Fis-B Weather; Data Transmission Limitations - Garmin GTN 650Xi Series Pilot's Manual

Hazard Awareness

FIS-B Weather

FEATURE REQUIREMENTS
•
UAT receiver (GDL 88 or GTX 345)
The FAA provides FIS-B as a Surveillance and Broadcast Service operating on the UAT
(978 MHz) frequency band. FIS-B uses a network of FAA-operated ground-based
transceivers to transmit weather datalink information to the aircraft's receiver on a
scheduled continuous basis.
The Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) Weather service is freely available
for aircraft equipped with a capable datalink universal access transceiver (UAT).
Ground stations provide uninterrupted services for the majority of the contiguous
U.S., Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and parts of Alaska. No weather subscription
service is required. For the latest FAA ground station coverage information, visit:
www.faa.gov/nextgen/programs/adsb/

Data Transmission Limitations

FIS-B broadcasts provide weather data in a repeating cycle which may take several
minutes to completely transmit all available weather data. Therefore, not all weather
data may be immediately present upon initial FIS-B signal acquisition.
LINE OF SIGHT RECEPTION
To receive FIS-B weather information, the aircraft's datalink receiver must be within
range and line-of-sight of an operating ground-based transceiver. Reception may be
affected by altitude, terrain, and other factors. Per the FAA, much of the United
States has FIS-B In airborne coverage at and above 3,000 feet AGL. Terminal
coverage is available at altitudes below 3,000 feet AGL and is available when flying
near approximately 235 major U.S. airports. Surface coverage allows FIS-B ground
reception at approximately 36 major U.S. airports.
5-38
FIS-B weather data displays on the dedicated weather page
and as overlays on Map. No pilot action is required to receive
FIS-B weather information.
Pilot's Guide 190-02327-03 Rev. C