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Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) brings surveillance coverage for the first time to 250,000 square nautical miles of airspace over Hudson Bay in Northern Canada. About 35,000 flights a year use this airspace. The majority of these flights link Europe and North America, while many transit to Asia, including those using polar tracks.
ADS-B is a next generation surveillance technology that supports radar-like separation standards. The system brings significant safety and efficiency benefits, offering properly-equipped and certified aircraft more flexible, fuel-saving routes through airspace previously managed using only procedural air traffic control. Aircraft with ADS-B automatically transmit accurate position reports with integrity every second to Air Traffic Control (ATC). As a result, ADS-B will reduce separation minima for equipped aircraft and allow more aircraft to follow the most efficient flight trajectory.
Service commenced on January 15, 2009. Click here for the Information Brochure.
Controllers currently use ADS-B tactically by applying reduced separation between equipped aircraft on an opportunity basis within the Hudson and Minto sectors. This means each aircraft will have the appropriate protected airspace around it applied based on its capability.
As more aircraft equip, and in full consultation with customers, NAV CANADA will segregate airspace vertically in 2009, likely requiring ADS-B for flight between FL350 and FL400 inclusive. Segregation will provide maximum benefits to equipped aircraft and the incentive for others to equip. Eventually all flights at and above FL290 will require ADS-B. The transition period will provide a reasonable time frame for operators to obtain the necessary equipment and regulatory approvals for their aircraft and crew. The map on the opposite page depicts installations and coverage for the Hudson Bay ADS-B surveillance service. ADS-B will cover Hudson Bay airspace completely above FL370, but with a coverage gap approximately 100 nautical miles (nm) x 100 nm at FL290.
For more information refer to Aeronautical Information Circular 21/09 - Air Traffic Flow Management in the Vicinity of Hudson Bay as a Result of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast Out Implementation. In addition, a selection of related links is provided below for reference documentation supporting the operational implementation and use of ADS-B.
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