Free ADS-B Receivers offered to UAS first responders after Hurricane Dorian

uAvionix pingRX ADS-B Receiver

uAvionix have announced that they are offering free pingRX Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) ADS-B receivers to first responders and UAS service organizations, involved in rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

Hurricane Dorian which is tracking its way north near Florida’s east coast, is expected to cause extensive damage due to high winds and flooding.

UAS were used effectively for the first-time in 2017 during recovery and rescue efforts following Hurricane Harvey’s landfall in Houston. It is anticipated that the airspace during the Hurricane Dorian rescue effort could be crowded and unpredictable. uAvionix are offering their dual-frequency ADS-B receivers for UAS as part of their ongoing mission to provide solutions that allow all airspace users a common situational awareness of the airspace.

The pingRX is a dual-frequency ADS-B receiver intended for use onboard a UAS. Weighing just 5 grams with a retail value of $249, the pingRX can provide UAS operators with a digital view of ADS-B equipped aircraft in the airspace up to hundreds of miles away. ADS-B traffic can be displayed on the Ground Control Station when the pingRX is integrated with compatible autopilots such as:

• ARDUPILOT
• Pixhawk
• PX4
• the Cube

FAA published guidance for UAS operators urges strict adherence to Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).

“First responders and recovery crews will undoubtedly work tirelessly for weeks in response to Dorian. We hope to make these efforts just a bit safer and encourage good airspace safety practices with the use of the pingRX systems.” – Christian Ramsey, uAvionix President.

The pingRX ADS-B Receiver offers enhanced situational awareness with zero impact on performance. First responders and UAS service organizations are encouraged to contact uAvionix for details on the offer.

ADS-B OUT equipage on manned aircraft is high but not at 100% so users are cautioned that reliance on ADS-B as a sole means of Detect and Avoid (DAA) is not advised.