Funding to keep Australian aircraft flying safely

The Australian Government has launched a new $30 million Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Rebate Program to support general and recreational aviation operators to install critical safety-boosting technology in their aircraft.

The Government will provide a 50 per cent rebate of the costs of purchase – and, where applicable, installation – of eligible ADS-B devices. Grants will be capped at $5,000, and will be available for Australian-registered aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Low-cost portable ADS-B devices will also be eligible for the grant.

ADS-B technology provides the real-time locational data pilots need to safely navigate their aircraft through the increasing volume of air traffic in Australia, particularly in the regions.

ADS-B technology allows air traffic controllers and other pilots to accurately track other aircraft. This helps them safely navigate their aircraft, especially in and out of busy airports, and reduce the risk of collisions. 

ADS-B surveillance is easier and less expensive to deploy than ground radar, simpler to maintain, and can be used in areas where conventional radar is not possible – so will deliver safety benefits and cost savings for the industry well in to the future.

ADS-B technology is already mandated in Australian aircraft flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which includes most commercial flights.

The program directly responds to calls from industry to encourage the uptake of ADS-B technology to realise its benefits.

Grant guidelines were released on 1 April 2022 and the program opened to applications on 12 August.

For more information, including on how to apply, visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/automatic-dependent-surveillance-broadcast-rebate-program.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The highly precise GPS data available from ADS-B equipment will greatly assist future life-saving search and rescue missions.

“Boosting the roll-out of this technology will allow Australia to keep up with demand for aviation services, particularly now our borders are open and we are welcoming more international flights.

“Our aviation industry is critical to our way of life as it connects communities, gets goods to markets and people to critical services such as healthcare, and underpins many Aussie businesses as well as our extensive visitor economy.

“Ensuring the safety of our pilots, other aviation workers, passengers and those on the ground is of the utmost importance each and every time a plane takes off, which is why the funding of this technology will make a huge positive impact.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell:

“The ‘see and avoid’ principle has known limitations, and the use of ADS-B with a cockpit display or an electronic flight bag application showing traffic information greatly improves a pilot’s situational awareness and enhances the safety of their flight.

“ATSB transport safety investigators can also use ADS-B data to help build a detailed picture and better understanding of an aircraft’s flight path and performance in the lead up to an incident or accident, which can lead to better safety outcomes for the aviation community.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Maritime Safety Authority Chief Executive Officer Mick Kinley:

“ADS-B technology provides another tool for search and rescue (SAR) operations in Australia.

“For aircraft in distress, that are equipped with ADS-B, AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Australia will use the aircraft’s ADS-B data to refine a distress location and provide enhanced traffic conflict data in a search area that may involve multiple SAR aircraft.

“AMSA can use ADS-B technologies to assist with managing SAR operations, which helps to improve our ability to save lives.”