Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRT)​

APRT Displays Are Not Currently Approved For Use In The NAS

Airborne Position Reference Tools (APRTs) are supplemental surveillance tools for increasing airborne situational awareness. They are intended for use in air traffic control towers that are staffed by non-federally employed controllers and not equipped with Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS).

The FAA does not operate every Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) in the National Airspace System (NAS). Some towers are staffed by non-federally employed controllers, either via the FAA Contract Tower (FCT) program, or with non-federal funding. A number of these “non-FAA” towers do not have a Certified Tower Radar Display (i.e., STARS). Without radar data the controllers at those towers must rely on their own visual observations, and their radio communications with pilots. Many of these towers desire a tool that supplements situational awareness by providing controllers with a digital picture of their airspace.

APRTs may only be used to supplement controllers’ visual observations, and their radio communications with pilots. APRTs may not be used as the basis for maintaining separation between aircraft and they may not connect to FAA networks and/or FAA equipment.

The FAA is not conducting an acquisition for APRTs. Once the system(s) / service(s) are approved, the FAA will add them to the list of FAA Approved Products for Non-federal Use. They will then be available for purchase and operation by non-federal entities (e.g., airport authorities). Multiple vendors’ systems / services may be approved for non-federal use.

Digital Radar-Like Screen

Last updated: Friday, April 4, 2025