FAA: Planes must have GPS-based equipment

By JOAN LOWY Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is taking a major step toward an air traffic control system based on satellite technology.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has released an order Thursday that requires all aircraft that use the nation's busiest airports to have equipment by 2020 that continually broadcasts their location to other aircraft and air traffic controllers.

LaHood said the new system will be safer and more efficient than the radar-based system currently in use. It's also expected to cut fuel consumption and pollution.

Airlines and small plane owners say they can't afford the new equipment. They want the government to help pay for it.