ADS-B Buyers Guide
ADS-B provides highly accurate real-time location information that can help you and other pilots to safely navigate, especially in non-controlled airspace. Where aircraft have ADS-B transmitting (ADS-B OUT) and receiving (ADS-B IN) equipment, the technology can provide pilots with real-time information. In some cases, it can also give warnings about nearby aircraft.
ADS-B OUT is a surveillance technology that broadcasts the precise location of the aircraft through a digital data link. Transmitting on 1090MHz, anyone can receive and display the information. It allows you to identify and monitor air traffic, and can also allow air traffic control (ATC) to see you and other aircraft, helping to improve safety.
What is the ADS-B Rebate Scheme? How much can I save?
An Australian Government Rebate Program is in place to support aviation operators install automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) in their aircraft.
About the program
The objective of the Program is to incentivise voluntary uptake of ADS-B equipment in Australian‑registered aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to improve safety and efficiency for Australian airspace users.
The Program funds two classes of eligible ADS-B equipment:
- installed ADS-B equipment that air traffic controllers can use for aircraft separation purposes (referred to as ADS-B)
- portable ADS-B equipment for local electronic traffic information purposes (referred to as ADS-B EC).
Learn more about the Government Grant and Apply
About the scheme
The government will provide up to a 50% rebate of the costs of purchase, and if needed, installation of eligible ADS-B devices.
Grants are:
- for the purchase and installation of equipment that provides ADS-B IN, ADS-OUT, or both ADS-B IN and OUT functionality
- for the purchase of low-cost portable ADS-B devices (ADS-B EC device)
- capped at $5,000 per eligible aircraft
- available for both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) Australian-registered aircraft.
- If you received a grant under ADS-B Round 1, you may be eligible to apply for an additional grant under Round 2.
Make sure you check the eligibility requirements, including required documents, before purchasing and installing equipment.
Source: casa.gov.au ADS-B Rebate Scheme
How does ADS-B Work?
Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance technology that broadcasts the precise location of the aircraft through a digital data link.
ADS-B OUT transmitting equipment broadcasts messages up to twice per second on 1090MHz. It's broadcast so that anyone can receive and display the information.
Dedicated ADS-B ground stations receive the broadcasts and relay the information to air traffic control (ATC) for precise tracking of the aircraft. Air traffic controllers can use this data to separate aircraft in controlled airspace. Typically, ATC can use ADS-B information in the same way as radar.
| • Flight Identification (flight number callsign or call sign) | • Barometric and geometric altitudes | |
| • ICAO 24-bit aircraft address (globally unique airframe code) | • Vertical rate (rate of climb/descent) | |
| • Precise position (latitude/longitude) based on WAAS GPS | • Track angle and ground speed (velocity) | |
| • Position integrity/accuracy | • Emergency indication (when emergency code selected) | |
| • Special position identification (when IDENT selected) |
Source: casa.gov.au How ADS-B Works
What does ADS-B IN and ADS-B OUT mean?
ADS-B IN is the on-board reception of ADS-B OUT transmissions to allow a Cockpit Display of nearby aircraft to the pilot of the ADS-B IN equipped aircraft.
ADS-B OUT is the transmission of ADS-B information out from an aircraft, to other aircraft and the ground. ADS-B OUT Mode S transponders have been made mandatory for IFR aircraft. Compliance dates for ADS-B OUT depend on whether the aircraft flies in upper or lower airspace, is newly registered or existing, and whether it operates in areas of intensive air traffic in Australia. (Class C Airspace in Capital Cities)
What are the benefits of ADS-B?
Real-time location information
ADS-B provides highly accurate real-time location information that can help you and other pilots to safely navigate, especially in non-controlled airspace.
Where aircraft have ADS-B transmitting (ADS-B OUT) and receiving (ADS-B IN) equipment, the technology can provide pilots with real-time information. In some cases, it can also give warnings about nearby aircraft.
The system can show information on a traffic display or as an audible alert (‘TRAFFIC …!’). It can also show the location of ADS-B-equipped vehicles on a runway. Overall, ADS-B can greatly improve and enhance your situational awareness when flying or operating around an aerodrome.
Visibility study
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) visibility study shows how ADS-B IN can help pilots see other aircraft better.
The study found that pilots benefited from aircraft fitted with ADS-B IN in a couple of ways, including:
- having a better chance of locating the other aircraft
- alerting pilots to other aircraft position much earlier.
Additional benefits
Other benefits of fitting ADS-B include:
- effective search and rescue services.
