How will ADS-B transmissions be used for search-and-rescue efforts in Alaska?
Currently, all ADS-B transmissions that are received on the ground are sent to the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center and recorded in case they are needed for search and rescue. This recorded data is examined at Anchorage center when it is notified of a missing aircraft. The center transmits the relevant information to the appropriate search-and-rescue personnel once the data is located. A research effort is under way to provide Automated Flight Service Station personnel with ADS-B position reports to determine the usefulness of this kind of information for flight services. Note to VFR pilots equipped with Capstone avionics or self-equipped with GDL 90: please file your hexadecimal code in the remarks section of your VFR flight plan. This could aid in locating your aircraft in a search-and-rescue operation.
