FAA Controllers In Philadelphia Transition To ADS-B
Even as congressional hearings continue on the full
implementation of NextGen, Philadelphia-area controllers now have
the capability to use the ADS-B in the crowded northeast
corridor.
"This new technology is a tremendous leap forward in
transforming the current air traffic control system," said FAA
Administrator Randy Babbitt. "The operational benefits in
Philadelphia extend as far as Washington, DC, and New York, which
has some of the most congested airspace in the world."
The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)system is
a core technology under the Next Generation Air Transportation
System (NextGen). By using ADS-B, air traffic controllers have more
precise information while separating aircraft in the sky and on the
runways, leading to greater efficiency and safety benefits.
Controllers who have access to ADS-B receive one-second update
rates compared to four-and-a- half second update rates with
radar.
Potentially, they will be able to reduce separation in the en
route environment from the current five nautical miles to three,
saving both time and money for the airlines while reducing the
carbon footprint. Pilots flying aircraft equipped with ADS-B know
precisely where they are and are able to see other properly
equipped aircraft. They also have access to better information on
area weather and receive flight information electronically, such as
airmen notices and temporary flight restrictions.
Philadelphia is one of four key sites that the FAA selected to
demonstrate ADS-B services. The other sites include Houston,
Louisville, KY, and Juneau, AK. The sites were selected because of
their unique airspace environments and local needs.
ADS-B coverage at Philadelphia extends out 60 nautical miles and
to approximately 10,000 feet in altitude. It also covers the
surface area and the approach corridors to the runways.
Philadelphia was selected because of its current automation
platform that is used by air traffic controllers, called the
Standard Terminal Automated Replacement System. Also, UPS has
equipped for ADS-B services and a large amount of their operations
are conducted at Philadelphia International Airport. In addition,
US Airways is in the process of equipping its aircraft to use
ADS-B.
Philadelphia Airport also has Airport Surface Detection
Equipment (ASDE-X), which provides detailed coverage of movement on
runways and taxiways allowing controllers to detect potential
conflicts. The ASDE-X at Philadelphia has been upgraded to
receive ADS-B data. Additionally, the ASDE-X surveillance data will
be used as a Traffic Information Service - Broadcast (TIS-B) source
so pilots can see non-ADS-B targets on their cockpit displays.
FAA is installing the ground infrastructure for ADS-B. The
agency has proposed that airlines and private aircraft install
ADS-B avionics by 2020. Some airlines and private aircraft have
already started equipping in advance of that date. ADS-B is
expected to be available nationwide by 2013.