NEWS Secret Squirrel Activity

[Tycho_Brohe]

Does ADS-B = Mode S?

Ish. With my current systems knowledge, the whole architecture of it is kinda nebulous, but generally, Mode S works as a selective interrogation, which can only be picked up by ATC radar or other Mode S aircraft. I think ADS-B takes info from the Mode S among other things, and just blurts it out every so often to whomever is listening.

I assume that if a/c are participating in sensitive training missions in CONUS that they can secure this ADS-B broadcast(?)

Yep, absolutely.

 

[squorch2]

Ish.

This is it. The "B" in ADS-B is "broadcast," and ADS-B packets are carried within Mode S interrogations/transmissions.

Mode S interrogations don't have to carry ADS-B information.

 

[nittany03]

I assume that if a/c are participating in sensitive training missions in CONUS that they can secure this ADS-B broadcast(?)

Is that what we're calling flathatting these days?

 

[Flash]

I assume that if a/c are participating in sensitive training missions in CONUS that they can secure this ADS-B broadcast(?)

If folks are flying in non-restricted airspace they pretty much have to be squawking so that other folks know they are out there, in restricted airspace where normal planes can't fly it is a different story.

 

[HAL Pilot]

It's not just ADS-B. Plenty of planes without ADS-B show up in flight tracking software. These guys basically get a feed from the ATC system. There are ways of blocking aircraft from being tracked but the owner/operator has to do the paperwork.

 

[robav8r]

Got this in my inbox today:

FORTWORTH, Texas – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal AviationAdministration today issued an emergency order suspending the authorization NavWorxInc. uses to manufacture certain Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)navigation units. Such units, when properly manufactured and operated, help to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.

The authorization, known as a Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA),enables suppliers to produce components for use on aircraft after proving thateach component meets FAA standards. Federal regulations set forth FAA’s authorityto inspect suppliers’ quality systems, facilities, technical data, and productsto determine whether they meet safety standards. These regulations also providethat FAA may witness any tests necessary to determine a product’s compliance.

The suspension order was issued after NavWorx declined on repeated occasions to allow FAA personnel to conduct the required inspections. The suspension is immediate and will remain in effect until NavWorx consents to the inspections and demonstrates compliance with FAA standards.

The FAA is concerned that two versions of the company’s ADS600-B units, carrying part numbers 200-0012 and 200-0013, may contain an internal Global PositioningSystem (GPS) chip that does not meet the FAA’s minimum performance standards for transmitting an aircraft’s accurate location.

On June 29, the FAA requested to inspect NavWorx’s facility to determine the specific GPS unit and software installedin part numbers 200-0012 and 200-0013, and if the units are marked correctly. NavWorxinformed the inspector that he would not be allowed inside the company’s facility. During subsequent correspondence, NavWorx agreed to allow an Aug. 31 inspection but then denied access when FAA inspectors arrived.

NavWorx later agreed to allow inspectors into the facility on Nov. 21 but they were again denied access.

Due to the company’s unwillingness to comply with these requirements, the FAA has determined that NavWorx’s continued use of its FAA authorization is contrary to the interests of safety in air commerce. During the suspension, NavWorx may not mark or otherwise indicate that its ADS600-B units meet FAA standards.

 

[Rockriver]

I think the switch on the left explains it all.