New Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Rule

On May 27, 2010, the FAA published new rules (contained in 14 CFR §92.225 and §91.227) mandating airspace and avionics performance requirements after January 1, 2020. The avionics perform a function that is generally known as “ADS-B Out” which transmits precise location and other information about the aircraft to ground stations and other ADS-B equipped aircraft.
 
The ADS-B rule mandates ADS-B Out avionics performance when operating within the designated airspace, giving aircraft owners approximately 10 years to equip.
 
The ADS-B rule, like current transponder operating requirements, requires operators to have ADS-B Out avionics installed and operating in order to fly their aircraft in the busiest airspace, as described below:

• Class A, B, and C airspace.
• All airspace at and above 10,000 feet MSL (mean sea level) over the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia.
• Within 30 nautical miles of airports listed in 14 CFR §91.225, from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL.
• Class E airspace over the Gulf of Mexico from the coastline of the United States out to 12 nautical miles, at and above 3,000 feet MSL.

FAA Technical Service Orders (TSOs) describe the equipment approved for ADS-B operations. The ADS-B rule states that avionics must meet the standards of either TSO-C166b (for 1090ES link equipment) or TSO-C154c (for UAT link equipment).  TSO-C166b is required in Class A airspace and either link can be used in all other airspace.  
 
For more information about the FAA’s ADS-B program, visit www.adsb.gov.
 
Questions?
Contact the FAA Flight Standards ADS-B Office at: 9-AWA-AVS-ADS-Programs-AFS@faa.gov.
Contact the FAA Aircraft Certification ADS-B Office at: 9-AWA-AVS-ADS-Programs-AIR@faa.gov.