The FAA has issued guidance emphasizing the importance of Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters in enhancing airport surface safety and reducing runway incursions.
The FAA's CertAlert 25-01 highlights Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMAT) technology, which uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) to provide air traffic controllers and aircraft with real-time visibility of ground vehicle movements. This technology significantly reduces risks on airport surfaces by creating cooperative airspace awareness.
ADS-B enables vehicles and aircraft to broadcast their positions electronically. VMAT-equipped vehicles become visible to air traffic control, pilots and ground vehicle operators using portable ADS-B devices such as the ForeFlight Sentry.
Vehicle intrusions accounted for 18% of runway incursions in 2024, demonstrating the need for widespread VMAT adoption. The technology could help prevent incidents such as the recent collision at Galeão Airport, where an aircraft struck a maintenance vehicle during takeoff.
The FAA's Program Guidance Letter 24-01 expands funding eligibility through the Airport Improvement Program for VMAT equipment acquisition, installation and commissioning. Funding covers up to 200 VMATs per airport at facilities equipped with ASDE-X, ASSC, or FAA-approved Surface Awareness Initiative systems.
The program exclusively uses the 978 MHz/UAT link and includes installation costs, commissioning services and Site Acceptance Testing.
uAvionix offers the VTU-20 Vehicle Transmitter, a compact ADS-B transmitter designed for ground vehicles. The device provides accurate vehicle location and identification data directly to air traffic control systems.
"The VTU-20 has already proven its effectiveness across numerous airports," said Cyriel Kronenburg, VP UAS and aviation networks at uAvionix. "Our extensive deployments across the NAS clearly demonstrate our commitment and capability to quickly enhance airport safety through proven ADS-B technology."
VMATs have been deployed at over 60 airports across the National Airspace System. uAvionix's FlightLine platform complements the VTU-20 by combining data from equipped vehicles and aircraft, enabling airport operators and controllers to manage ground movements effectively.
The FAA's Advisory Circular 150/5220-26 provides detailed guidance on ground vehicle ADS-B equipment, including standards and technical specifications for compliance and interoperability.
Airport operators can access FAA funding to implement VMAT technology through the Surface Awareness Initiative established under the agency's February 2023 Safety Call to Action.