Pilots flying with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) avionics are getting theopportunity to test the traffic and weather datalink service up and down the East Coast. A developmental version of the service is now availablethrough several ground stations positioned from Florida to New Jersey.

Aircraft equipped with ADS-B transceivers anddisplays can access Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) and Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) data through the towers. The TIS-B service shows other airplanes with ADS-B equipment andactive transponders on board. It also allows controllers to see ADS-B-equipped aircraft even if they areoperating below radar coverage areas. FIS-B, meanwhile, allows pilots to receive free, real-time weather reports, including METARs, special aviation reports, terminal area forecasts and graphical Nexrad maps.