Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology has contributed to the safety of operations within Australian airspace for over 20 years.  Initially implemented for Air Traffic Control (ATC) surveillance and since mandated for some operations, ADS-B technology also contributes to situational awareness for pilots and risk mitigation strategies for Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

Scaling up the use of ADS-B technology into a future where UAS will increasingly share airspace with conventional aircraft is set out as a new initiative in The Aviation White Paper – Towards 2050.  The Australian Government recommends expanding the requirements for aircraft to broadcast their location electronically using ADS-B devices as a means to increase aviation safety and efficiency as well as reduce collision risk. This may include mandating ADS-B devices for all airspace users.

In support of the initiative, Round 2 of the ADS-B Rebate Program is open to owners of Australian-registered aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to uptake ADS-B equipment, both ADS-B OUT and ADS-B IN devices. Eligibility criteria apply.

Those in the UAS sector seeking flight authorisations are also taking up ADS-B as a means to mitigate collision risk. The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) guidelines adopted by CASA recommend UAS operators, irrespective of air risk category, deploy technical solutions that improve the electronic conspicuousness or detectability of the UAS. SORA 2.5, which is being considered for adoption by CASA in late 2025, goes further by stating the target level of safety should be commensurate with existing crewed aviation levels of safety.

As far as ADS-B equipment standards for crewed aviation are concerned, these are defined by CASA in Part 91 Manual of Standards (MOS). The following table lists examples of equipment available for both crewed and uncrewed platforms which meet these standards.

If you are considering an ADS-B device for either crewed or uncrewed use in Australian Airspace, Capital Aircraft Services is able to guide you through the decision process to select a device most appropriate for your mission.