CAA Norway is conducting UAT ground station trials

The UAT (Universal Access Transceiver) test transmitter plays a critical role in modern aviation, providing essential data for traffic, weather, and airspace information. As we continue to advance in our testing phases, it’s crucial for operators and pilots to understand the capabilities and limitations of these systems.

What is a UAT test transmitter?

A UAT test transmitter is a device designed to broadcast traffic, weather, and airspace information. It operates on 978 MHz. commonly used in aviation for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) services. The 978 MHz shall only be used by aircraft to receive information. Any requirements for ADS-B transponders are available in AIP Norway ENR ENR 1.6 SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND PROCEDURES, 3.3 ads-b system requirements. These services are vital for enhancing situational awareness and ensuring safer skies.

Key features and applications

Traffic data transmission:
The UAT transmitter sends out real-time traffic data, enabling aircraft equipped with compatible receivers to visualize surrounding air traffic. This is particularly useful in regions with high traffic density, improving pilot awareness and aviation safety.

The UAT-transmitter is accompanied by traffic receivers feeding data into it. The station at Starmoen sense Remote ID from drones, ADS-L, ADS-B, OGN, FANET, Pilot Aware.

The station will be able to multiliterate Mode S transponders once it is accompanied by other sensor stations.

The UAT-station can be fed by externally acquired data such as ANSP data on mode A and C transponders or SafeSky integration.
Weather information:
Accurate weather information is crucial for flight planning and in-flight decision-making. The UAT transmitter provides updated weather reports, including forecasts, current conditions, and severe weather warnings. Whereas the transmitter only provides current and forecast weather in text-format for now, we will implement graphical presentation shortly.

The test station broadcast official data from the Meteorological institute at the University of Oslo.
Airspace information:
By broadcasting airspace status and restrictions in real time, the UAT transmitter helps pilots avoid restricted zones and comply with airspace regulations, ensuring a smoother and safer flight experience.

The data broadcast is sourced from Eurocontrol.

Caution during testing phase

Currently, the UAT test transmitter in Norway is in a testing phase. Users should exercise caution when utilizing the information provided by this system. Data accuracy and reliability cannot be fully guaranteed during the test period. Further and current information published by NOTAM.

Future plans

The successful implementation and testing of UAT transmitters promise significant advancements in aviation safety and efficiency. As testing progresses, we aim to provide robust and reliable data to support the ever-growing demands of modern aviation.

Our aim is to build a network of similar ground stations at some ten locations in Norway. We will test radio technical compatibility, range and accuracy. If successful, we will develop a plan for full scale deployment in cooperations with our Nordic neighboring countries.