BIGFORK, Montana - uAvionix in Bigfork, Mont. announced it has delivered and gained approval for its surface situational awareness systems at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Indiana and Texas, respectively. The systems passed the Service Acceptance Test (SAT) conducted by uAvionix and partner Capital Sciences, allowing Air Traffic Control (ATC) at these airports and are able to utilize the systems from 30 June 2024.
“This significant milestone marks the first approvals under the FAA’s [Federal Aviation Administration's] Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI), part of a broader effort to enhance runway safety across the nation,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer for uAvionix. “The uAvionix systems employ its cutting-edge Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) service called FlightLine, providing controllers with real-time, precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface, thereby improving situational awareness and reducing the risk of runway incursions.”
The delivery and acceptance of the FlightLine systems at IND and AUS were completed within 90 days through collaboration with the FAA, National Air Traffic Control Association (NATCA), Indianapolis Airport Authority, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Both airports also installed uAvionix’s VTU-20 ADS-B Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs) on airport vehicles. The VTU-20 system allows vehicles on runways and taxiways to be electronically visible to the tower and aircraft equipped with ADS-B In technologies, reducing the risk of runway incursions.
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The benefits of the uAvionix surface situational awareness systems include enhanced real-time tracking of aircraft and vehicles, improved operational efficiency and safety in all weather conditions, and reduced risk of runway incursions through timely and accurate data. The collaboration between uAvionix and the FAA highlights a commitment to leveraging advanced technology for safer skies. uAvionix continues to work closely with the FAA and airport authorities to ensure seamless integration and operation of these systems.
