I know a few of you guys are already equipped with ADS-B out. And some are thinking about it. Here is an interesting report by the OIG (Office of Inspector General). Definitely worth the reading.
https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/FAA%20ADS-B%20Program%20Audit%20Report%5E9-11-14.pdf

Here are just a few of my takeaways [with comments]:

1. FAA warns that pilots should not rely on ADS-B information to separate themselves from and avoid other aircraft...FAA notes that these services are for "advisory use only."
[Really? So if we can't rely on it then neither can ATC.]

2. ADS-B dropped or never displayed targets...In addition, ADS-B targets would split on controller displays...

3. ...controllers can only use ADS-B services for separating aircraft if another surveillance source such as radar is “fused” with ADS-B data.

4. ...pilots relying on ADS-B data have reported that they inadvertently flew their aircraft into restricted airspace that was either unmarked or incorrectly located on their ADS-B devices. Subsequently, FAA cited these pilots with violations.
[So the pilots reported the system's failings and the FAA cited them for it. Who here is surprised?]

[Okay, so according to the FAA ADS-B traffic is for "advisory use only". Okay, but it's weather feature is worth it because it replaces XM weather AND brings weather information to Alaska, right?]

5. ...the SBS Monitor did not detect ground station outages in Alaska that resulted in dropped signals from ADS-B equipped aircraft and the loss of information on controller displays.

6. ...the SBS Monitor did not detect that the ADS-B ground system was transmitting outdated weather information to pilots.

7. FAA is not well positioned to mandate the use of ADS-B In as directed by Congress for the foreseeable future.
[Mandate ADS-B In? That's another expensive piece of equipment certified aircraft owners will have to install]

8. FAA continues to face security challenges related to cyber threats and vulnerabilities of using ADS-B to manage air traffic, including the security of the ADS-B infrastructure and aircraft avionics.

9. FAA continues to adjust expected ADS-B benefits due to slower than expected user equipage, and the costs for the current ADS-B program now outweigh the potential benefits to users.

10. However, the ADS-B contract contains an option that provides the Agency [FAA] with the flexibility not to turn on ADS-B services in locations where there are insufficient users.

Quality, in government, means that it looks good enough that the money keeps flowing, Thus the old phrase, "good enough for government work."

Anything that can command the flow of that much money will happen. My concern is that, when we get it, pilots will turn off the most powerful computer on earth, their brains, and quit looking where the most situational awareness is available, out the window. Natural IMC will never have as negative an impact as pilots who never look out the window. Mid air collisions will continue to happen in blue sky.

I just hope the upcoming mandate to have ADS-B goes away like the mandate for 406 ELT's seems to have.

looks like they are getting desperate to get this crap up and running... asking for people to host the ground receivers for free LOL.

http://www.flightradar24.com/free-ads-b-equipment

Nothing has improved since this was issued:
https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/NextGen%20Transformational%20Programs%5E4-23-12.pdf

My take aways:

1. The system is run by private contractors, and (frequent) system failures are not monitored or managed adequately by either the FAA or the contractors.

2. The FAA continues to pay ADS-B contractors for services they are not rendering.

3. The system is completely vulnerable to security issues. It is 'somewhat' difficult to spoof primary radar, but almost trivial to cripple ADS-B.

4. The new system does not provide improved traffic flow to the NAS except in some special non-radar serviced areas.

5. The information services provided by the system to pilots is purely for decorative purposes only, and if they actually dare use the information, they might be subject to enforcement actions.

6. The old system continues to outperform the new system for reliability, cost, and traffic density.

If the airlines can't even see the benefits of this creeping flu of a system, it is time to forget about sunk costs and move on.

All valid points, but remember the most frightening words in the American Lexicon: " I am from the government and here to help you."

Well... I just dropped a heap of money on all new avionics for my Bo... One the pieces I bought was a Trig TT-31 with ADS-B out. I'm going to use that in conjunction with the GDL-39 3D, 430's, the 796 and my iPad. I'll use it as advisory and keep flying the way I fly today.

Jim

Jim,

You're going to use all that good stuff in the ATC system, which is not a problem. Just be sure to look out the window when you get down to 500' and below, where I operate.

Good name, by the way,

Jim

Hey Jim - Yeah, all this cool stuff will teach you how not to fly a plane... I looked at a G500 and decided that I could accomplish the same thing at a fraction of the cost... The plane goes into annual the week between x-mas and new year and then to the avionics shop... Can't wait to see how she turns out!