U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Operations Date: 10/28/14 Initiated by: AFS-400 AC No: 90-114A Change:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule contained in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, §§ 91.225 and 91.227. This rule requires Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out performance when operating in designated classes of airspace within the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) after January 1, 2020. This advisory circular (AC) provides users of the NAS guidance on a means of conducting flight operations in accordance with §§ 91.225 and 91.227. The appendices in this AC provide guidance for additional operations enabled by ADS-B to include ADS-B In.
John Barbagallo Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
CONTENTS Paragraph Page CHAPTER 1. AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST
OPERATIONS
1-1. Purpose1
1-2. Cancellation1
1-3. Audience1
1-4. Scope1
1-5. Comments and Suggestions2
CHAPTER 2. OVERVIEW AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
2-1. Overview3
2-2. ADS-B System Description3
2-3. ADS-B Broadcast Services4
2-4. Use of ADS-B Traffic Information for SA4
CHAPTER 3. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
3-1. U.S. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Airspace and
Equipment Performance Requirements7
Figure 3-1. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Airspace Rule (§ 91.225)
Diagram8
3-2. Exceptions to Airspace Requirements8
CHAPTER 4. OPERATING PROCEDURES
4-1. General Operating Procedures9
4-2. Operator Familiarity of the Installed ADS-B System9
4-3. ADS-B Equipment Operations (U.S.-Designated Airspace)9
4-4. Flight Plans (FP)10
4-5. Preflight Requirements (U.S.-Designated Airspace) (Reserved)11
4-6. Flightcrew Entry of Required ADS-B Data11
APPENDIX 1. ADS-B OUT OPERATIONS OUTSIDE OF U.S.-DESIGNATED
AIRSPACE (6 pages)1
APPENDIX 2. ADS-B IN-TRAIL PROCEDURE (14 pages)1
APPENDIX 3. CAVS USING ADS-B IN (6 pages)1
APPENDIX 4. ADS-B IN OPERATIONS – AIRCRAFT QUALIFICATION AND
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS (4 pages)1
APPENDIX 5. DEFINITIONS (4 pages)1
APPENDIX 6. RELATED REGULATIONS AND READING MATERIAL (4 pages)1
Page iii (and iv)
CHAPTER 1. AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST
OPERATIONS
1-1. PURPOSE. The intent of this advisory circular (AC) is to facilitate operations using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology in compliance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, §§ 91.225 and 91.227, which are required after January 1, 2020. The appendices provide guidance for the authorization of additional ADS-B Out and ADS-B In operations and their associated aircraft qualification and maintenance requirements.
1-2. CANCELLATION. This AC cancels AC 90-114 CHG 1, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Operations, dated September 21, 2012.
1-3. AUDIENCE. This AC applies to all U.S. aircraft operators intending to use ADS-B.
1-4. SCOPE. This AC contains an overview of the ADS-B system and general operating procedures associated with operations conducted in compliance with the airspace and performance requirements of §§ 91.225 and 91.227. The appendices provide guidance for the authorization of additional ADS-B Out and ADS-B In operations and their associated aircraft qualification and maintenance requirements.
a. Obligation. The information contained in this AC is not mandatory; it describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, of complying with the applicable regulations. This AC does not change, create, amend, or permit deviation from any regulatory requirement.
b. Authorization to Conduct ADS-B Out Operations. There is no authorization required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct ADS-B Out operations in the airspace specified in § 91.225 (U.S.-designated airspace). However, some International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) States do require operators to have an authorization from their respective State of Registry prior to allowing air traffic services in their airspace (see Appendix 1).
c. Certification and Installation of ADS-B Out Equipment. Guidance associated with the installation and airworthiness approval of ADS-B Out equipment is contained in the current edition of AC 20-165, Airworthiness Approval of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out Systems.
