Air Transport

Pennsylvania is to install automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) ground stations at four airports by year-end as it moves to provide state-wide service for general aviation pilots in four years.

ADS-B has been operational in Alaska for several years, and in April developmental service became available along the US East Coast from Florida to New Jersey. Pockets of coverage are available in Arizona, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Aircraft equipped with ADS-B avionics are able to receive traffic and flight information broadcasts via datalink. In Alaska only, the system is also used for air traffic surveillance.

With $300,000 in funding from the US Federal Aviation Administration, $250,000 from the Department of Homeland Defense and $50,000 from the state’s aviation fund, Pennsylvania is to install ADS-B ground stations at Allentown’s Queen City airport, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Inter­national, Lancaster and University Park airport in State College.