I still don't see the point of Class E airspace.
If the purpose of having controlled airspace is having a known traffic environment where, even if you aren't providing separation - as in Class D IFR v VFR, VFR v VFR - at least you are in contact with all traffic and can provide better traffic information due to the intentions of all traffic being known.
Participating IFR traffic (or VFR traffic for that matter) in Class F or G under a Deconfliction Service actually receives a superior level of service in my opinion compared to class E airspace with respect to unknown traffic as traffic information and avoiding action must be given with the intention of trying to achieve a deconfliction minima of 3000 feet or 5 nm - there is no such requirement in Class E.
There is more of a 'heads up' too for pilots as they are (or should be) told that they are leaving controlled airspace if entering Class F/G, thus making them more alert to the presence of unknown traffic.
I know of an area of Class E airspace where commercial flights pass through - day in day out - without any mention to them that they may encounter unknown VFR traffic!
Even if transponders were mandated to be carried in certain areas of Class E for VFR traffic there still isn't a requirement to provide avoiding action to IFR traffic therefore, personally, I think if Class F goes then just leave it as Class G so that IFR traffic isn't given a false sense of security and can request a Deconfliction Service to receive avoiding action on unknown traffic.
Airwave45 - To quote the UK AIP, you will be 'encouraged to contact ATC and comply with instruction', so not Class D, where a clearance and a requirement to follow ATC instructions are mandatory. How encouraged you are to comply of course is up to you (!) but at least ATC would know of your intentions.
Last edited by Pheasant Plucker; 21st October 2013 at 18:35.