Does the ADS-B transponder use WOW to determine its in air/on ground status?

The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder indeed utilizes the Weight-On-Wheels (WOW) sensor to ascertain whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. This sensor detects whether the aircraft's weight is resting on its landing gear, thereby determining its ground status.

When the aircraft is on the ground, the ADS-B transponder will transmit specific information pertinent to ground operations, while in the air, it transmits data that is relevant to airborne operations. The WOW sensor plays a critical role in ensuring that the transponder operates correctly according to the aircraft's status, contributing to the safety and efficiency of airspace management.

Understanding the function of the WOW sensor helps clarify its significance within the ADS-B system, demonstrating its essential role in enhancing situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic control.