FAA unveils rebate program for aircraft surveillance technology

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is offering a $500 rebate for aircraft to install a surveillance technology known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), officials announced Monday.

Aircraft are already required to be equipped with ADS-B by January 2020 as part of the agency’s effort to implement a satellite-based “NextGen” system to improve the nation’s air traffic control.

{mosads}The FAA is hoping to speed up the process by launching the new rebate program this fall. It will offer $500 to the first 20,000 aircraft to install ADS-B. Planes that already have the technology will not be eligible.

The 2020 deadline will remain unchanged, but officials are expecting up to 160,000 aircraft to have the technology installed by that time.

“We are sending a signal today that we are serious about this, and we are putting our money where our mouth is,” Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said during a press call with reporters.

Aircraft with ADS-B use satellite technology to determine and broadcast position, enabling pilots and air traffic controllers to pinpoint exactly where any aircraft is at any given moment.

Foxx said the technology, which costs around $2,000 to install, can save lives because it improves situational awareness, allows real-time weather and traffic updates and improves communication where radar is limited. It also has the ability to improve route efficiency and air traffic.

“Many users are already seeing the benefits,” Foxx said. “But the full benefits can only be realized if all aircraft are equipped.”