- Using both ground and space-based ADS-B receivers makes it much easier to find an aircraft that has ADS-B OUT if there's an emergency.
- accurate reporting of an aircraft’s position.
- better access to preferred routes or cruising levels in controlled airspace, in areas of Airservices’ ground-based ADS-B system beyond radar coverage.
Source: casa.gov.au Benefits of ADS-B
Operating under VFR / IFR?
The flight rules you’re operating under determines if your aircraft requires ADS-B OUT equipment.
Operating under the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
All aircraft operating in Australia under the IFR must be fitted with approved ADS-B OUT equipment. Unless ATC instructs otherwise, the equipment must be continuously operated in flight or on the ground at Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth aerodrome.
Operating under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
In general, you don’t need to fit ADS-B OUT equipment.
The exception where you must use ADS-B OUT equipment is when you fly an approved VFR flight at or above flight level 290. Other rules about having a transponder may still apply.
You must keep all surveillance equipment on during flight and while on the ground at Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth aerodromes. This applies regardless of what equipment you have fitted or whether it's required, unless ATC instructs you otherwise.
CASA strongly encourages VFR operators to fit both ADS-B IN and OUT technology for the safety benefits it offers. Any ADS-B OUT equipment must be of an acceptable configuration.
You can find these details under Division 26.16 'Surveillance equipment' of the Part 91 Manual of Standards.
Source: casa.gov.au How ADS-B Works
What ADS-B is right for me?
There are different types of ADS-B which offer a range of options for aircraft flying under visual flight rules (VFR).
These include:
- installed ADS-B equipment - visible to the air traffic control system and useable for air traffic separation purposes. (referred to as ADS-B)
- portable ADS-B equipment - simple devices providing you and other pilots with improved situational awareness showing local electronic traffic information but not visible to air traffic control(referred to as ADS-B EC).
What you buy depends on the type of flying you do. All options provide significant safety benefits regardless of cost or complexity of the equipment.
There are strict technical requirements that apply to any ADS-B equipment used in Australia. Before purchasing equipment, check with a Flight Store Team Member that it meets the appropriate Australian standards and is suitable for your aircraft class and type.
How can I reach your Customer Support team?
Email Customer Support is available at sales@flightstore.com.au. Call us on 07 5536 8694 or use our Email Enquiry Form.
Source: casa.gov.au Buying and fitting ADS-B equipment
What's an ADS-B EC device? Is that all I need for my light aircraft?
Electronic Conspicuity (EC) devices
An electronic conspicuity (EC) device is an ADS-B system designed for use on light aircraft. Mostly portable devices, they are capable of transmitting and receiving ADS-B, however the majority of EC devices are ADS-B IN only. OUT devices broadcast information that enables the aircraft to be detected by other airspace users with equipment that can receive and process ADS-B IN information.
You can use an Electronic Conspicuity (EC) device such as the Sentry, Sentry Plus or Stratus 3 in non-certified aircraft.
For ADS-B transmissions to be trustworthy, it is necessary to have assurance of adequate performance. Legislation states that an EC device cannot be operated in transmitting mode in Australia unless:
- The manufacturer has made a valid declaration of capability and conformance for the device in accordance with the legislative requirements.
- The manufacturer has provided the user a statement of compliance certifying that the device meets the legislative requirements.
- The pilot in command of an aircraft that uses an EC device carries the statement or a copy of it on board the aircraft.
You must not operate an EC device at the same time as a Mode S transponder which is transmitting ADS-B messages. This is to avoid interference to the two devices caused by unsynchronised transmissions and prevent the aircraft from broadcasting inconsistent information.
- an EC device
- ADS-B IN
- a transponder together with an EC device.
Source: casa.gov.au Buying and fitting ADS-B equipment
Can portable devices be seen by Air Traffic Control?
Can you be seen? CASA ADS-B and Transponder guide?
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What to consider before buying?
There are a wide range of choices to suit your aircraft and operations. Before buying, consider:
- where you tend to operate in terms of classes of airspace, traffic type and density
- aircraft type and airworthiness category
- whether you have registered the aircraft with CASA or a self-administering organisation
- the likelihood you may fly the aircraft under the IFR in future
- confirmation that the product satisfies the relevant equipment specifications
- physical size, display clarity, ease of use, and functionality
- cockpit space and accessibility of portable devices
- other equipment carried in the aircraft and compatibility
- for portable equipment, battery life relative to the types of operations envisaged
- cost, product quality and installation and support arrangements.
Consider who else is using the airspace you are flying in and whether the technology you choose will allow them to see you.
