ADS-B Upper Airspace Program (UAP)
Airservices Australia is currently deploying ADS-B ground stations across Australia which will provide almost nationwide air traffic surveillance capability at flight levels above FL300. Substantial ADS-B coverage will also exist at lower levels - extending to near the surface in the vicinity of each ground station. The objective of UAP is to provide ADS-B equipped aircraft with increased safety and operational flexibility in non-radar airspace
Under UAP, 28 ADS-B ground stations are being installed at remote locations in Australia, co-located with existing radio communication facilities. Position and altitude data received from aircraft through the ADS-B ground stations is transmitted back to the ATC centres to enable radar-like ATC services in areas where radar coverage does not exist.
All ADS-B ground stations are expected to be installed and operating by the end 2008.
The Australian Advanced Air Traffic System (TAAATS) has been upgraded to process as many as 1,000 ADS-B flights simultaneously from up to 200 ground stations. TAAATS also now uses ADS-B technology to provide air traffic controllers with automated safety alerting capabilities and continually monitors the assigned route and altitude of ADS-B approved aircraft for any discrepancies.
A new Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) system has been purchased under the program to provide controllers with real-time information on Global Navigation Satellite System integrity. An operational trial of the RAIM system is currently underway.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has published amendments to Civil Aviation Orders to include operational and technical standards supporting the voluntary fitment of ADS-B equipment in Australian aircraft, and in foreign-registered aircraft operating into Australian airspace.
The Orders prohibit the transmission of ADS-B data that does not meet the Australian requirements for use by Air Traffic Control. Aircraft operators who do not comply with the orders should seek an immediate exemption from CASA until such time as non-compliant ADS-B transmissions can be disabled or until ADS-B transmissions can be made compliant.
An Advisory Circular, AC21-45(0), provides guidance and advice on the airworthiness approval of ADS-B equipment for use in Australia.
ADS-B Aircraft Approval Process:
Operators with aircraft equipped with ADS-B technology that meets the Australian regulations may apply to Airservices Australia for ADS-B services for individual airframes. Approved aircraft will benefit from the new surveillance services that will enhance safety and improve operational flexibility over the Australian continent. ADS-B equipped aircraft will also be afforded operational priority in the ATC system.
Only ADS-B data from approved aircraft will be displayed to ATC.
ADS-B data from all other aircraft is filtered out of the ATC system.
ADS-B services are currently being provided to around 400 individual aircraft of various types ranging from a Jabiru Ultralight to Bell helicopters, DHC8s, A330s and B747s. Approved aircraft operators include private pilots, flying schools, search and rescue operators, regional, national and international air transport carriers.
