Enhances Safety For Aircraft Without Permanent ADS-B Out

The FAA has proposed the Part 108 UAS Rule for BVLOS or beyond visual line of sight drone operations under 400’ AGL that requires drones to be equipped with ADS-B In and to yield the right-of-way to crewed aircraft transmitting on ADS-B Out.

However, as most readers know by now, many aircraft fly below 400’ AGL such as ag aircraft, seaplanes, vintage planes, ultralights, powered parachutes, gliders, and balloons. Most of those types of aircraft are unable to accommodate a permanent ADS-B Out installation.

As a solution, the FAA supports the use of a new type of device it calls Portable EC, or Electronic Conspicuity. It broadcasts on ADS-B Out so other aircraft, including drones equipped with ADS-B In, can detect and avoid the aircraft.

uAvionix, a provider in ADS-B and aviation safety technology, has put together a new Pilot Awareness & Portable EC Hub Website specifically to inform pilots how Portable EC offers an immediate solution:

See and Be Seen – A Portable EC device transmits ADS-B Out making your aircraft visible to other aircraft including drones equipped with ADS-B In, so they can detect and avoid your aircraft.

Low-Cost, Quick to Deploy – Compact, battery-powered units typically cost under $1,000, require no costly airframe modifications, and can move from aircraft to aircraft for owners of multiple aircraft.

Private and Anonymous – An EC device does not transmit a signal that is traceable to your aircraft. Avoiding mid-air collisions only requires knowledge that an aircraft exists, not who it belongs to. The best part? IT CANNOT BE MISUSED FOR LANDING FEES.

Extends Right-of-Way Protection – Helps ensure GA pilots maintain right-of-way as intended by Part 108.

Proven, Portable, and Easy – A handful of countries have been using such devices for years including the UK, South Africa, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and more.

The FAA has a public comment period, and uAvionix urges pilots to submit a comment in support of accepting portable EC as a recognized method to extend the benefits of ADS-B to all aviators and providing a way for GA pilots to maintain their right-of-way in low-altitude environments.

FMI:  EC_Pilot_Awareness