Does EASA have some kind of a roadmap and timetable to allow using low cost ADS-B transmitters like SkyEcho2 in Europe? Using these devices is already allowed in England and I have understood that it has greatly improved safety in GA.
This summer there was a close call in Finland between HEMS helicopter and a Cessna. Electric conspicuity is great tool for improving safety, but it requires cost effective solutions that we already have. The regulations are now lagging behind.
Thanks for getting in touch Mikko. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience over the summer. There are lots of things pilots can do to reduce the risk of collisions even without regulations. I've attached for information the presentation from last week's IAM implementation forum about a joint EASA-Eurocontrol ¡Conspicuity Roadmap. It also covers the use of low-power non-ETSO devices operating on 1090MHz.
The plan is to start with a proposal for 'one language' next year, followed by a 'one link' proposal including the necessary spectrums(s). Just to be clear, the latter doesn't mean one channel or one frequency. It's more about standardised transmission path(s) for direct radio line of sight and complementary communications to enhance situational awareness.
The presentation recording should be up on the event website soon. Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.
Thank You Vladimir, this sounds promising. For some reason the attachment did not open (access denied).
I’m just wondering what will be the timeline in this roadmap? To be honest: it is far too easy to forget Skyecho to transmit ADS-B out as ATM systems and the risks are the same regardless You fly in England or France.
I do understand that regulatory work takes time. I also feel that as a PIC I have to use all available assets to ensure my passengers safety in flight. Now I’m not doing that and I feel powerless even if I have invested in electric conspicuity. I’m sure that we have exactly the same goal, but I would like to run the last meters.😁
Thanks for the info about the file issue. PDFs aren't anymore allowed in reactions. I've uploaded the picture with ¡Conspicuity timeline instead.
Low power ADS-B uses the 1090 MHz frequency, which is regulated by telecommunications. This is because this is the only resource available in Europe for safety-critical functions like ACAS and ATM surveillance. Radio equipment using that spectrum for transmissions must be licensed by a national telecommunication regulator. The regulator requires compliance with ETSO to ensure consistency with ICAO standards. Low-power ADS-B devices are not compliant with ICAO standards. States allowing their use must notify the difference to ICAO. In the EU, all States must agree. Before this, States must ensure it does not harm the spectrum or safety-critical functions. This is more complex for states in continental Europe than island states.
Operators of such equipment need a radio license. Also, each license has fees, which is a problem for many pilots who don't have one.
EASA and Eurocontrol want to look at the situation and make a proposal for 'one link' in 2026. The aim is to get it supported by all relevant stakeholders, including States, so that spectrum needs can be discussed at the next WRC in 2027.
Thank You Vladimir for the response and explaining everything. I guess the right way to proceed is to install Flarm instead this winter as it will be available right away. 2030’s is just too far in the future for instant need.
Personally, I think it is a good idea to be conspicuous with the equipment available now, particularly if capable of ADS-L. Then it might be still compatible even after 2030+.
Please log in or sign up to comment.