ADS-B studie ved Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT Study Reveals Pilots Satisfied with ADS-B

Results from an MIT survey administered last spring in Flying's Enews reveal that general aviation pilots value ADS-B In traffic and weather information as a tool to increase situational awareness, decision-making capability and safety.

Of the 1,407 pilots who responded to the survey, 56 percent indicated that they had used ADS-B traffic and weather services. A higher percentage of pilots reported using portable ADS-B In systems (82 percent) versus installed panel-mounted systems (28 percent).

The majority of survey comments focused on the value of ADS-B traffic as a supplement to see-and-avoid and ATC advisories. Among pilots who reported using ADS-B In traffic services regularly, 64 percent said that the technology frequently helps them visually acquire traffic. Among this same group, 42 percent reported that ADS-B had provided information that may have helped prevent a midair collision. In terms of inflight decision-making, pilots reported using ADS-B In weather information to make better decisions about rerouting, changing altitude or diverting to alternate airports.

A sizable increase was noted in pilot satisfaction with ADS-B In traffic information for pilots who also flew with ADS-B Out gear. Among those pilots, 60 percent reported being "extremely" or "very" satisfied with traffic service coverage. For pilots using ADS-B In systems without ADS-B Out capability, the satisfaction rate was only 26 percent. Respondents in both groups voiced concerns about incomplete traffic information due to selective broadcast of TIS-B and ADS-R traffic information to ADS-B Out equipped aircraft only.

Among pilots who have not yet flown with ADS-B In equipment, about half indicated that they have plans to equip in the future. The most common reason given for not equipping with ADS-B was cost, although 27 percent of pilots also indicated that their existing cockpit equipment provided similar information.