NOTE: Outside the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), many worldwide Air Traffic Service Providers (ATSP) allow the use of ADS-B equipment certified to the current edition of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) 20-24, Certification Considerations for the Enhanced ATS in Non-Radar Areas using ADS-B Surveillance (ADS-B-NRA) Application via 1090 MHz Extended Squitter.
EASA AMC 20-24 is intended for Non-Radar Areas (NRA). EASA’s publication, Certification Specifications and Acceptable Means of Compliance for Airborne Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CS-ACNS), is intended for other than NRAs.
Par 1-1 Page 1
NOTE: ADS-B equipment installed in accordance with AC 20-165 (Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C166b, Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) Equipment Operating on Radio Frequency of 1090 Megahertz (MHz) and TSO-C154c, Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Equipment Operating on Frequency of 978 MHz) meets the equipment requirements of AMC 20-24. However, AMC 20-24 equipment does not comply with § 91.225.
1-5. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS. Comments and suggestions for improving this publication should be directed to: Future Flight Technologies Branch (AFS-430), 470 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Suite 4102, Washington, DC 20024.
Par 1-4 Page 2
CHAPTER 2. OVERVIEW AND SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
2-1. OVERVIEW. Starting with the National Airspace System (NAS)-wide implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun to facilitate improvements needed to increase the capacity and efficiency of the NAS while maintaining safety. ADS-B supports these improvements by providing a higher update rate and enhanced accuracy of surveillance information over the current radar-based surveillance systems. In addition, ADS-B enables the expansion of air traffic control (ATC) surveillance services into areas where none existed previously. The ADS-B ground system also provides Traffic Information Services-Broadcast (TIS-B) and Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) for use on appropriately equipped aircraft, enhancing the user’s situational awareness (SA) and improving the overall safety of the NAS.
2-2. ADS-B SYSTEM DESCRIPTION.
a. ADS-B System Architecture. The ADS-B system architecture is composed of aircraft avionics and a ground infrastructure. Onboard avionics determine the position of the aircraft, typically by using the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and transmitting this and additional information about the aircraft to ground stations for use by ATC, to ADS-B-equipped aircraft, and to other aviation service providers.
b. ADS-B Operating Frequencies. In the United States, the ADS-B system operates on two frequencies: 1090 or 978 megahertz (MHz). See Chapter 3, Figure 3-1, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Airspace Rule (§ 91.225) Diagram, for airspace and frequency requirements.
(1) The 1090 MHz Frequency. The 1090 MHz frequency is associated with current Mode A, C, and S transponder operations. ADS-B information is included in Mode S transponders’ Extended Squitter (ES) transmit messages, and referred to as 1090ES in this AC.
(2) The 978 MHz Frequency. ADS-B equipment operating on 978 MHz are referred to as Universal Access Transceivers (UAT) in this AC.
c. ADS-B Avionics Operating Modes. ADS-B avionics can have the ability to both transmit and receive information.
(1) ADS-B Out. The transmission of ADS-B information from aircraft is known as ADS-B Out.
(2) ADS-B In. The receipt of ADS-B information by an aircraft is known as ADS-B In.
Par 2-1 Page 3
NOTE: After January 1, 2020, all aircraft operating within the airspace defined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, § 91.225 will be required to transmit (ADS-B Out) the information defined in § 91.227 using Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C166b, Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) Equipment Operating on Radio Frequency of 1090 Megahertz (MHz), or TSO-C154c, Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Equipment Operating on Frequency of 978 MHz, avionics.
2-3. ADS-B BROADCAST SERVICES. ADS-B implementation includes three broadcast services: Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Rebroadcast (ADS-R), TIS-B, and FIS-B.
a. ADS-R. Because the ADS-B system operates on two separate frequencies (1090 MHz and 978 MHz), there is a need to translate, reformat, and rebroadcast the information from each frequency to enable aircraft operating on the alternate frequency to process and use the other’s information. This process is referred to as ADS-R and occurs within the ADS-B ground station.
