Planned testing of non-certified / low powered ADS-B equipment
The 2017 NSS Roadshow highlighted interest from the sector around alternative low-power and non-certified ADS-B solutions. In response to this feedback, the NSS Programme is looking to conduct tests of non-certified/low-powered ADS-B equipment to determine if it can be safely integrated into the future surveillance system. We want to address the concerns raised by the sector about the cost of ADS-B compliance but we need to ensure the safety standards will be maintained.
As a first step, we will conduct bench testing on a limited range of low power and/or non-certified ADS-B systems (including pairings of transponders, GPS position sources, and all-in-one options) to identify which, if any, of these options may be suitable for further investigation. We intend to test against the standard proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that was published for the ADS-B above flight level 245 mandate. You can find that NPRM here. It is important at this stage to acknowledge that the outcome of any bench testing does not guarantee that a suitable low-powered alternative solution will be found.
If you, as aviation participants, have any suggestions regarding low-power and/or non-certified equipment options that could be included in the bench testing, please contact the CAA (ads-b@caa.govt.nz). We cannot guarantee that every option will be included, but will be aiming for as wide a range as is practicable.
Once the tests have been completed we will publish the outcomes, and this will be used to inform policy and rule development for the ADS-B below flight level 245 mandate. Specific timeframes for this have not yet been established but we will continue to keep you up to date on progress, via the NSS website.
Concurrently, the NSS Future Surveillance Project is also exploring whether other policy options can be applied to lower and/or spread the cost of ADS-B. The project team will keep you informed as this work progresses.