The FAA has qualified uAvionix’s FlightLine ADS-B surveillance and situational awareness system for the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI). The SAI program offers a more cost-effective alternative for airports that aren’t equipped with surface surveillance equipment.

“The FAA has identified over 230 airports that are potential candidates for an SAI solution,” according to uAvionix, and an operational needs assessment lists 45 that are first candidates. Two airports are deploying FlightLine SAI installations—Indianapolis International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport—and these will be operational by June 30.

FlightLine captures ADS-B signals from aircraft and ground vehicles on both the 978- and 1090- MHz ADS-B bands. Ground vehicles can be equipped with approved ADS-B Out systems, including uAvionix’s VTU-20. Traffic is displayed on an airport surface map that “will at a minimum depict runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other movement areas,” the company said.

“Uniquely, because we have control over the network and the receivers, we are able to validate the ADS-B signals to address concerns over false targets and spoofing,” a uAvionix spokesman told AIN. In partnership with Capital Sciences, uAvionix can deploy and manage FlightLine as a turnkey service that includes training, sustainment, and upgrades.

“This is a clear example of how industry’s innovation to bring new entrants into the airspace has resulted in near-term opportunities to enhance safety for traditional aviation,“ said uAvionix CEO Jon Damush.