Use the Can you be seen? ADS-B and transponder guide to help you.
To maximise the safety benefits of ADS-B, choose the equipment that has the most green in both its rows and columns.
Talk with the Flight Store Customer Support team?
Email Customer Support at sales@flightstore.com.au. Call us on 07 5536 8694 or use our Email Enquiry Form.
Source: casa.gov.au Buying and fitting ADS-B equipment
I need help buying Approved ADS-B equipment?
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installed ADS-B equipment - performance-based navigation capable WAAS GPS source equipment certified to the relevant standards
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portable ADS-B equipment - either a Portable ADS-B EC or a Panel Mount device that can be used in conjuction with a navigator or Electronic Flight Bag (EFG).
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a performance-based navigation capable system (GNSS)
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equipment certified to the relevant standards.
For any type certified aircraft you must have an B2 Licenced Aviation Maintenance Engineer (Avionics LAME) fit and certify the installation.
How can I reach the Flight Store Customer Support team?
Email Customer Support is available at sales@flightstore.com.au. Call us on 07 5536 8694 or use our Email Enquiry Form.
Should I buy a Mode S Transponder with ADS-B OUT?
A Mode S Transponder with ADS-B OUT enabled is technically the most effective way of making an aircraft electronically conspicuous and delivers maximum inter-operability with other aircraft as well as the ground ATM environment.
Many Mode S transponders, marketed for use by the GA community, include the capability to transmit ADS-B OUT, but may require a separate GNSS source to be connected to the transponder in order to enable that ADS-B OUT functionality.
Several avionics manufacturers have transponders with an inbuilt GNSS receiver, thus fully enabling ADS-B OUT functionality ‘out of the box’, albeit with a GPS antenna mount requirement.
There are also avionics manufacturers who have cost effective connectivity options for a GNSS source and the connection of that GNSS source to ADS-B OUT-capable transponders, either via their own compatible products or via connection of third party GNSS sources. The number of supported combinations of transponder and GNSS source has increased significantly over the past few years.
CASA encourages all potential purchasers of new Mode S transponders to consider options for enabling ADS-B OUT from their chosen transponder. This will often be cheaper and easier to enable at the time of purchase and installation rather than as an additional installation at a later stage.
Source: CASA AC 91-23 | CASA-04-5240 | v2.0 | File ref D24/511328 | July 2025
Can I fly VFR and keep my Mode A/C Transponder?
Mode A/C transponders are obsolete technology that have been replaced or are in the process of being replaced in most parts of the world by Mode S transponder technology.
Aircraft owners who continue to use an older Mode A/C transponder should be aware that older transponders may appear to function correctly and be able to pass routine pressure altitude encoder testing yet be unserviceable because it no longer meets the full performance requirements.
For VFR aircraft, there are circumstances where a Mode S transponder is required, specifically:
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for operations at major capital city aerodromes
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for aircraft manufactured on or after 6 February 2014
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where a VFR aircraft of any age is modified by having its transponder installation replaced.
Do I need a LAME? or Can I self-install ADS-B OUT?
ADS-B OUT systems and equipment installed or used in type-certificated aircraft must have a design approval issued under Part 21 of CASR and connot be self installed. Aircraft owners should consult a LAME, licensed aircraft equipment installer for advice about such installations.
Portable ADS-B OUT equipment in type certified aircraft, such as Electronic Conspicuity (EC) equipment is not bound by the same restrictions and may be used without requiring a design approval. Portable devices must be mounted and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Installing ADS-B OUT - Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
For VH-registered light sport aircraft (LSA), ADS-B equipment must be installed using a method specified by the LSA manufacturer using the technical data provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
For other LSA, installation of ADS-B equipment would be acceptable under any of the following circumstances:
- self-administration arrangements
- by a CAR 30 or Part 145 organisation
- using personnel otherwise authorised to perform the installation of equipment with acceptable maintenance data.
- Installing ADS-B OUT in experimental aircraft and others
ADS-B OUT equipment installed in these aircraft must meet the ADS-B standards in the relevant legislation applicable to the aircraft.
No CASA approval is required for the ADS-B OUT system installation. Owners of these aircraft may elect to install equipment authorised under a TSO, in accordance with the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Alternatively, owners of these aircraft may elect to purchase uncertified or portable equipment.
Source: CASA AC 91-23 | CASA-04-5240 | v2.0 | File ref D24/511328 | July 2025
Are there ADS-B IN installation requirements?
Source: CASA AC 91-23 | CASA-04-5240 | v2.0 | File ref D24/511328 | July 2025