Updated ADS-B coverage map released
Portable ADS-B receivers like the Stratus and GDL 39 have taken aviation by storm, with their free in-flight weather and portable size, but they simply aren’t an option for some pilots. That’s because there are sections of the US, especially in the mountain West, that have had poor or no coverage. Without nearby ground stations, ADS-B receivers aren’t worth much.
That’s starting to change, though, as the FAA works hard to fill in the gaps. The most recent update shows over two dozen new ground stations have been added, especially in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado. Every state except Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Montana has fairly good coverage now. East of the Mississippi River, pilots can expect reception at 1000 ft. almost everywhere–on the ground at many airports in Florida. Likewise, the entire Pacific Coast up through California, Oregon and Washington has excellent coverage.
The full map is below (click for a larger image):
Based out of Boise, it would be nice to know the schedule for coverage out here.
I bought the Garmin ADSB portable reciever for use and test in the cockpits of our low flying R66 helicopter and our high flying Citation CJ3. I am based in Utah. There is no signal from ADS-B even at high altitude in the state of Utah or Wyoming as of today. This is one of the most needed locations because of the mountain ranges and quickly changing weather conditions that arise because of the mountain ranges in these areas. Does anyone have the schedule update for antennas that will fill in in these much needed areas?
The entire network is supposed to be finished in the first half of 2014. We’ll see if they stay on schedule…
Thanks, I hadnt heard when the completion was originally scheduled. Hopefully even with delays and govt shutdowns etc all will be built out by the end of 2014.
I’m not so sure about the Hawaii coverage either. Recently took two flights. One VFR at around 2,500 – 3,000 ft with a Stratus 2 and got zero towers from PHNL to PHNM. Made an IFR flight 10-20-13 from PHNL to PHKO, then PHKO to PHOG, PHOG to PHNL with a GDL-39, Garmin 696 and iPad with Garmin Pilot. Leg altitudes 7,000 to 8,000 and still no towers. Thought there was something wrong with the Stratus so I returned it and bought the Garmin.
Daniel, to the best of my knowledge there are no ADS-B towers in Hawaii yet.