ACRP
October 2026
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) is a surveillance technology that relies on aircraft broadcasting their precise positions, speeds, altitudes, and other information to ground stations and other aircraft. ADS-B data enable airports to enhance operations, safety, and efficiency by providing information on aircraft arriving at and departing from their facilities. In addition, airports may utilize ADS-B data in a variety of ways, including tower and runway justification, legislative funding support for infrastructure investments, airport layout plan forecasting, and support for revenue-generating initiatives.
ACRP Synthesis 145: Collecting and Utilizing ADS-B Data at Airports explores the application of ADS-B data for operational decision-making at airports, as well as the technical limitations of ADS-B data. Topics covered include data collection, flight trajectory applications, and airport noise applications. The report also addresses security vulnerabilities, such as missing or corrupted messages, the exclusion of explicit time information, and altitude reporting. Six case examples illustrate the application of ADS-B at selected airports...
