Warped Factor
Thanks for the info. I am always happy to try and understand how the 'other half' lives. And no Pierre Argh I am not a Luddite.
In fact my thoughts are now turning to how the system can actually be made to work for us small GA guys.
So for example (clean sheet thinking) if we shut down all the LARS (and other 'ATC' outside controlled airspace) and started again, would it be possible to combine all the mode S returns into 'Area based' FIS? I.e. one defined person to speak to in any geographical area.
The big problem now with FIS/RIS etc is the endless 'contact unverified not working this frequency' nonsense we have to deal with.
If, for example, I fly from SAM to CPT (which I quite often do) I will probably speak to Solent Radar and Farnborough. Aircraft all around may be working Boscombe or Benson. I have pretty much b***er all idea what they are up to even if they are conscientiously speaking to a FIS/RIS.
To keep it simple for the sake of my argument, let's base the FIS/RIS areas on altimeter setting regions for the time being. A hypothetical flight from Southampton to Shoreham might then go something like this.
Take off – Southampton Tower.
Flight in Solent Class D – Solent Radar
Flight in the ‘Portland Area’ – Portland FIS/RIS
Flight in the ‘Chatham Area’ – Chatham FIS/RIS
Landing – Shoreham Tower
No messing about with Goodwood (provided I remain clear) or trying to get London information to help.
Many fewer frequency changes and the MASSIVE added bonus of knowing that everyone else out there (or at least their mode S returns) is visible to the guy or gal you are speaking to.
Is this just pie in the sky?
It seems to me that with modern computer and communications technology this is not beyond the wit of man. A better service using fewer people and costing less to run. Too good to be true?