NOTE: Aircraft operating on the same ADS-B frequency exchange information directly and do not require ADS-R translation. Aircraft with ADS-B In capability on both UAT and 1090ES do not require ADS-R service.
b. TIS-B. TIS-B is the broadcast of transponder-based traffic information derived from ATC surveillance systems. TIS-B provides ADS-B In-equipped aircraft with a more complete picture of surrounding traffic in situations where not all aircraft are equipped with ADS-B.
c. FIS-B. The FIS-B operates on UAT only and provides ADS-B In-equipped aircraft with a suite of advisory-only aeronautical and weather information products to enhance the user’s SA.
Additional information on FIS-B and the products available through the service are provided in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and the current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 00-63, Use of Cockpit Displays of Digital Weather and Aeronautical Information.
2-4. USE OF ADS-B TRAFFIC INFORMATION FOR SA. This paragraph provides guidance on the use of basic ADS-B In traffic information for general SA. See the appropriate appendices of this AC for guidance on the use of ADS-B In for the more advanced procedures that require FAA authorization. Installation of ADS-B In equipment is not required for compliance of § 91.225 or § 91.227. However, aircraft owners and operators who choose to voluntarily equip with ADS-B In avionics will achieve greater benefit from the technology through improved SA on the ground and in the air. Operators equipped with UAT will further benefit from information provided by FIS-B.
NOTE: This AC only addresses ADS-B In systems installed in compliance with the current edition of AC 20-172, Airworthiness Approval for ADS-B In Systems and Applications, and meeting the equipment requirements of TSO-C195a, Avionics Supporting Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Aircraft Surveillance Applications (ASA), or later.
Par 2-2 Page 4
a. ADS-B In Systems. Most ADS-B In systems will include a flight deck traffic display depicting the relative position and related information of ADS-B-equipped aircraft presented on a plan view. This display, known as a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI), may be presented on a dedicated display or integrated into and presented on an existing display
(e.g., navigation display (ND) or multifunction display (MFD)). In many installations, a moving map depicting key surface elements of the airport may be displayed when on the ground or within a predefined altitude/distance from an airport while airborne.
NOTE: Airborne Traffic Awareness System (ATAS) is an ADS-B In application intended specifically for General Aviation (GA) use that will incorporate an audio traffic alerting capability. There is a configuration in which the display is optional for aircraft that cannot accommodate a display.
b. Operation. The CDTI will display nearby ADS-B Out traffic and may also display TIS-B traffic, depending on the installation and operating airspace. The display may have functionality to allow the pilot to select a target to obtain additional information that might not be automatically displayed, such as distance from own-ship and groundspeed (GS). The system will also provide range selection and declutter functionality. More advanced ADS-B In systems may also include certified functionality to perform ADS-B In procedures described in the appendices of this AC.
NOTE: For SA, pilots are encouraged to incorporate the display in their normal scan to aid in the early detection of nearby traffic when in visual conditions and to aid in understanding the flow and amount of nearby traffic when in instrument conditions. However, the traffic display is not intended to be used for self-separation or to deviate from an ATC clearance. Should questions arise about a potential conflict with traffic while on an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance, the pilot should query ATC. Pilots are also cautioned to not allow the display to become a distraction from the primary task of flying the aircraft. Finally, the presentation of traffic information in the cockpit should not cause increased communication on the ATC frequency.
c. Limitations. Pilots should understand the proper use and limitations of their equipment and adhere to the following:
(1) Only use the display to supplement what can be seen out the window (OTW), except when authorized to conduct ADS-B In operations described in the appendices of this AC.
Pilots must always conduct OTW scans to see and avoid.
(2) Unless specifically certified for the function, the traffic display is not intended for collision avoidance or self-separation.
