but the whole point of my original post the bottom line
is this.
with 2,000 units sold and 20,000 ga aircraft of varying types in the uk
the very best is 10% other aircraft having pa
sorry but thats the facts.
like it or not.
Hi Tony
Thanks for your input to the forum. At PilotAware continuous improvement and value for money are our key drivers and we are truly passionate about giving everyone the best chance of detecting other aircraft in the sky. At the lowest cost. This would not be possible without the hard work that has been done by all over the last 3 years.
If as you say there are 20,000 GA aircraft in the UK then knowing what I know(will anyone please correct me if you have published data) there are approximately
2500 gliders using FLARM or Power FLARM
2000 aircraft using PilotAware
12000 aircraft using Mode C/S
500-1000
using ADSB either by ADSB transponders, Mode S with ES and a none approved GPS or Sky Echo
The rest 2000-3000 with nothing.
The figures aren't that accurate as some will have more than 1. I suspect the 2000 - 3000 with nothing is understated
PilotAware WILL see gliders that have FLARM or OGN trackers when a PilotAware user is in the reception area of an upgraded OGN-R transceiver. Our supporters have achieved an "engineering conquest of Everest" by installing 75+ OGN-R antennas in just over a year to achieve great coverage in the UK. Even the EASA Committee on Electronic Conspicuity have feted this as a great achievement. Users will tell you that when its bad weather the gliders are all on the ground but when its good they all seem to be in the sky and you will see lots. It can be daunting but they are there and you will see them and be glad you can.
Pilotaware will of course see PilotAware that's another possible 2000. Not all in the same place of course.
PilotAware will also give you a warning of mode C/S traffic in the vicinity with a relative height separation and a relative distance so thats the next 1200 sorted as far as physics is concerned. To get a bearing from bearing-less targets without the use of primary RADAR would take a genius to achieve particularly at £250. Of course if you have mode S you will not see anyone electronically so including Mode S as a conspicuity devise that will allow you to see anyone is a misnomer.
So that leaves the remaining 2-3000 who do not transmit anything. The answer here is
(i) Replace your existing kit with an ADSB transponder available but very expensive. You will then need something to view ADSB on and that will only be the very few folks who have ADSB as shown above.
(ii) Buy a FLARM unit. Power FLARM is the best it will show you FLARM traffic ADSB and C/S and FLARM equipped equipment will see you Cost will be £1500 plus
(iii) Buy an ADSB transceiver and turn off your Mode S ( a bit counter productive as you will still only be able to see ADSB and Mode C/S) £600
(iiii) Use PilotAware, See 2000 PilotAware users, 2500 gliders, 12000 Mode C/S as bearing less targets and get voice alerts
I think you will find that this is more than 10% of the total receivable fleet.
We will continue to do our best to provide the greatest conspicuity for the lowest cost and really appreciate all views on how we can do this better. perhaps we are missing a trick?
Keith