redsnail
Let's get some logic into this argument, instead of emotive language.
You write "Instead of being dazzled by fancy gizmos in the cockpit we had to keep a bloody good look out"
The above contains a presumption which is given without any support. The lack of mid-airs COULD perfectly well be simply due to
- situational awareness
- suitable separation procedures
- pilots being experienced flying in the area
- traffic following a certain route/level rather than coming from all directions
- everybody being on the same frequency?
However, you assert it is mainly due to
a) not being dazzled by fancy gismos, AND
b) keeping a bloody good look out
I am sorry to be pedantic but just consider the logic. It is entirely possible that a plane loaded with fancy gismos wouldn't have a mid-air, and that a plane flown by a blindfolded pilot wouldn't have a mid-air either.
There is little doubt that
- traffic warning systems in airliners do function
- very few GA operators would be able to afford them (though some would)
- traffic warning systems in GA (currently costing £20k+) are a waste of money, in Class G, until Mode C is mandatory and is used, at least generally
It appears likely that
- airliners do have problems with GA aircraft flying with no XP or just with Mode A generating spurious traffic warnings
- there is little or no statistical evidence that traffic warning equipment would make the slightest difference to the already very low risk of a mid-air in GA
A fair summary so far?