UK CAA research on Human Factors in using Electronic Conspicuity devices

Human Factors advice for pilots using electronic conspicuity devices

A research performed by Gary Coleman and Mike O’Donoghue, GASCo, and Steve Jarvis, Jarvis Bagshaw Ltd for the UK CAA
 

https://youtu.be/-zVqdQNqbFM

In this video, Steve Jarvis introduces General Aviation pilots to the potential effects of using Electronic Conspicuity (EC) devices (*). It illustrates why attention must be given to Human Factors and the way that EC information is used by pilots to maximise safety benefits.

Summary of the 6 key recommendations to pilots:

1. EC detects on average less than 50% of other GA aircraft currently. There will be undetected aircraft around you probably more than detected aircraft and so visual lookout is still top priority.
2. Assume your aircraft is not showing on other aircraft displays and never expect an EC detected aircraft to avoid you.
3. Don't prioritise searching for EC targets beyond about 3 miles (visual range limit in perfect conditions).
4. Assume new signs of traffic do not belong to an existing EC detected target until you know for sure, avoiding a two-for-one or two-in-one illusion.
5. When making important decisions, ask yourself “Would I do this if I didn't have EC?” and if the answer is no, then it's a good idea to re considerer whether it's going to be OK.
6. Increase your EC reliance in the circuit, particularly under high workload. Try to
add thorough visual searches into your circuit and remember that EC usage in
busy circuits can be even lower than elsewhere.

The overall point however is that EC can help mitigate for lookout vulnerabilities and good lookout is as important as ever!
 

(*) EASA uses the term iConspicuity, standing for ‘in-flight capability’ to transmit position and/or to receive, process and display information about other aircraft, airspace, weather or support to navigation in a real time with the objective to enhance pilots’ situational awareness. See for instance: iConspicuity - Interoperability of Electronic Conspicuity Systems for General Aviation | EASA (europa.eu).

See also the EASA Sunny Swift episode Collision avoidance - make yourself seen:
Sunny Swift: Collision avoidance - make yourself seen - Issue 22 | EASA (europa.eu).