Andrew Gideon wrote:

On Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:37:12 +0000, Ron Lee wrote:

Would that portable ADS-B equipment meet the NPRM requirements?

I doubt it since the NPRM only discusses ADS-B Out.

And the Zaon solution, as I understand, is only -In. So this doesn't
address the mandate. But what it does do is lower the bar for those that
want to get the benefit made available by the mandate.

What it does is allow improved traffic detection based upon what GA
aircraft already have in their aircraft (Mode-C). ADS-B Out adds
nada.

Get a Zaon for traffic. All that they
want is available right now. ADS-B is not the answer.

The problem with current traffic solutions, from my perspective, is the
very limited space in which they can be trusted to operate. One of our
airports, for example, is largely shadowed by local geography from the
nearest RADAR. So too close to the airport - a place where traffic would
be quite nice grin! - means no transponder-based traffic.

However, the price of the Zaon units is low enough that we may invest
today even knowing that we'll probably want to replace these with ADS-B
based units at some point in the (not too nearby) future.

A Zaon, or Monroy type system supplements see and avoid should you
elect to get such a system. There is NO evidence that the ADS-B
solution will provide close to 100% coverage at GA pattern altitudes
although I have asked the FAA to provide that information.

Plus...if you read and understand the NPRM and read my comments, ADS-B
Out only has the potential to improve traffic issues IF....big
IF...people equip with ADS-B In or talk to ATC.

I suspect that the high cost of ADS-B equipage will keep its
implementation rate in GA aircraft at well under 10% which is far less
than Mode C (about 85% I think).

Read the NPRM (and comments.) It is bad.

I don't suggest that you not buy ADS-B. Buy whatever you want. But
for most GA pilots it is too costly and provides no benefits as far as
this NPRM goes.

The whole ideal behind GA benefits from ADS-B In appears at this time
to be pointless given Zaon/Monroy systems and XM (or equivalent)
weather.

Ron Lee