1) The pilot (keeping a good lookout, flying at proper altitudes - although nobody seems to do this in the UK - alternatively flying at strange altitudes such as 3,700 as opposed to 3,500 or 4,000). Fly to the right of roads, tracks, etc. Keep your lights on.
and some may disagree
I am one of those some.
Flying at odd altitudes has been done to death. Nearly everyone does and you are probably better not flying at odd altitudes.
Most pilots dont keep line features on their left. In fact if you fly regularly along the coast you will find regardless of what direction they are going they fly just off the coast for the views. I am not even convinced how many people know the "rule" or, if they do, are aware they are flying along a line feature.
See and avoid doesnt work when you need it most - you will see all the ones that just miss you but you will not see the one that is going to hit you.
In my view anyone who believes in see and avoid should go fly with someone who has TAS - it is an eye opening experience (excuse the pun
). You will never again believe you can totally rely on see and avoid.
Your other ideas are sound!
If the ZAON directional unit could be mounted out of sight, I'd go for it too. Presumably it needs to have a direct view around, not obstructed by metal.
You can - they do an external aerial and a panel mount kit - although as you know you will never get approval for the panel mount. With the external aerial I dont see the problem mounting the unit somewhere convenient but of course it does need to be vaguely in your line of sight even if the audio function is linked to your headset.
Personally I would never fly without either TAS or PCAS after a couple of bad experiences. Given PCAS is relatively so cheap I think people are nuts not to use technology like this when it is available particularly as it only takes one mid air to almost certainly kill you.
All that said I know the risk is very small so I equally understand those who dont use these units and I recognise my bias arises from a couple of incidents too close for my own comfort.
