Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT)
FlightLine APRT delivers real-time airborne situational awareness to Federal Contract Towers (FCTs), transforming tower operations with an intuitive, STARS-like display based on ADS-B data. An FAA System Design Approval (SDA) enables sponsor airports to deploy the system as a non-Federal situational awareness system. FAA no longer provides STARS displays to contract towers and has started the APRT program as an alternative for replacement for radar displays in contract towers.
Ready to Modernize Your Tower’s Airspace Awareness?
Request a briefing and speak to a uAvionix team member about bringing FlightLine APRT to your tower.
Why FlightLine APRT
The FlightLine Airborne Position Referennce Tool
Designed specifically for the needs of Federal Contract Towers, FlightLine APRT bridges the gap between traditional radar displays and modern, web-based surveillance tools. With its STARS-inspired interface, affordable implementation, and seamless integration into air traffic control tower workflows, FlightLine APRT equips controllers with the real-time data they need to enhance safety and operational efficiency—without the complexity or cost of legacy systems.
FlightLine APRT is part of the uAvionix FlightLine ecosystem and shares infrastructure with the FlightLine Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI), allowing seamless air and ground situational integration. Easy to install, low-cost, and web-based—FlightLine APRT empowers controllers and airport ops with visibility like never before.
Significant Safety Enhancements and Increased Airspace Efficiency
Reduces controller workload and improves their ability to plan and respond
Low-Cost & Rapid Deployment
Commissioned like an AWOS or Navaid; deployable in weeks, not months.
FAA SDA Approved
Enables immediate acquisition by sponsor airports, delivering value through improved safety and efficiency.
STARS-Like Display
Familiar and intuitive interface for Airt Traffic Control tower personnel.
What is the FlightLine Airborne Position Reference Tool (APRT)?
APRT is a web-based, ADS-B-data driven situational awareness system for airborne traffic.
The system will significantly enhanced aviation safety and operational efficiency by providing controllers with a real time visual aid to display aircraft positions tailored to the local airspace environment. Enhanced situational awareness of the airspace will help controllers improve their overall service to aircraft, identify aircraft not in communication with the tower, quickly validate possible transponder concerns, improve the ability to assist distressed aircraft, provide traffic and terrain information and decrease potential risk of wrong airport landings.
Want FlightLine APRT for Your Airport?
The new FAA-approved airspace awareness solution will improve safety and give you real-time insight into your ADS-B traffic in the vicinity of your airport.
FlightLine APRT is engineered for light-touch installation and rapid deployment, a critical advantage for busy tower environments. Mimicked after the FlightLine Surface Awareness System (SAI) (link to webpage),currently deployed in over 14 FAA towers, the system primarily consists of a roof or pole mounted Ground-Based Receiver (GBR) and a cloud-hosted web application, eliminating the need for specialized hardware in the tower and airport construction projects for receivers or radar. A typical schedule showing full operation and sustainment will be completed within six months from contract award by the airport sponsor.
FAQ's
What infrastructure is required at my airport?
APRT runs on a web-based platform and requires a uAvionix Ground-Based Receiver, a computer/display, and network connectivity. Site surveys determine optimal sensor placement.
How is APRT commissioned?
Sponsor airports notify FAA PIM of their intent to commission under SDA. uAvionix supports documentation and system validation for final approval.
Can APRT be used outside the tower?
Yes. Licenses can extend to FBOs, airport ops, ARFF, and snow removal crews.
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