Originally Posted by
ShyTorque
It is obviously still possible to obtain a "Traffic service" in UK's Class G airspace, where available (there are surprisingly large gaps in LARS coverage).
But it will often be a limited service (or basic only offered) due to a number of reasons; for example:
Poor radar performance.
Radar suppression.
Radar clutter.
Traffic density.
Controller workload.
Controllers on holiday - military radar units are sometimes stood down.
Etc.
So, rely on obtaining an ATC service OCAS is only part of the answer. See and be seen is still paramount in Class G.
I'm lucky enough to be assisted by TCAS but that relies on other aircraft using their transponder if fitted, preferably with ALT/Mode C selected.
The first 3 points are bollix; some controllers who say any or all of them are just covering their backs in case of an incident.
Poor radar performance? Put it u/s until it's fixed.
Radar suppression? Depends what you are suppressing, but you can always de-select the suppressors.
Radar clutter? Anoprop or bird activity. Neither should show if the AMTI threshold speed is set correctly.
Much as I disliked the Raytheon ASR10, it was SO processed that the only snag was sometimes the processing produced a hole with no radar cover at all, otherwise anyone who tells you it suffers from the above 3 things obviously has never seen raw radar.