The aviation industry is approaching a critical juncture, with heightened scrutiny on air safety. Following a recent air-to-air collision, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent recommendations for enhanced technology to prevent future accidents. This has accelerated the legislative process, with the introduction of the ROTOR (Reducing Obstacles to Traffic on Our Runways) Act. This bipartisan bill, driven by a growing number of U.S. senators, aims to mandate ADS-B In on all commercial aircraft, representing a crucial step to modernize Air Traffic Control (ATC) and enhance aviation safety. Acron Aviation is not just preparing for this shift, we are leading it.
Understanding ADS-B In technology
While ADS-B Out transmits an aircraft's position, ADS-B In takes safety further by allowing aircraft to receive broadcasts from other aircraft and ground stations. This technology dramatically improves pilots' situational awareness, providing real-time information on nearby traffic, including position, altitude, heading and speed.
The enhanced flightdeck display of traffic information offers pilots a clear visual of surrounding aircraft. This significantly reduces the risk of mid-air collisions and improves coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC), representing a major leap in aviation safety as well as improved efficiency.
Industry leadership validated
We're particularly proud that American Airlines, the world's largest fleet, has already selected our SafeRoute+ ADS-B In retrofit solution across its entire Airbus A321 airframes - a testament to the quality and reliability of our technology.
Chris PolyninVP & GM, Surveillance
This early adoption by a major airline demonstrates recognition within the industry of both the importance of ADS-B In technology and Acron Aviation's leadership in providing critical safety solutions.
Our proactive approach
Acron Aviation anticipated this development and we've diligently created solutions that already meet the potential mandate in a cost-effective, future-proof manner. We are proud to be the only vendor offering a low-cost, upgradeable solution that addresses immediate compliance needs while providing a clear path to advanced ADS-B In applications.
Our solutions include SafeRoute+, a suite of ADS-B In applications that be retrofit on your fleet, covering AIRB, CDTI-Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS), CAS and Interval Management (IM) capabilities for existing aircraft, enhancing flight crew situational awareness.
For new Airbus aircraft, our T3CAS offers integrated AIRB functionality called ATSAW, along with the optional In Trail Procedures (ITP) application for oceanic flight efficiency. T3CAS combines ADS-B In applications with Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II), Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), and a Mode S transponder with ADS-B Out capabilities. Both solutions are designed for future growth, allowing software updates to expand functionality without hardware replacements – a significant cost advantage for airlines.
In addition to the airbus ADS-B In applications, Surface Alerting (SURF-A) applications are available to enable protection against runway incursions, a growing concern in our industry. Once equipped with SafeRoute+ or ATSAW, the airline has the ability to perform a software only upgrade to enable SURF-A for added runway safety.
Beyond compliance: Safety and efficiency benefits
While meeting regulatory requirements is key, the true value of ADS-B In lies in its profound operational benefits in addition to the safety enhancement. Airlines implementing our solutions can expect enhanced pilot situational awareness, a reduced collision risk, improved ATC coordination, and more efficient routing, leading to fuel savings.
Moving forward, together
The NTSB's recommendations and the introduction of the ROTOR Act highlights the urgent need for action. We are actively collaborating with U.S. senators on potential legislation to mandate ADS-B technologies for all aircraft in Class B airspace, covering nearly all air transport operations. This bill aims to standardize these critical safety technologies, significantly enhancing overall flight safety.
We are ready to partner with airlines worldwide to implement these crucial solutions. Our commitment to innovation, safety, and efficiency drives us to create safer skies through cutting-edge avionics.
Our runway and airspace safety technology
About the author
Chris Polynin
VP and GM, SurveillanceAcron Aviation
Chris Polynin is the VP and GM of our Surveillance products, within our Avionics business. As a leader in ADS-B In technology, Acron Aviation's Surveillance business, as well as our ACSS joint venture with Thales, provides leadership and proven solutions for commercial and military airplanes, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
