advancement in Phoenix East Aviation’s training safety and security program; ADS-B will be an augmentation to safe operation and pilot instruction. The system gives students and instructors real-time information on potential air traffic threats. With ADS-B, pilots and air traffic controllers see radar-like displays with highly accurate traffic data from satellites. It provides flight monitoring in both radar and non-radar environments.

The system consists of a network of Ground-Based Transmitter (GBTs), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and electronic equipment in the aircraft. The aircraft transmits its position continuously to the nearest GBT; the GBT then transmits information to the aircraft providing positional information of other aircraft in the area. With ADS-B, pilots also have access to weather and flight information services and terrain maps.

Phoenix East Aviation Chief Executive Officer, Ghassan Reslan, said “We are proud to be the first independent flight training academy in the U.S. to take the lead and implement the ADS-B system. Flight training students will learn to utilize this technology, which will make them better prepared for careers as professional pilots. Without a doubt, as the worldwide aviation system evolves and grows, ADS-B will play an important role in overall flight safety and air traffic control efficiencies.”

PEA provides comprehensive pilot training, but specializing in professional flight instruction. Headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, where the climate permits flight operations 350+ days/year, the school has been in continuous operation since 1972.

FMI: www.pea.com