On March 11th, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and UK Spectrum Authority Ofcom made an important joint announcement and aviation history with its authorization of the 978 MHz UAT frequency for airborne ADS-B transmission specifically tailored for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Why is this historic? Because this is the very first authorization of 978 MHz UAT ADS-B outside of the United States. For those following our journey at uAvionix, you already know how passionate we are about this technology and how important this step is for the future of aviation safety and innovation. 

Let’s dive deeper into why this matters, the journey that got us here, and where we go next.  

Why Does This Matter?

At uAvionix, we’ve consistently advocated for ADS-B and Electronic Conspicuity (EC). Why? Because these technologies save lives. As we’ve previously highlighted (see “A Rant About ADS-B’s Role in Preventing Mid-Air Collisions“), ADS-B isn’t just another gadget—it’s essential aviation infrastructure that enhances situational awareness and drastically reduces mid-air collision risks, especially crucial when drones operate alongside crewed aircraft. 

It’s important to differentiate between the 978 MHz UAT and 1090 MHz ADS-B frequencies. While 1090 MHz ADS-B is widely utilized by commercial aviation and can become congested in high-traffic areas, the 978 MHz frequency is significantly underutilized. This makes it an ideal frequency for safely accommodating emerging UAS operations. 978 MHz UAT ADS-B enables additional critical services such as weather information (FIS-B) and traffic information (TIS-B), fostering safer and better-informed operations. 

With the UK’s general aviation community increasingly adopting Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), such as SkyDemon, compatibility with widely-used devices like the SkyEcho becomes pivotal. SkyEcho, the UK’s leading EC device compatible with popular EFB platforms, highlights the potential for broader adoption and immediate benefit across the general aviation community, demonstrating how ADS-B technology like the ping2020i enhances the safety ecosystem comprehensively. 

Today’s decision places the UK at the forefront of global aviation technology, setting an influential precedent in international standards adoption. 

The Journey to Today – Years of Strategic Effort

From our earliest blogs, such as “UAT in the UK (Parts 1,2, and 3)” and “The Case for Low Power ADS-B,” we’ve chronicled the strategic effort required to bring this technology to fruition in the UK. 

From day one, uAvionix has championed the practicality and importance of the 978 MHz spectrum. We demonstrated how low-power, cost-effective ADS-B devices could significantly boost aviation safety. This multi-year journey included extensive compatibility testing, regulatory advocacy, and industry collaboration, ultimately leading to today’s crucial amendment to CAP 1391. Specifically, this amendment authorizes UAS operators to use 978 MHz UAT, aligning closely with global RTCA standards (RTCA DO-282B) and guaranteeing interoperability with existing spectrum users. 

Throughout this journey, uAvionix has implemented various successful UAT projects, detailed in our “UAT in the UK” blog series. These projects included deploying ground-based UAT ADS-B receivers and FIS-B/TIS-B transmitters to demonstrate enhanced situational awareness, conducting live flight trials showcasing interoperability, and proactively engaging stakeholders to build consensus around 978 MHz ADS-B technology. 

Moreover, this milestone perfectly aligns with the UK’s refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS), reinforcing drone integration as a strategic priority for the UK’s airspace.

The Role of the ping2020i

The uAvionix ping2020i exemplifies everything envisioned by the CAA in making 978 MHz UAT available for drone operations. It is an affordable, compact solution specifically designed to enhance situational awareness and operational safety for complex Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions.

The ping2020i leverages the power of the less-congested 978 MHz spectrum to deliver critical capabilities such as enhanced situational awareness, real-time collision avoidance, and effective integration into the broader aviation environment. Coupled with widespread compatibility with portable ADS-B receivers such as SkyEcho, the ping2020i helps ensure drone operations can seamlessly “SEE, BE SEEN, and AVOID” other aircraft.  

Looking Ahead – A New Chapter in Airspace Modernisation

Today’s announcement is not the conclusion of our journey; rather, it marks a new chapter filled with potential. Enabled by this regulatory breakthrough, we at uAvionix—and the broader industry—can now focus on advancing airspace management innovations, further supporting drone operations and airspace integration.

This precedent-setting authorization positions the UK as a global leader in aviation technology, and we anticipate other countries following this example, contributing to safer skies globally.

Conclusion – A Bright Future for Aviation

This milestone is worth celebrating—it’s the culmination of dedicated advocacy, extensive testing, and close collaboration between industry, regulators, and policymakers. It marks a significant step toward a safer, smarter, and more inclusive airspace.

We invite continued collaboration and dialogue, encouraging everyone in the aviation community to join us in building this exciting future together.

Specifically we encourage other regulators, including EASA, Transport Canada, and the FAA to follow suit, enabling critical Electronic Conspicuity for drones and manned aircraft alike for safer skies for all.

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For more information about uAvionix and its aviation safety solutions, please visit https://uAvionix.com/. 
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Contact for media: squawk@uAvionix.com