The ATSB congratulates the latest Australian aviation pioneers to be inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, including ‘father of ADS-B in Australia’ Greg Dunstone.
Mr Dunstone will be one of four individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame at a gala dinner on 14 March 2026, as well as Bill Bristow, founder of Angel Flight Australia; pioneering pilot and holder of Australia’s first pilot certificate, William ‘Billy’ Hart; and Sir Ivan Holyman, founder and managing director of Australian National Airways. The dinner will also recognise the Regional Aviation Association of Australia through the bestowal of the Southern Cross Award.
Greg Dunstone’s induction is particularly noteworthy for the ATSB, given his pioneering work with the development and implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. ADS-B is not only used by Airservices Australia for air traffic management of aircraft operating under instrument flight rules, but it can also provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness of other aircraft as an aid to self-separation in non-controlled airspace.
“Greg played a pivotal role in transforming the nation's air traffic management system through his leadership in radar and surveillance technologies during his 46-year career with Airservices Australia,” ATSB A/g Chief Commissioner Colin McNamara said.
“The work by Greg, and many others, on developing and introducing ADS-B technology has added additional levels of aviation safety, and we commend the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame for its recognition of him.”
All aircraft operating in Australia under instrument flight rules must be fitted with approved ADS-B OUT equipment to broadcast the precise location of the aircraft up to twice per second.
In addition, the Australian Government is currently incentivising the voluntary uptake of ADS-B installations in Australian-registered aircraft by providing a 50 per cent rebate on the purchase cost of eligible devices, and where applicable, the installation – capped to $5,000.
The rebate, covering Australian-registered aircraft operating under both visual and instrument flight rules, funds two classes of eligible ADS-B equipment: installed ADS-B equipment that air traffic controllers can use for aircraft separation purposes; and portable ADS-B equipment for local electronic traffic information purposes (ADS-B electronic conspicuity).
“The ATSB encourages the fitment of ADS-B in all general and recreational aircraft in Australia due to its proven abilities to enhance aviation safety and assisting in life-saving search and rescue operations undertaken by AMSA,” Mr McNamara said.
The rebate offer ends on 31 May 2027, but applications may close early if funding is fully allocated before the closing date.
More information, including on how to apply for the rebate, is available here.