PA.VI.B.K4FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge

Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

Bottom line

The ADS-B cockpit display of traffic is NOT intended to be used as a collision avoidance system and does not relieve the pilot’s responsibility to “see and avoid” other aircraft.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
NumberWhat it means
18,000 feet and above (Class A airspace) requires 1090ES equipmentClass A equip
Operators that do not fly above 18,000 feet may use either UAT or 1090ES equipmentBelow 18,000
978 or 1090 MHzADS-B links
Maximum of seven alphanumeric charactersFLT ID length
Approximately once per secondPosition rate

FAA references

  1. AFH Glossary (p. G-15) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  2. AIM 4-5-7 (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Services) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  3. PHAK ch. 14 (p. 14-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AIM 4-5-10 (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Rebroadcast (ADS-R)) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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