ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance –Broadcast)

ADS-B systems broadcast your aircraft’s position to ATC and other appropriately equipped aircraft/vehicles, usually via your transponder. There are two types of ADS-B transmissions: ADS-B Out, which are the transmissions going out from your plane, and ADS-B In, which are transmissions that your aircraft can copy if you have the proper equipment.

Virtually all aircraft are required to be ADS-B Out capable in the United States by 2020 and as of November of 2018, the FAA has decommissioned LOA A153, and therefore operators registered in the US are no longer required to obtain an LOA for ADS-B Out operations.

Please note that to operate using ADS-B In, a letter of authorization is still required.