Originally Posted by
sailingfun
The ADSB requirement has nothing to do with navigation or approach requirements. It is essentially a new form of transponder that data links lots of info to controllers including aircraft position, altitude and airspeed as well as call sign. It is planned to replace radar at some point in the future. Most of Delta's fleet is not ADSB equipped so this is not unique to the MD. Delta just does not want to pay for the install on aircraft that will retire shortly. It appears that Delta is only purchasing ADSB out to meet the 2020 requirement which is sad. From a pilot standpoint all the cool stuff is on the ADSB in feature. ADSB in however is not required for the 2020 mandate.
The FAA has stated repeatedly that there will be no extensions on the 2020 deadline. I guess we will see in 2 years. It's a big cost for light aircraft owners because it requires a certified GPS to feed the aircraft position to the ADSB box. The actual ADSB unit is very low cost.
Well if that's all it is then what's the big deal? Even an expensive GA application is in the 4 figure range, or low 5 figures if they splurge. Even if you add a zero to that (gotta pay to play, obviously), it doesn't even move the needle in a decision of wether or not to retire an airliner.