In a statement released this morning, CASA Acting CEO Shane Carmody labelled today's IFR ADS-B Out implementation a historical event
From today, 2 February 2017, all IFR aircraft on commercial operations will have to be fitted with ADS-B. Owners of private aircraft have until 1 January 2020 to comply, but can continue to fly IFR if they comply with certain conditions. Commercial aircraft not yet fitted will need to have an exemption or fly VFR only.
"Today marks an important and historic day in aviation safety and heralds a new era in technology," said Carmody."Today’s final fitment mandate will require most aircraft to be fitted with the satellite-based equipment to continue to fly at all levels and in low visibility.
"In Australia, we have been progressively introducing the technology since 2004, as we had an immediate need for air traffic surveillance that could not be easily achieved with traditional radars.
"Before ADS-B, Australia's electronic airspace surveillance coverage was patchy by international standards, with only around 18% of the continent covered by radar."
ADS-B works using a combination of satellite navigation data, aircraft instruments and a radio relay network that enables every aircraft to broadcast its identity, altitude, speed and direction, twice every second.
Private IFR operations will still be permitted via two authorisations that take effect from today. Flights by non-equipped foreign registered aircraft under specific conditions will also be allowed.