iConspicuity - Interoperability of Electronic Conspicuity Systems for General Aviation

Airborne collision risk involving non-commercially exploited small aeroplanes represent a key priority in EASA annual safety review and for the development of safety actions at EU level in the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS). Given the diversity of the so-called electronic conspicuity devices, these are not always interoperable with each other, meaning that aircraft may or may not be electronically visible to each other. Here the lack of harmonised technical standards addressing the performances of such devices, the data transmission protocols and formats as well as the radiocommunication spectrum usage is a major impediment to their widespread use in Europe. In addition, the requirements set for electronic conspicuity of manned aircraft for U-space operations (SERA 6005 (c)) will enter into force in 2023 and will impact on the possible choices for General Aviation (GA) pilots regarding the installation of such devices.

The main objectives of the project are: 

• Review the existing deployments initiated by GA actors and solution developers in Europe for digital solutions providing the traffic situational awareness to pilots (while flying in uncontrolled airspace), and the existing standards used and measures taken to ensure the interoperability between different systems, incl.  Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS / ATM) systems;
• Identify and analyse the set of requirements enabling the interoperability between the main technologies in use, taking into account several available options for the provision of traffic situation data to pilots (data formats, data transfer protocols, wireless communication solutions), the different levels of interoperability that may be achieved (e.g. interfacing using ground systems, with CNS/ATM and U-space systems) as well as key challenges and constraints (e.g. technical and financial issues);
• Develop a series of case studies (minimum two) to assess the feasibility, the constraints and costs of the proposed interoperability requirements while considering the currently deployed electronic conspicuity solutions for General Aviation, including U-space operations, identify the suitable deployment scenarios and the coordination actions required amongst the different actors;
• Assess the additional benefits for airspace users through the harmonised data exchanges, including the availability of additional data for search and rescue operations, the investigation of safety events and safety trends, as well as the reuse of traffic data for training purpose.

Main tasks / deliverables:

The main outcome of the project is the provision of a comprehensive roadmap for the development of technical standards addressing the interoperability of electronic conspicuity systems for General Aviation, contributing to the reduction of aircraft collision risks in uncontrolled airspace.