Collision Avoidance
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Collision Avoidance
While browsing through Harry M's excellent website I came across the ZAON MRX collision avoidance system. This promises to monitor the top 10 threats within a 5 mile radius. I assume it monitors transponder emissions??? Is it worth the GBP 327.82 or is it an electronic equivalent of snake oil???
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Never used it personally but I've seen reports here on PPRuNe that those who have 'em, love 'em and will not fly without them. And yes, they're based on transponder signals.
There's two variants of them. The more expensive one (forgot the code) can be interfaced with some Garmin GPSs, including the 430, to show all traffic on its (bigger) screen overlaid on the GPS map.
They're NOT a substitute for keeping a good lookout though. There are still airplanes out there without transponders, and even people who switch perfectly servicable transponders off for some reason.
There's two variants of them. The more expensive one (forgot the code) can be interfaced with some Garmin GPSs, including the 430, to show all traffic on its (bigger) screen overlaid on the GPS map.
They're NOT a substitute for keeping a good lookout though. There are still airplanes out there without transponders, and even people who switch perfectly servicable transponders off for some reason.
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Tigerbatics, I am a great believer in keeping the eyes OUT of the cockpit as much as possible but I have been caught out and had aircraft "sneak" up on me which a transponder tracking device may have detected and reduced the pucker factor. 
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I fitted Mode C to my transponder in the Aerobat I had many moons ago. Since then neither the Cub or the Auster had sufficient (ie 0) ziggyamps to power one. As I now operate from a grass strip in a busy zone a transponder is a nice to have as it confuses the ATC bods less!
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IMHO the cheapo unit which does not tell the direction is worthless. The one to look at is the next one up which tells you the quadrant.
If transponders were mandatory I would buy a TCAS system right away. But they are not, and one has to view the situation in that light. So far, nearly all UK mid-airs were below 1000ft (only the very last was higher; 1800ft reportedly) and all since 1942 were in VMC.
So, now you know where to fly to be safe
Above 1000ft, and in IMC if possible.
If transponders were mandatory I would buy a TCAS system right away. But they are not, and one has to view the situation in that light. So far, nearly all UK mid-airs were below 1000ft (only the very last was higher; 1800ft reportedly) and all since 1942 were in VMC.
So, now you know where to fly to be safe
Above 1000ft, and in IMC if possible.
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IO540:
Well said IO540. I know that was ever so slightly tongue in cheek but there's so much BS talked on this issue. I've been in lots of situations where I've had quite detailed traffic info and either (a) seen the reported traffic in a different place all together or (b) not seen the reported traffic at all. But in all cases I'd say the best use of time is to keep looking in the area you expect the traffic. Any time spent looking at a machine inside the cockpit to work out where to look outisde is in my view time largely wasted.
NS
So, now you know where to fly to be safe Above 1000ft, and in IMC if possible.
NS
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There's two variants of them. The more expensive one (forgot the code) can be interfaced with some Garmin GPSs, including the 430, to show all traffic on its (bigger) screen overlaid on the GPS map.
dp
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The £15k systems do work well nowadays, and you get voice warnings so no need to watch any screen, but for as long as transponders are not mandatory the utility will be limited.
Avoid imitations
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There's a lot of mythology touted by the "never in my lifetime" brigade, all of whom have probably never seen TCAS in operation.
Myth: Pilots with TCAS fly with their eyes inside the cockpit all the time and TCAS is therefore a dangerous, counterproductive piece of equipment.
Rubbish! Used properly, as a part of a lookout scan, TCAS makes the pilot keep his eyes looking OUTside. He is made aware of aircraft coming his way WELL before he has any chance of seeing them and can plan or take early avoiding action if required, to the mutual benefit of both pilots.
I've been lucky enough to have flown aircraft fitted with TCAS (or TAS) for ten years now (and thankfully only a few without). It has proved to me many times, almost on a daily basis, that the human eye is very limited in it's effectiveness at detecting other, possibly conflicting aircraft. (Before the doubters cast aspersions on the limitations on my personal eyesight, it's 6/5 on a class 1 medical).
For example, on Sunday I flew from a landing site "up north" to LHR and back. As it was a fine day (but hazy), there were many aircraft airborne, the length of the country. Heathrow Radar and Northolt Approach stopped giving me individual information on other traffic because there were simply too many to call. I saw most of the ones called by ATC and many others in addition, as well as many others further north. I'm sure I also missed seeing some, we're all human.
At least three aircraft crossed S & L ahead with me firmly on their right side, at the same altitude, passing close ahead without even so much as waggling a wing. Obviously, they should all have given way in that instance but didn't, so I was eventually obliged to avoid them. I presume that these other pilots were aware of the rules of the air and their obligation to give way to an aircraft on the right so I can only conclude that they didn't see me at all, even though I put two pairs of landing lights on to help them!
