Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) Pacific Engineering Trials (PET)

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Techni- cal Center is conducting Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS) engineering trials over the Pacific Ocean region in cooperation with the governments of Japan and Australia and partici- pating airlines. The objective of the program is to gain early experience with ADS and satellite data link. Test flights began with a United Airlines B-747-400 aircraft in a flight from San Francisco to Singapore in September, 1990. The avionics used in the initial testing are designed to a subset of international standards and are expected to evolve as the program matures. Workstation displays to monitor flight progress and provide a data link interface are located at the Technical Center, and for specific tests, at Oakland Oceanic Air Traffic Control Center. The satellite link is provided through International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) maritime satellites and in the U.S. by Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT) earth stations. The terrestrial network is provided by Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC). One phase of the program will demonstrate whether satellite position reports can replace oceanic high frequency (HF) radio voice progress reports. The data link experience gained with controllers will be used for implementation and future enhancements to the Oceanic Program. Data collected during these tests may be used to certify the satellite link for transmission of Aero- nautical Mobile Satellite Safety Services (AMS(R)S).