IFH 5-29

Figure 5-47. Example of a multi-function display (MFD). usable pilot information. The accuracy of the system is now determined by the accuracy of the navigation system, not measurement errors. Furthermore the accuracy is unaffected by the range to the aircraft as in the case of radar. With radar, detecting aircraft speed changes require tracking the data and changes can only be detected over a period of several position updates. With ADS-B, speed changes are broadcast almost instantaneously and received by properly equipped aircraft. Additionally, other information can be obtained by properly equipped aircraft to include notices to airmen (NOTAM), weather, etc. [Figures 5-49 and 5-50] At the present time, ADS-B is predominantly available along the east coast of the United States where it is matured. Safety Systems Radio Altimeters A radio altimeter, commonly referred to as a radar altimeter, is a system used for accurately measuring and displaying the height above the terrain directly beneath the aircraft. It sends a signal to the ground and processes the timed information. Its primary application is to provide accurate absolute altitude information to the pilot during approach and landing. In advanced aircraft today, the radar altimeter also provides its information to other onboard systems such as the autopilot and flight directors while they are in the glideslope capture mode below 200-300 feet above ground level (AGL). A typical system consists of a receiver-transmitter (RT) unit, antenna(s) for receiving and transmitting the signal, and an indicator. [Figure 5-51] Category II and III precision approach procedures require the use of a radar altimeter and specify the exact minimum height above the terrain as a decision height (DH) or radio altitude (RA). Traffic Advisory Systems Traffic Information System The Traffic Information Service (TIS) is a ground-based service providing information to the flight deck via data link using the S-mode transponder and altitude encoder. TIS improves the safety and efficiency of “see and avoid” flight through an automatic display that informs the pilot of nearby traffic. The display can show location, direction, altitude and the climb/descent trend of other transponder-equipped aircraft. TIS provides estimated position, altitude, altitude