Enhancing Airspace Safety & SAR: Eurocontrol Aircraft Conspicuity Workshop

Eurocontrol’s recent Aircraft Conspicuity Workshop focused on the critical role of electronic conspicuity (EC) in enhancing the safety of both manned and unmanned aircraft, with a specific emphasis on reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and improving Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. 

You can read the full meeting summary in the members’ area here. 

At the workshop, discussions were held on the growing necessity for a unified EC system that could enable aircraft to detect each other, and for locating of aircraft for SAR purposes, especially in areas where traditional radar coverage is limited. The workshop’s discussions pointed to the need for a system that operates similarly to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) used in maritime navigation, where aircraft share key data such as position, speed, altitude, and heading. This system would allow for continuous tracking of all aircraft, even those flying in uncontrolled airspace. 

One of the key developments in this area is the SafeSky App, which allows pilots to share flight data through their smartphones. This app, currently being used across Europe, is already making significant strides in improving safety. With over 75,000 users, the SafeSky App helps pilots detect nearby aircraft while flying in airspace without radar coverage. The app’s success has been particularly notable in Switzerland, where it is being tested in areas without radar, relying on mobile networks for data transmission. 

Testing in several European countries, including Hungary, Switzerland, and the UK, has shown promising results for the SafeSky App. In Hungary, for instance, the app detected aircraft at altitudes of up to 2,900 metres (around 9,500 feet) and at speeds up to 280 knots. These findings demonstrate how terrestrial mobile-communications based systems can provide continuous, real-time tracking even in challenging environments. 

The development of these EC systems also ties into the European Union’s plans to introduce a new protocol called ADS-L. This protocol will ensure that different EC systems can communicate with each other, allowing devices to transmit data across various frequencies and technologies. The goal is to make the systems more universally accessible and affordable, even for general aviation and air-sport flyers who typically fly in uncontrolled airspace and don’t usually have access to expensive tracking equipment. 

The success of EC systems, such as SafeSky, has the potential to greatly enhance SAR operations by providing real-time tracking of distressed aircraft, even in areas with no radar coverage. These technologies are expected to make airspace safer for all types of aviation, from general aviation to commercial airliners. As testing continues and technology becomes more widespread, the future of aircraft conspicuity looks promising, offering significant improvements in aviation safety and emergency response. 

If you're interested in aviation SAR, the IMRF's SAR Aviation Panel (SAP) works to establish global standards, enhance safety, and improve coordination in SAR aviation. Open to IMRF members only, the SAP hosts virtual meetings where aviation service providers, Coast Guards, and Rescue Coordination Centres can share best practices, address operational challenges, and develop guidance for integrating aviation assets into SAR operations. Click here to find out more.