Originally published at: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/senate-hearing-focuses-on-ads-b-in-mandate/
Lawmakers and aviation groups discussed ADS-B In, runway surveillance and ATC modernization during a hearing on National Airspace System safety.
ADS B is a wonderful tool; if installed and on.
Cost is an issue for GA.
The world needs affordable systems with satellite capability; the world standard.
Mandated systems must be worldwide frequency, 1080, not limited to the unique US low altitude frequency.
Ground vehicles with airside access require ADS B out at least.
ADS-B in is advisory only, you cannot follow ADS-B advisories without a specific clearance from ATC when IFR like TCAS allows. Until then I have no intention of spending thousands for ADS-B in like the ALPA unions want with the Senate bill. ADS-B was sold to operators as a way to reduce separation minimums and to increase traffic. That has not happened.
ADSB was sold as a safety tool. I can leave tools in my toolbox until I need them. That describes the Transponder Veil. I didn’t have to turn it on unless I was going to enter the veil. ADSB was sold as a replacement for the transponder.
Then they made it mandatory 24/7 if installed. You can’t even taxi across a grass, uncontrolled field in class G without your ADSB on if it’s installed, and the penalties are harsh. This is not what we were sold. This is not a simple direct transponder replacement.
Then came the fraud. People are registering their ADSB with someone else’s tail number. A man with an unfinished homebuilt has received bills for landing fees. Oh yeah, then came the ADSB generated landing fee. They are going to inch it over the goal line to force everyone into the ADSB pool, cluttering up the ATC screens with every glider, balloon, drone and ultralight that has an engine running in a 100 mile radius. That won’t improve safety, or support your freedom to travel.
It’s time for a deep breath and return to the Transponder rules. If you’re going into the bus station with your moped, you need it on. Outside the veil, let free men travel freely.