A strong response by the general aviation community in recent years to adopting Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment is a good step towards the future.
Our research shows the adoption of ADS-B Out in general aviation (GA) aircraft has approximately doubled since 2021 to 82% of the fleet, while ADS-B In has roughly tripled to 55%.
These are promising figures that bode well for improved aviation safety as well as the inevitable transition to airspace that will be shared by crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
We need to maintain the momentum in GA and continue to work on boosting adoption by sports aviation, where less than half of aircraft carry low-cost portable devices.
The advantages of ADS-B are many and it has transformed the way aircraft are tracked and monitored, using satellite technology to produce a more accurate and timely picture of where aircraft are operating.
It is particularly useful in areas where radar coverage may be limited, a substantial safety benefit for a country as vast as Australia.
Pilots who have adopted the technology report improved traffic awareness, greater confidence operating in shared airspace and increased visibility to air traffic services.
Enhanced situational awareness supports better decision-making by pilots and gives air traffic controllers more precise surveillance information to manage aircraft movements safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of airborne conflicts.
This is an excellent example of how innovation can help pilots, operators and regulators work together to manage risk and maintain confidence in Australian aviation.
Nonetheless, we recognise that adopting new technology can be challenging, particularly for smaller operators and private pilots who may be navigating technical, operational and regulatory considerations.
That is why we developed a range of resources to help the aviation community understand ADS-B requirements and make informed decisions about equipage and operation.
These resources include plain-language guidance material, educational articles, regulatory information and practical advice to assist pilots and operators in getting the most from ADS-B technology.
Our
'Can You Be Seen?' guide is particularly useful in helping operators understand how different configurations of ADS-B can work for them.
We also strongly support the
Australian government's ADS-B rebate scheme, offering up to $5,000 per eligible aircraft covering up to 50% of appropriate project costs until 31 May 2027.
The benefits of ADS-B are shared across the entire aviation community and help to set us up for the day, in the not too distant future, where legacy aeroplanes share airspace with drones and other advanced air mobility technology.
Safety has always been built on a combination of skilled people, strong systems and continuous improvement. ADS-B is an important part of that ongoing journey, helping ensure Australia's skies remain among the safest in the world.
All the best
Pip
