What Is ADS-C in Aviation?
ADS-C defined for aviation professionals, with its operational or commercial use, document context and related terminology.
Technical Meaning and Practical Use
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract, or ADS-C, sends aircraft position and other data to air traffic services according to an established reporting contract.
Aviation Glossary
Term: ADS-C
Category: Airline Operations & Navigation
How It Is Used in Flight Operations
ADS-C is used within dispatch, flight planning, crew procedures, aircraft approvals or air traffic operations depending on the subject. Operators must apply the version and approval basis recognized by the relevant aviation authority.
Operational Effect
It is commonly used in oceanic and remote airspace and is different from the broadcast-based ADS-B system.
Approval and Dispatch Considerations
Equipment capability alone may not be sufficient. Operator approval, crew qualification, maintenance status, database currency, route authorization and company procedures can all affect whether the capability may be used on a specific flight.
Related Aviation Topics
Related ACMI World coverage includes structuring an ACMI RFP, ACMI lease pricing, benefits of ACMI leasing, international charter compliance and wet lease versus dry lease.
It is commonly used in oceanic and remote airspace and is different from the broadcast-based ADS-B system.
ADS-C FAQ
What does ADS-C mean in aviation?
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract, or ADS-C, sends aircraft position and other data to air traffic services according to an established reporting contract.
Why does ADS-C matter?
It is commonly used in oceanic and remote airspace and is different from the broadcast-based ADS-B system.
Where would an aviation professional encounter ADS-C?
It is commonly encountered in airline operations & navigation documents, procedures, calculations or operating discussions where the underlying technical or commercial issue is relevant.
Does installed equipment automatically authorize the operation?
No. Many capabilities also require operator approval, current maintenance status, crew qualification and procedures accepted by the relevant authority.