The Federal Government this week published a consultation paper that proposes to mandate Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) for aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Currently, ADS-B Out is mandated only for IFR aircraft, and fitment for VFR has been encouraged through a subsidy scheme in operation since 2022 and extended through to 2027.
However, the Federal Government is now proposing to make fitment for VFR mandatory from 2028, after the current subsidy is set to expire.
It also proposed to mandate ADS-B In for IFR aircraft.
"Overall, the model proposes a staged introduction of ADS-B Out capability for all aircraft operating under VFR, including the use of approved electronic conspicuity (EC) device in some circumstances," the consultation paper explains.
"The model would see aircraft operating under VFR in class A, D, E and G airspace equipped with ADS-B Out from 2028. For Class D, E or G airspace, operators could choose between approved ADS-B equipment or approved EC devices.
"This would be supplemented in 2033 by a requirement for all capable aircraft operating in Class B and C airspace to be equipped with approved ADS-B equipment."
According to a Discussion Paper attached to the consultation document, ADS-B has a role to play in enhancing safety, and the government expects expanding the mandate to cover VFR aircraft will deliver the following benefits:
- reduce the risk of mid-air collisions
- facilitate safe integration of emerging aviation technologies
- improve the quality of air traffic services
- increase SAR rescue efficiency
- provide more information in accident investigations.
A significant motivation for forcing VFR aircraft to adopt ADS-B is the rapid growth of uncrewed aerial systems and the emergence of eVTOLs used in advanced air mobility (AAM) operations as early as 2032.
"ADS-B Out equipment in crewed aircraft will be an important part of efforts to improve safety," the discussion paper notes. "It will produce benefits including increased ‘visibility’ for pilots of uncrewed aircraft, to more accurate provision of traffic information services and the resulting increased situational awareness, all of which can contribute to equitable access and shared responsibilities in airspace.
"ADS-B Out will also be important, considering the same integration and visibility reasoning, on large uncrewed aircraft such as AAM.
"Benefits to the aviation industry of integration of crewed and uncrewed will be maximised when uncrewed operators can have visibility of all aircraft in vicinity."
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is seeking operator feedback to the proposed mandate, offering three alternative models for comments.
Consultation will remain open until 27 October, with all documents available on the Department of Infrastructure website.