ADS-B seems to keep coming up in this thread as the solution to all the pitfalls that seem to loom under NAS.
The biggest mistake that everyone is making the assumption that the government is going to pay $5k (or thereabouts - don't know who touted the figure) for a CDTI and Mode-S transponder in the cockpit. Somehow, I don't think so.
There are 2 types of ADS-B "kit" - the "ADS-B
out" type which is fitted with the Mode-S transponder but
does not give the traffic picture to the pilot in the cockpit (read: it is just another transponder), and the "ADS-B
in/out" which has the above feature but also has the CDTI for enhanced cockpit situational awareness. They are much more expensive than the first type.
The government is pressing NAS and the beauty of see and avoid - anyone must be kidding themselves if they think their little single-engined 152 will be fitted with CDTI equipment.
ADS-B will allow controllers to see aircraft and provide traffic information (to those receiving the service), and give the RPTs (and anyone else who can afford the CDTI kit) the enhanced situational awareness in Class E/G/CTAF airspace.
Keep lookin'! (and don't forget to keep your lights on just to help out)
