As the FAA works to define the role that they will play in providing traffic and flight information-related data link services, more information is needed on how this information will be used, the products that will be provided, and the value of the service to pilots. To this end, the MITRE’s Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD), in cooperation with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), conducted a pilot survey aimed at educating pilots on how a Multipurpose Broadcast Data Link (MBDL) system could be used, asking pilots their opinion on the utility of various products and the monetary value that they would place on such a system.
The survey responses indicated that the interest in purchasing such a system was strong, but highly dependent on the price. In addition, pilots recognize the need for additional subscription fees, but these must also be kept low in order to attract a majority of pilots. Finally, the demand for the system is near term. A large percentage of respondents said that they would consider purchasing the system now or within the next 12 months. While the survey does not commit the respondent to a purchase, it does give an indication of demand for the system which will be useful as the FAA evaluates implementation alternatives.
The 8th Conference on Aviation, Range, and Aerospace Meteorology