ADS-B operational in Gulf of Mexico

A next-generation air traffic system is now in place covering the Gulf of Mexico. Houston air traffic controllers are now using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, a GPS-based technology, to separate and monitor aircraft flying over the Gulf of Mexico. The milestone announced this week by FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt came as the Coast Guard prepared to shut down the U.S. Loran-C chains that for decades provided long-range position-fixing capability to mariners and aviators. Previously, there was virtually no radar coverage over the Gulf, which required 120-mile in-trail separation of high-altitude IFR traffic. Similarly, individual helicopters flying under IFR at low altitudes to and from oil platforms were encased in 20x20-mile “boxes” to ensure safe separation from other helicopters. ADS-B now permits five-mile separation. Philadelphia will roll out its ADB-B system next month, and the system will be available nationwide by 2013. (Source: Aviation Week, 01/14/10; AIA, 01/14/10)