WASHINGTON, DC, May 27, 2010 – Today, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published the final rule governing the deployment of Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Out avionics for operation.  ADS-B Out will transfer the current air traffic control surveillance system that relies on ground-based radars to an infrastructure that utilizes satellite and aircraft-based equipment.  This change promises significant safety, capacity and environmental benefits.

“We commend Secretary LaHood and Administrator Babbitt for taking on modernization with such energy and focus,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA’s president and CEO. “The ADS-B program demonstrates successful collaboration between the FAA and industry. This cooperation is essential as we look to deploy other components of the NextGen program.”

In order to start accruing the benefits of NextGen, the aircraft fleet must be equipped with ADS-B Out compliant avionics that meets specified performance requirements as defined by the FAA. 

“With this rule, we have the standards in place that will allow for further acceleration of air traffic modernization particularly if we can incentivize operators to expedite the equipage of their aircraft,”  said Bunce.