Airservices Australia Executive General Manager Greg Hood has thanked operators who fitted their aircraft with ADS-B ahead of the 2 February 2017 mandate.
In a statement released today, Hood thanked operators for what he said was their commitment to ADS-B technology.
“ADS-B is the future of air traffic surveillance in Australia and around the world,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate and thank all operators that have already fitted their aircraft with ADS-B and remind every IFR operator to make sure they get fitted before 2 February 2017.”
Airservices says there are around 1300 aircraft not yet fitted as well as about 60% of Australia’s IFR helicopter fleet.
IFR aircraft flying at or above FL290 have had to be ADS-B capable since 12 December 2013. The mandate in February next year extends that to all altitudes.
VFR aircraft do not need ADS-B to operate provided they remain in Class D or G airspace below 10,000 feet AMSL.
VFR aircraft with functioning mode A/C transponders can still operate in Class E airspace with that transponder until it needs to be replaced, at which time an ADS-B capable Mode S must be installed to continue operating in E.
There is no mandate for any VFR aircraft to transmit ADS-B out whatsoever.