(3) Not all ground and airborne traffic will appear on the display. Only properly equipped ADS-B Out traffic broadcasting on the same frequency will appear. Depending on the equipment installation and operating airspace, ADS-R, TIS-B, and/or Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) (if installed) traffic may appear. Additionally, displayed traffic is Par 2-4 Page 5
affected by range limitations, signal quality, and most importantly, the proper installation and functioning of the ADS-B Out traffic.
(4) Pilots should not use the call sign or Aircraft Identification (ACID) (Flight Identification (FLT ID)) of observed traffic in radio communications, as this could create confusion for both ATC and flightcrews monitoring the frequency.
(5) Multipiloted aircraft should have and comply with established crew coordination procedures on the use of the CDTI and ADS-B In information to minimize head-down time.
(6) Use of the display does not change pilot or controller responsibilities.
(7) If at any time the presented information becomes unreliable, inoperative, or a distraction, disregard the display.
(8) In TCAS-equipped aircraft, CDTI traffic information does not replace guidance from a traffic advisory (TA) and/or Resolution Advisory (RA). RA response must be based on the TCAS system guidance and following approved procedures.
Par 2-4 Page 6
CHAPTER 3. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
3-1. U.S. AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST (ADS-B) AIRSPACE AND EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. After January 1, 2020, unless authorized by air traffic control (ATC), all aircraft operating in the airspace specified in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, § 91.225 must meet the equipment performance requirements defined in § 91.227. This chapter describes both the airspace and equipment performance requirements of §§ 91.225 and 91.227. Operators should consider the need to access ADS-B-required airspace and the performance requirements of that airspace when equipping for compliance with §§ 91.225 and 91.227.
a. Inside Class A Airspace. Operations in Class A airspace must:
(1) Meet the equipment requirements in Technical Standard Order (TSO)-C166b, Extended Squitter Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) Equipment Operating on Radio Frequency of 1090 Megahertz (MHz) (1090ES).
(2) Meet the equipment performance requirements of § 91.227.
NOTE: Although TSO-C166b incorporates standards for TIS-B equipment, TIS-B equipage (ADS-B In) is not required for compliance with §§ 91.225 and 91.227.
b. Outside Class A Airspace. Operations outside Class A airspace must:
(1) Meet the equipment performance requirements of § 91.227;
(2) Meet the requirements in TSO-C166b (1090ES); or
(3) Meet the requirements in TSO-C154c, Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Equipment Operating on Frequency of 978 MHz, in the following airspace:
(a) Class B and Class C airspace.
(b) Except as provided for in § 91.225(e), within 30 nautical miles (NM) of an airport listed in part 91 appendix D (Mode C veil), section 1, from the surface upward to 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL).
(c) Above the ceiling and within the lateral boundaries of a Class B or Class C airspace designated for an airport upward to 10,000 feet MSL.
(d) Except as provided for in § 91.225(e), Class E airspace within the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia at and above 10,000 feet MSL, excluding the airspace at and below 2,500 feet above the surface (i.e., mountainous areas).
Par 3-1 Page 7
(e) Class E airspace at and above 3,000 feet MSL over the Gulf of Mexico, from the coastline of the United States out to 12 NM.
FIGURE 3-1. AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST AIRSPACE RULE (§ 91.225) DIAGRAM
3-2. EXCEPTIONS TO AIRSPACE REQUIREMENTS. The requirements of § 91.225(b) do not apply to any aircraft that was not originally certified with an electrical system or that has not subsequently been certified with such a system installed, including balloons and gliders.
These aircraft may conduct operations without ADS-B Out in the airspace specified in § 91.225(d)(2) and (4). However, for other aircraft without ADS-B Out, § 91.225(g) requires ATC authorization prior to operation in ADS-B Out-required airspace.
Par 3-1 Page 8
CHAPTER 4. OPERATING PROCEDURES
4-1. GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES. This chapter describes the general procedures for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out operations in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, § 91.225. All operators should use this information when planning and conducting operations requiring ADS-B Out performance.
