Originally Posted by
Andrewgr2
Ventti How can FLARM, with or without OGN, ‘see’ anything that isn’t itself equipped with some sort of electronic conspicuity device? In the UK at least there is no requirement to carry anything in Class G and many planes, gliders, para gliders, kites and even large model aircraft would be ‘unseen’ hazards. Although there isn’t too much manned flight below 500’ where I think the drones will typically operate aircraft take off and land at ‘strips’ which may not be marked on charts, gliders land in fields and ridge soar below ridge top height etc etc.
All the current UAS aka Drone systems rely on the 'small aircraft big sky' concept. So I have actually listened to discussions on the probability of another aircraft there is so small it can be discounted as 'highly improbable' so no need to worry about the hang-gliders, powered parachutes, helicopters etc etc that are legally flying in Class G (VFR from the surface to base of the next airspace class). These 'got away with it that time' BVLOS flights will continue until they don't. This will bring about a 'Grand Canyon Moment' (
1956 Mid Air Grand Canyon ) and then serious safety discussions will need to be made. This may well result in all general aviation / sport aviation aircraft having to equip to fly in Class G, so that a drone company can carry on delivering popsicles and pizzas.