Published Technical Standard Helps Ensure Consistent Display Of Vital Situational Awareness Information

FreeFlight Systems says it plans to continue to support the Capstone Data Interface Protocol, an industry standard that helps ensure compatibility of ADS-B datalink radios and WAAS GPS position sources with cockpit displays showing traffic, weather and other data vital for situational awareness and flying safety.

FreeFlight Systems and other avionics industry leaders have committed to support the Capstone protocol, which was developed and proven for over a decade in the seminal Capstone ADS-B program in Alaska.  In conjunction with cockpit multifunction displays (MFDs) showing terrain, weather, traffic and other data, ADS-B resulted in a 57 percent reduction in the number of aviation accidents and fatalities in Alaska over a 12-year period.  The protocol defines the interface for displaying ADS-B, ADS-R and TIS-B traffic data, as well as FIS-B datalink weather, NOTAM and other information from an ADS-B In datalink radio.

The Federal Aviation Administration published the standard to promote interoperability of different types and brands of ADS-B avionics and displays. Interoperability is intended ensure consistent and widespread access to ADS-B equipment throughout the aviation community. It also provides flexibility for aircraft owners when configuring ADS-B avionics to meet their aircraft and flying needs, without requiring extensive or expensive replacement or upgrades to existing systems. In this way, pilots receive the full benefits of ADS-B by being able to viewing traffic, weather and other datalink information on MFDs that support the standard.

Aspen Avionics, Avidyne and other industry leaders also have announced support for the Capstone protocol.

“We have supported the Capstone protocol directly and for over a decade through our work in the Capstone program,” said Tim Taylor, CEO of FreeFlight Systems. “As ADS-B avionics are becoming widely available and pilots sort out their equipment options, it’s important for them to know that key vendors stand behind the public standard. We believe that is important in order to speed and simplify the adoption of ADS-B services that have been proven to save lives.”

The Capstone Data Interface Protocol defines technical requirements for a RS-422/RS-232 data connection between cockpit displays and ADS-B datalink radios receiving traffic and weather broadcast services via DO-282B, DO-260B, DO-267A and DO-317 standards.

FMI: www.freeflightsystems.com