|
Group: Forum Members
Posts: 48,
Visits: 140
|
SemperFi,
You say...
"I see detecting A/C XPDR signals as quite limited benefit and do mostly agree with Tim. These current electronic gadgets tend to fool and lull pilots into wrong device dependencies and I see that as critical risk. And it is not a potential risk, but a real one, as far as I can tell from recent check rides."
Me...
I can't disagree with the issue of pilots becoming 'drawn in' by new gadgets, but that is a matter of training and education, not banning their use - or we would have to ban every instrument over the minimum actually required to fly the aircraft. Please don't for one second think that changing everything to ADSB will improve this situation - if anything the opposite will apply as pilots become even more 'misinformed' that they see everything on screen.
You go on to say....
"I do use several traffic detection devices in the training aircraft for demonstration purpose, the current list is: certified full active hybride TCAS II, mobile Monroy-ATD300 for XPDR detection (no directional antenna fitted), PowerFlarm and last year added, Stratux and Pilotaware, simply because people asked for it. They all give certain aspects for collision avoidance, some more efficient, some less, but - my very personal opinion only - the Stratux and Pilotaware are a waste of money, almost useless and even on the rim to dangerous for certain pilots.
I am an avowed opponent of DIY and especially the pilotaware/STRATUX approach, so definitely biased. My major concerns are two thing - first the aforementioned lull effect on increasingly irresponsible pilots and second the lack of automatic cut-off of the signals in airspaces where the transmission is illegal. The latter may, and definitely has to, be solved very quickly, the first is a contemporary threat we may not be able to get rid of."
Me...
So you obviously accept that there is a role for the 'right' aircraft awareness tools, but have an admitted bias against anything DIY
PilotAware ISN'T DIY - it is a commercial product made available at a DIY price to maximise its availability to users who can't afford (or can't fit) expensive devices such as TCAS, by a group of highly qualified individuals who had the foresight to grasp the mid-air collisions nettle and do something about it long before the CAA finally got round to making its mind up. Two of the team have already been recognised for their foresight by the RAeC and the LAA as well as receiving official recognition for the effectiveness of the PilotAware system from most UK aviation groups including the UK Airprox Board.
If you are finding PilotAware 'almost useless' there is obviously either a fault in your unit or installation or you have it set up incorrectly. Happy to help if needed.
Not sure where you get the idea by the way that use of the 869MHz open licence frequency is 'illegal' in ANY airspace - can you provide a reference to support this? If it is illegal there will be lots of (admittedly mainly non-aviation) users of the frequency with significant equipment replacement problems.
I'm NOT saying you are wrong in your opinion, but having spent many flying hours developing Mode S and then Mode C detection, I can confirm that the latest version used by PilotAware is extremely effective, doesn't give any 'false' alerts ( though there is always going to be a slight 'range' issue with high power CAT transponders) and when used correctly will DEFINITELY save lives - it has already saved mine on at least two occasions, when other - presumably blind - pilots, obviously relying on 'unsupported visual scan' (or with their eyes stuck inside the cockpit) almost flew into me - on one occasion twice, despite me flying with full strobes, navigation and landing lights on and broadcasting my position on High Power Mode S-ES (ADSB), PilotAware and FLARM. On both occasions the aircraft descended onto me from behind, above my wing and were it not for the alerts provided by PilotAware allowing me to take avoiding action, they would certainly have taken me out of the sky - probably without ever seeing me!
THAT is why I am keen to see that bearingless target detection and alerting remains an effective part of SkyDemon.
Best Regards
Peter
|