![]() |
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Argument number 3.While collision avoidance equipment is available and
expensive (not because of politics really but because of liability), it is not flawless. I have spent thousands of hours with TCAS and have seen numerous near mid-air reports filed. It is a vast improvement to nothing. It does not replace the mark I eyball, but augments it enhancing safety. Many pilots get balled up (preoccupied) looking for the reported TCAS traffic and fail to see the piper cub buzzing by till he passes 300 ft. over the cockpit. Good tool. Not fallible, distracting and expensive. I had one installed on a Gulfstream 1 for $35000.00 and the equipment requirement is the same for a C-172. An alternative, which is listed on Tim's W&W web site is a radio monitor that receives the IFF transponder (which the TCAS also is) and gives a range and relative altitude for the closest target. Not a bad tool for cruising solo but not useful in a thermal of more than two where of course (hmm...)you would know the proximity of that one other target. Multiple targets that are transponder equipped within the minimum range of .1mi (600 ft) displayed would not be displayed. Like I said a good tool for on the run, not in a thermal.Now to the meat of the matter. The most valuable lesson we can learn from the recent mid airs we have suffered is improved Communications. Virtually all gliders are radio equipped. In the pattern with very diverse aircraft types we avoid collisions not only with visual diligence, but mostly by communicating clearly where we are flying. If you are entering a thermal, announce to those in the vicinity of your intentions. I am not suggesting constant radio communications while thermalling, but if you are joining say so. If you tell your neighbors you intend to do something and you decide to do something else, say so.I am not suggesting that technology does not exist or can be developed to combat this, nor do I think we should sit on our laurels waiting for someone else to come up with some magic tool to do it for us. I think we should press on talking about possibilities and put our briains together to come up with that tool. Possibly those of the technology camp can start an LLC to mitigate the liability and develop a tool but I think we are obligated to improve the tools we already have to increase our situational awareness. That tool is the radio and the improvement we can make today is to practice good communications of our intentions.v/rjeff |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
For Keith Willshaw... | robert arndt | Military Aviation | 253 | July 6th 04 05:18 AM |
Anti collision lights mods for Arrow 1968?? | Frode Berg | Piloting | 3 | May 20th 04 05:42 AM |
Anti collision light mod for Piper Arrow 1968 model? | Frode Berg | Owning | 4 | May 20th 04 05:16 AM |
New anti collision system for aircrafts, helicopters and gliders | Thierry | Owning | 10 | February 14th 04 08:36 AM |
USAF = US Amphetamine Fools | RT | Military Aviation | 104 | September 25th 03 03:17 PM |