2023-02-23 National

NAV CANADA, the air navigation service provider for Canada, has provided ground-based automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) surveillance service in portions of CDA at flight level (FL) 290 and above since 2008. The availability of space-based ADS-B in 2019 has enabled air traffic service (ATS) surveillance throughout the entirety of Canadian Domestic Airspace (CDA).

Beginning 23 February 2023, Canada will commence an ADS-B out performance requirement mandate for applicable CDA.

Equipage Requirements

To demonstrate compliance with the ADS-B out mandate, aircraft will be required to:

• Be equipped with an appropriate transponder with ADS-B out capabilities and performance with the applicable standard of Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) DO-260B, “Minimum Operational Performance Standards”, or newer.
• Have antenna capability for broadcast toward space-based ADS-B receivers emitting 1090 MHz extended squitter. This requirement can be met either through antenna diversity (the use of a top and bottom antenna) or with a single antenna that is capable of transmitting both towards the ground and up towards satellites.

Operators are expected to file the following ADS-B equipage in Item 10 of the ICAO flight plan:

• B1 ADS-B with dedicated 1090 MHz ADS-B “out” capability, or
• B2 ADS-B with dedicated 1090 MHz ADS-B “out” and “in” capability.

Area of Applicability

The ADS-B out mandate will be enabled through airspace classification designation and amendment to transponder airspace requirements, as described in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH), TP 1820E.

Implementation is planned to occur in Class A and B airspace commencing 23 February 2023.

This change will take effect 23 February 2023 at 0901Z. The appropriate aeronautical publications will be amended.