Australia's avionics engineers will have to complete 5.5 aircraft per day if all of the current IFR fleet is to be ADS-B compliant before the mandate on 2 February 2017.
Airservices Australia revealed yesterday that 1000 aircraft were still not fitted with ADS-B out, with only 181 days to go before the new surveillance technology becomes compulsory.
According to Airservices' own figures, only 300 aircraft have been fitted in the last six months, putting pressure on the avionics industry to get the work done in time.
Airservices Executive General Manager Air Navigation Services, Stephen Angus, states 82% of Australia's IFR fleet is already compliant, and points out what he says are the advantages of ADS-B Out.
“I would like to congratulate those operators and owners who have already fitted with ADS-B and are seeing the real benefits the technology offers,” he said.
“I would also encourage those who have not yet fitted their aircraft with ADS-B to make sure they do before 2 February 2017.”
Airservices has used the experiences of CHC Helicopter's pilot Mick Perren, who is the Jandakot Base Manager for RAC Rescue in WA, as a case where ADS-B is delivering advantages.
“ADS-B has proven to offer a significant increase in situational awareness for our pilots,” said Perren.
“When operating out of Jandakot Airport, certainly one of the busiest airports in Australia, instead of just getting an icon on the traffic display, with ADS-B we get more information about the traffic. We get a much better picture of what is happening around us and this is where we have seen the biggest advantage.”
The mandate has caused signficant controversy with many owners and operators hitting back at Airservices and CASA over the cost of fitting compliant ADS-B when they say there is no advantage to general aviation.
CASA has granted exemptions to ADS-B fitment in the past, but anyone applying under Part 11 after the mandate will be asked to supply a safety case.