New study on Electronic Conspicuity published by UK CAA

A study has been published looking at how human factors affect the use of Electronic Conspicuity (EC), and what can be done to can enhance airspace safety.

• The research is part of progress being made on the regulator’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy
  
• Work is underway to help inform Electronic Conspicuity standards that should be adopted in the future.

New research shows there are untapped benefits of Electronic Conspicuity devices in light aircraft, which is vital to help avoid mid-air collisions and situations where air safety is threatened, known as Airprox. An accompanying video has been published which can be found here.

A report, published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority on 16 November 2023, has looked at the importance of technology used in light aircraft that helps make pilots aware of other aircraft such as planes, gliders, helicopters and drones to avoid collisions and increase airspace safety.

The findings of the report will be used alongside new research the regulator has commissioned to set a future standard for the use of Electronic Conspicuity equipment.

As well as enhancing airspace safety, Electronic Conspicuity is vital to enabling the safe and efficient integration of airspace for all airspace users, one of the objectives of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

Electronic Conspicuity is an umbrella term for the technology that can help General Aviation pilots, drone operators and air traffic services be more aware of what is flying in surrounding airspace.

It includes the devices fitted to aircraft and unmanned systems that send out position information, and the support infrastructure on the ground to help them work together.

Jon Round, Head of Airspace, Aerodromes and Air Traffic Management at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Electronic Conspicuity is key to unlocking progress on modernising airspace in the UK. Not only can it help to mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions and infringements into controlled airspace, but it can enable the safe and efficient integration of all airspace users in our skies. This new report shows how important it is for us to continue our work in this area, so that we can enable the modernisation of the UK’s airspace structure and route network.”

The milestone report was carried out by GASCo and Jarvis Bagshaw, who surveyed pilots to investigate how Human Factors affect the safe use of Electronic Conspicuity.

The results of the survey were complimented by four trial flights, using eye-tracking technology, to observe pilot behaviour in flight when using EC to enhance their visual scan and situational awareness.

Mike O’Donoghue, Chief Executive at GASCo, said: “Electronic Conspicuity is a really important tool for keeping our airspace safe. Our report shows its advantages, but also highlights the need for more training, awareness and hands-on practice. We will continue to work with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the progress being made in this area, so that the benefits of Electronic Conspicuity can be realised.”

The research found that, despite the advantages of Electronic Conspicuity, there were many learning points including a ‘false sense of security’ from some pilots, issues around distraction when flying, and over-reliance on the technology.

The report also made recommendations on enhancing pilot training for Electronic Conspicuity devices, emphasising the importance of understanding in-flight effects and their mitigation, as well as the need for hands-on practice on the ground and in the air.

The publication of the report comes as the regulator commissions a new study on Electronic Conspicuity, which will look at how the technology can enhance airspace safety and enable integration of crewed and uncrewed airspace users. The research will aim to characterise UK airspace while researching methods of practically implementing Electronic Conspicuity.

The regulator will use this recent report from GASCo and Jarvis Bagshaw, and the newly commissioned study, to inform future decisions on an Electronic Conspicuity Standard, and how such a Standard can be implemented.