You have no need to know (and I can’t explain) the way ABS-B actually works, but it is basically “… a surveillance technology in which an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation or other sensors, and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked.” Thank you Wikipedia! From a practical aspect, and what that means in the cockpit, is that we have the technology to “see” each other coming from miles away so we don’t run into each other out there. We all show up on a moving map on an iPad, or similar screen, as arrows with a little tag showing our airplane’s tail number. There is also a little note by the arrow that shows how many feet higher or lower than you the other guy is, how far away they are, and whether they are climbing or descending. And the little arrows turn yellow whey you start getting close to each other and red when you get really close (relatively)! I’m no genius but I think that is pretty darn important information when you’re flying around a bunch of other airplanes…
So the FAA thinks it’s important information too, and they have created a whole new set of rules and requirements surrounding this new technology. As of January of 2020 ADS-B was “required” for all commercial aircraft operating in “congested” airspace. So you’re all good out here in the bush, right? No you’re not! When I say “required,” the only thing that is actually required is that you “broadcast” your position to others. You don’t have to “receive” the information. In the pilot world it’s known as “ADS-B Out” (transmitting), and “ADS-B In” (receiving). And “congested” airspace is considered Class C airspace or higher (more congested and more restrictive). I don’t expect many of you to have the slightest reference to what that means, but suffice it to say that there is only one area of Class C airspace in Alaska, and it is in the immediate vicinity of Anchorage International Airport…
So is ABS-B really necessary in the biggest state in the country that is so sparsely populated? It’s a huge sky out there so what are the chances that two airplanes are going to try to occupy the same place at the same time out in the middle of nowhere? Well, it turns out that as big as Alaska is, lots and lots of people want to go to the same cool places. We’re all trying to squeeze through the same small mountain passes, and fish on the same rivers, and go see the same glaciers and the same bears. A typical day at Brooks Falls in the summer can see 20 to 40 airplanes in a day with rush hours in the morning and late afternoon. And if you’ve been out to Bristol Bay in July (or August, or September) you may have noticed that the weather isn’t always the best. Rain, mist, fog, and clouds make it hard to see the other guys out there. So I ask you, do you want the airplane you and your family are flying in to have “ADS-B In” (ADS-B In is the receive mode that isn’t actually required but shows you where the other guys are)? For me it’s a resounding “YES!”
So why wouldn’t everyone have ADS-B In and Out even if it isn’t required by the FAA? That’s a good question and the two most prevalent excuses are that it costs too much, and/or Big Brother can track where you are and where you’ve been. As to the cost, you can find an ADS-B In and Out solution for virtually any plane for under $2,900 (For you pilot types who want to fact check me, I’m talking a Stratus 3 for $749 and a TailBeacon for $2,099 from MyPilotStore). Now that’s not nothing to be sure, but in the scheme of things in aviation, where it’s not uncommon for a bush pilot to buy one tundra tire for their Super Cub for near that amount (35” Alaskan Bushwheel tires are currently $2,340 each), $2,900 should not be a deal breaker for equipment that could save you and everyone in the other plane. As for Big Brother, well you got me there. If you’re a poacher or prone to breaking the rules then I guess you should be afraid that you’re going to get busted and ADS-B does leave breadcrumbs to follow you on your sneaky path…
So if you’re a pilot in Alaska, at least go out there and get an ADS-B Out transmitter so you’re not part of the problem. If you’re someone who’s planning your family trip and you want to see parts of Alaska that only a commercial Air Taxi service can provide, make sure you only go with someone who has “ADS-B In” installed in their aircraft. How will you know? Ask them, and if they say no, go with someone else…
