UK Proposes e-Conspicuity for ADS-B-exempt Aircraft

All civil aircraft operating in the UK below 10,000 feet currently exempt from ADS-B equippage will be mandated to have equipment that can detect and identify each other, under proposed rulemaking from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The UK believes that voluntary efforts by operators installing electronic conspicuity equipment under a rebate program “will not achieve the [needed] level of consistency and interoperability.”

The primary objective of an electronic conspicuity mandate would be to reduce midair collision risk in the UK’s lower airspace. “While electronic conspicuity equipment alone cannot eliminate the risk of midair collisions, it can improve a pilot's awareness of nearby aircraft by allowing equipped aircraft to share and receive position information,” said the CAA. “As the number of aircraft carrying compatible electronic conspicuity equipment increases, and system interoperability improves, the potential safety benefit grows.”

The new requirement would apply to foreign-registered aircraft operating within UK airspace, as well as UK-registered aircraft, including eVTOL and UAS operations. Exempted are military aircraft. “The position regarding non-military state aircraft, including some police and emergency service operations, remains under consideration,” according to the proposal.

The UK said a single start date, following a transition period, would better support the mandate’s safety objectives versus a phased approach. Comments on the proposal are due by September 22.