Gulfstream Receives ADS-C Approval

Gulfstream Aerospace received FAA authorization to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Contract (ADS-C) for oceanic and remote area waypoint reporting, becoming the first purpose-built business-jet manufacturer to do so. ADS-C allows an air traffic controller to initiate the tracking of an aircraft’s position from the ground using information sent at predetermined intervals from the jet’s onboard sensors. The system enhances safety by automatically reporting when an aircraft deviates from its cleared altitude and route. It also provides meteorological data from the aircraft sensors to the air traffic control system. ADS-C is part of the Future Air Navigation System (FANS) data link application, which will also include Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC). Late last year, Gulfstream completed a full FANS flight across the Atlantic Ocean using CPDLC with ADS-C.