Space-based ADS-B Mandate coming to Canadian airspace

NAV CANADA had previously published that the mandate for space-based ADS-B in Canadian domestic airspace would be effective for aircraft operating in Class A and B airspace above 12,500 feet as of February 23, 2023. Class B, C, D, and E Canadian airspace will not be mandated before 2026.

On August 2, 2022, NAV CANADA published an updated time for the mandate to become effective due to supply chain issues related to the COVID pandemic regarding delays in acquiring and installing the necessary transponder equipment. The equipage levels in each airspace class are still not the expected level. The level of equipage in Class A airspace is at 95%, and Class B is above 88% and increasing.

As a result, the space-based ADS-B capability mandate has been extended for Class A airspace until August 10, 2023, and May 16, 2024, for Class B airspace to allow operators time to equip properly. Class C, D, and E will not be mandated before 2026, subject to further evaluation.

As a reminder, the mandate requires that aircraft:

• 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.

Follow this link to view the NAV CANADA release for additional information.

NAV CANADA has announced that they will be implementing a mandate for aircraft ADS-B to be qualified for space-based ADS-B Out when operating in Canadian domestic airspace above 12,500 feet. Space-based ADS-B has been available in portions of Canadian domestic airspace for some time above FL290 and has increased surveillance capabilities with an accompanying increase in safety. Canada and other countries are starting to implement the requirements for space-based ADS-B.

The implementation of the mandate will be done in phases. The first phase mandates Canadian Class A and B airspace capability above 12,500 feet as of February 23, 2023. Class B, C, D, and E Canadian airspace will eventually apply this mandate. Still, nothing will be mandated before 2026 in these airspaces to allow operators to have time to acquire the needed equipment or modifications.

Many aircraft may already be qualified or require minor modifications to comply, while others may need more comprehensive changes.

To meet the ADS-B requirements of the mandate, your aircraft will need the following:

• A transponder with ADS-B Out capability meeting the requirements of RTCA DO-260B or subsequent.
• Antennae that can broadcast upward to satellite ADS-B receivers using a 1090 MHz extended squitter. Accomplishing this requires either a top and bottom antenna or a single antenna that can transmit to both ground and satellite receivers. This requires antenna diversity.
• A reporting and serviceable enabled TCAS.

NAV CANADA AIC 12/22 has information where space-based ADS-B coverage is available now below FL290.

Further information can be found on the NAV CANADA website:

• NAV Canada - ADS-B Mandate to enhance aircraft operations in Canada
• NAV Canada - ADS-B Out Performance Requirements