Free Services For ADS-B Equipped Aircraft

Pilots who fly in or near Jacksonville, FL (ZJX) can now receive free traffic and weather broadcast information in the cockpit. To receive these services, aircraft must be equipped with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) transmitter/receiver or transceiver and compatible cockpit display.

FAA Jacksonville TIS-B FIS-B Coverage Map

The new services include Flight Information Service - Broadcast (FIS-B), which provides pilots and flight crews with a cockpit display of aviation weather and aeronautical information via Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) equipment on 978 MHz. The FAA notes that FIS-B is not compatible with 1090ES avionics.
 
The FAA says that FIS-B weather products are for advisory use only. The information provided by FIS-B can not be used in compliance of any regulatory requirement.  Pre-flight weather briefings and in-flight weather updates must be obtained through FAA approved sources only.

Among the FIS-B products being broadcast in ZJX region are:

• Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs).
• Special Aviation Reports (SPECIs).
• Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs) and their amendments.
• NEXRAD (regional and CONUS) precipitation maps.
• Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Distant and Flight Data Center.
• Airmen's Meteorological Conditions (AIRMET).
• Significant Meteorological Conditions (SIGMET) and Convective SIGMET.
• Status of Special Use Airspace (SUA).
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
• Winds and Temperatures Aloft.
• Pilot Reports (PIREPS).
• TIS-B service status.

Traffic Information Service - Broadcast (TIS-B) is an advisory-only service which enhances a pilot's visual acquisition of other traffic displayed in the cockpit of properly-equipped aircraft. Pilots must continue to exercise vigilance to "see and avoid" other aircraft in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Section 91.113b.

TIS-B and FIS-B are available to aircraft equipped with a 978 MHz Universal Access Transceiver (UAT). Aircraft equipped with a 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090 ES) will be able to receive only the TIS-B information

The FAA encourages users of TIS-B and FIS-B to report any irregularities observed while using the services. Reports should contain the following information:

• Time of observation.
• Location.
• Type and identity of the aircraft.
• Description of the condition observed.
• Type of avionics system and software version used.

Pilots can report issues by contacting the nearest FSS facility or by submitting FAA Form 8470-5, Safety Improvement Report, available from FSSs, Flight Standards District Offices, or general aviation fixed-based operators.

FMI: www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ATpubs/AIM/