4-2. OPERATOR FAMILIARITY OF THE INSTALLED ADS-B SYSTEM.
a. System Operation Familiarity. All operators should use the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), Aircraft/Airplane Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS), Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM), Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS), pilot’s operating handbook (POH), or other required operating handbooks or manuals to become familiar with the proper operation of the installed ADS-B system and any procedures expected of the user for indications of reduced performance or failures within the system.
b. Understanding Failure Indicators within the System. Because many ADS-B system installations will be upgrades to existing transponders (Mode S), there may be limited ability to indicate ADS-B failures. Mode S transponders with ADS-B functionality may indicate a device failure (loss of transponder/ADS-B) and input failures (loss of position source, such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)) with the same indicator light. Operators should refer to their AFM, AFMS, RFM, RFMS, POH, and other handbooks and manuals for information on the differences between device failures and function failures and the implications and procedures associated with each failure type.
c. Transponder Operation and ADS-B Transmissions. For ADS-B system installations integrated within a transponder that share control features, operators should be aware that disabling the transponder may also disable ADS-B transmissions, as well as result in a loss of Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) services and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)/TCAS II operation, if so equipped.
4-3. ADS-B EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS (U.S.-DESIGNATED AIRSPACE).
a. Transmit Requirements. In accordance with § 91.225(f), each person operating an aircraft equipped with ADS-B Out must operate this equipment in the transmit mode at all times.
This equipment operation requirement pertains to all phases of flight operation, including airport surface movement area operations. For ADS-B installations integrated within a transponder, the flight manual, checklists, and any operator’s procedures manuals must be updated accordingly with proper ADS-B system operations guidance.
NOTE: Aircraft must comply with the appropriate Technical Standard Order (TSO) requirements when transmitting ADS-B data.
b. Air Traffic Control (ATC)-Authorized Deviations. Operators must make requests for ATC-authorized deviations from the requirements in § 91.225(g) to the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over the concerned airspace or airport movement area within the time periods specified below:
Par 4-1 Page 9
(1) For operation of an aircraft with inoperative ADS-B equipment to the airport of ultimate destination (including any intermediate stops) to proceed to a place where suitable repairs can be made, or both, the request may be made at any time.
(2) For operation of an aircraft that is not equipped with ADS-B, operators must make the request at least 1 hour before the proposed operation.
4-4. FLIGHT PLANS (FP). When operating aircraft equipped with ADS-B, operators must indicate their surveillance equipment code in field 10B of the U.S. Area Navigation (RNAV) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) FPs.
a. Transponder Codes. The transponder codes for ADS-B are as follows:
(1) E: Mode S, including Aircraft Identification (ACID), pressure-altitude and Extended Squitter (ES) (ADS-B) capability.
(2) L: Mode S, including ACID, pressure-altitude, ES (ADS-B) and enhanced surveillance capability.
b. Surveillance Codes. The surveillance codes for ADS-B are as follows:
(1) B1: ADS-B with dedicated 1090 megahertz (MHz) ADS-B Out capability.
(2) B2: ADS-B with dedicated 1090 MHz ADS-B Out and In capability.
(3) U1: ADS-B Out capability using Universal Access Transceiver (UAT).
(4) U2: ADS-B Out and In capability using UAT.
c. ICAO FP Block 18 ADS-B Information.
(1) If ADS-B capability filed in item 10 is compliant with TSO-C166b, which is based on RTCA, Inc. DO-260B, annotate “SUR/260B.” If ADS-B capability filed in item 10 is compliant with TSO-C154c, which is compliant with RTCA DO-282B, include the item “SUR/282B.”
(2) When ADS-B capability is filed in item 10, include CODE/Aircraft address expressed in the form of six hexadecimal characters (e.g., “CODE/HJF34B”).
NOTE: For a complete description of FP filing codes, including field 18, refer to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Planning Information Web site at http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/e nroute/flight_plan_filing.
Par 4-3 Page 10