Which system broadcasts its state vector and other information periodically to air traffic management?

• A. AWOS
• B. ATIS
• C. ADS-B
• D. ASOS

Answer: (C)

ADS-B is the system that broadcasts its own position and other data to air traffic management. The state vector refers to the aircraft’s precise position (latitude, longitude, altitude) and its velocity, calculated from on-board sensors such as GPS. These data are transmitted at regular intervals in ADS-B Out messages, giving ATC timely, continuous surveillance of the aircraft even in areas without radar coverage. This real-time self-reporting improves tracking, spacing, and sequencing. The other options provide weather information to pilots rather than surveillance data for ATC—AWOS and ASOS relay weather observations, and ATIS delivers airport information—so they don’t fulfill the role of periodically broadcasting the aircraft’s state vector to air traffic management.