Originally Posted by
neville_nobody
Well it certainly doesn't work like that anymore!! IFR are given traffic on known VFR, same as VFR to VFR. It's up to the PIC to ensure their own separation, which is then the Achilles heal of Class E airspace. In reality Class E is Controlled Class G. Ultimately the PIC is still responsible for VFR separation. Too bad for you if you are in the outback and wipe out someone on descent who is not "known".
It only takes one instance of avoidance action by a IFR aircraft to totally unravel Class E. They have to avoid a VFR aircraft, this means taking action, yet they need a clearance to take action so then a 4+ way radio conference has to take place, between the VFR traffic, other VFR traffic, the IFR traffic and ATC.
In reality Class G is safer and easier to operate in as everyone knows where they stand. Class E only really works if everyone is identified and ATC can actually give avoidance guidance. The current arrangement where jets are cleared through overlying Class E and have to self separate from VFR traffic is a nonsense at the speeds they operate at with no radar coverage.
A few noteworthy mentions here.
You do NOT need a clearance to avoid another aircraft....
Speed in class E is restricted below 10,000 feet to a maximum 250 knots, and the reason is traffic avoidance. I do agree that a few VFR flights venture higher than that, but most stay below.
Flying IFR in class G you'll meet IFR flights when IMC and both IFR and VFR flights while VMC, whereas you'll only meet VFR flights while VMC in class E. So no, in reality class E is the safer airspace....
Class E works fine when pilots are aware of the airspace classification, and the amount of VFR traffic is relatively low.