Mode S data link applications for general aviation

The Mode S data link is a high capacity air/ground digital communications system that can deliver information to the cockpit in a form that will significantly improve pilot situational awareness and aircraft utility. The FAA is deploying Mode S surveillance sensors with data link capability at 143 sites across the United States. Three Mode S data link applications: Traffic Information Service, Text Weather Service, and Graphical Weather Service have been developed to meet the specific needs of General Aviation. Traffic Information Service uses the surveillance capability inherent in the Mode S sensor to provide the pilot with a display of nearby traffic. Text Weather Service and Graphical Weather Service provide a means to deliver real-time weather text and graphics to the cockpit. An additional Mode S data link application, the use of the Mode S quitter for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B), also offers significant benefits to GA. Low-cost avionics have been developed to support these, and other Mode S data link applications for General Aviation.