Technology Recommendation
Disclaimer
The goal of this technological recommendation is to present solutions oriented at increasing safety, it does not imply that the presented solutions will or might answer the anticipated e-conspicuity mandate.
The aviation community is highly diverse, and users’ needs vary considerably. Consequently, suitable technologies also vary across the different user categories.
The recommendation builds on the thousands of devices that are already in use by the general aviation community. It should not be understood as a mandate nor is legally binding.
Air-to-air interoperability will be achieved through migrating to a minimum set of open standards with software updates on existing equipment or with new equipment. Re‑broadcasting of data via a ground network will further support the interoperability of existing installations.
The proposed open standards are ADS-B Out on 1090 MHz and ADS-L in the SRD 860 MHz frequency band. While the former is almost exclusively used in certified installations, the latter can be used in installed or portable devices.
This technology recommendation is part of the FASST-CH initiative, which aims at reducing the probability of mid-air-collisions by making all traffic in the air electronically visible.
Financial support for e‑conspicuity devices and for the Upgrading from Mode S to ADS‑B out is available via Special Financing BV87.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found in the FAQ.
Category-specific recommendations
Paragliders, delta gliders, rigid wing hang gliders, electric hang gliders
Airspace users in this category have the right of way over other airspace users, except for balloons, and only need an “out” function to be electronically visible to others.
Gliders
Gliders need to be electronically visible to motor-powered aircraft. This can be achieved with either ADS-L or ADS-B. The FOCA recommends to keep an existing Mode S transponder and if possible, upgrade to ADS-B Out.
Balloons
Balloons have the right of way over other traffic. Therefore, an ADS-L Out or ADS-B Out function is sufficient to become electronically visible to other aircraft categories. At night, or when operating below VMC conditions (refer to VRV-L Art. 29) a Mode S transponder (without ADS-B) is the minimum equipment. It is recommended to keep an existing Mode S transponder and if possible, upgrade to ADS-B Out.
Light general aviation aircraft
Heavy or fast general aviation aircraft
General aviation complex aircraft
Ground-based stations for traffic data gathering and uplink