It's not such a "Big Sky" in Class G airspace these days; it's getting much busier out there, with the performance of aircraft using it increasing, too (the one I currently fly cruises at 155-160 kts).
Another thing to bear in mind is that the ones who are adamant that TCAS and transponders are totally unnecessary are possibly some of those who actually don't see many other aircraft passing by and believe it's less busy than it really is......
Myth: Pilots with TCAS fly with their eyes inside the cockpit all the time and TCAS is therefore a dangerous, counterproductive piece of equipment.
Rubbish! Used properly, as a part of a lookout scan, TCAS makes the pilot keep his eyes looking OUTside. He is made aware of aircraft coming his way WELL before he has any chance of seeing them and can plan or take early avoiding action if required, to the mutual benefit of both pilots.
I've been lucky enough to have flown aircraft fitted with TCAS (or TAS) for ten years now (and thankfully only a few without). It has proved to me many times, almost on a daily basis, that the human eye is very limited in it's effectiveness at detecting other, possibly conflicting aircraft. (Before the doubters cast aspersions on the limitations on my personal eyesight, it's 6/5 on a class 1 medical).
For example, on Sunday I flew from a landing site "up north" to LHR and back. As it was a fine day (but hazy), there were many aircraft airborne, the length of the country. Heathrow Radar and Northolt Approach stopped giving me individual information on other traffic because there were simply too many to call. I saw most of the ones called by ATC and many others in addition, as well as many others further north. I'm sure I also missed seeing some, we're all human.
At least three aircraft crossed S & L ahead with me firmly on their right side, at the same altitude, passing close ahead without even so much as waggling a wing. Obviously, they should all have given way in that instance but didn't, so I was eventually obliged to avoid them. I presume that these other pilots were aware of the rules of the air and their obligation to give way to an aircraft on the right so I can only conclude that they didn't see me at all, even though I put two pairs of landing lights on to help them!
It's not such a "Big Sky" in Class G airspace these days; it's getting much busier out there, with the performance of aircraft using it increasing, too (the one I currently fly cruises at 155-160 kts).
Another thing to bear in mind is that the ones who are adamant that TCAS and transponders are totally unnecessary are possibly some of those who actually don't see many other aircraft passing by and believe it's less busy than it really is......
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Traffic displayed on 430 map
Just a small correction.
The Garmin GNS430 and 530 won't display traffic from ANY type of traffic device on the map page unless the 430/530 is receiving heading information. In most cases, this means having the 430/530 interfaced to a Sandel EHSI or a Shadin Fuel/airdata computer, top get serial heading data, or the traffic device is a Skywatch or KTA870 receiving synchro heading from an H.S.I.
Traffic will always be available on a dedicated track-up page, but not overlaid with any nav information.
Personally, I'd sooner have a traffic system (in my case TCAD) and have some warnings of something I might not have seen, that nothing at all. It's a shame so many people with transponders don't always use them, or else leave Mode C off.
The Garmin GNS430 and 530 won't display traffic from ANY type of traffic device on the map page unless the 430/530 is receiving heading information. In most cases, this means having the 430/530 interfaced to a Sandel EHSI or a Shadin Fuel/airdata computer, top get serial heading data, or the traffic device is a Skywatch or KTA870 receiving synchro heading from an H.S.I.
Traffic will always be available on a dedicated track-up page, but not overlaid with any nav information.
Personally, I'd sooner have a traffic system (in my case TCAD) and have some warnings of something I might not have seen, that nothing at all. It's a shame so many people with transponders don't always use them, or else leave Mode C off.
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tigerbatics
With the hazy mucky layer over the south coast today, tcas and transponders would have beaten my eyes every-time today.
I had mode C switched on and I hope it helped other's 'see me'
I think it should be mandatory to carry both.
Old Aircraft included, lithium polymer batteries do the job.
Surely its a safety plus without any question?
With the hazy mucky layer over the south coast today, tcas and transponders would have beaten my eyes every-time today.
I had mode C switched on and I hope it helped other's 'see me'
I think it should be mandatory to carry both.
Old Aircraft included, lithium polymer batteries do the job.
Surely its a safety plus without any question?
Formerly HWD
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I've got the Zaon MRX. It isn't snake oil. It works well. It provides minimal information (relative height and distance) so does not encourage an eyes in mentality. It is tiny and the batteries last a fair time.
They are passive receivers only - they eaves drop on transponder conversations between aircraft and ground stations. The distance is calculated based on power output assumptions. These assumptions are used to identify the host aircraft transponder and separate from others. Occasionally the host's transponder may be confused with another aircraft's and generate spurious same height 0.1nm warnings as I had in IMC on approach to Exeter after being warned about near by corp jet. Was not happy with that, possibly bad placement by me. Despite that I think this unit is useful for IMC. If you are like me and reasonably diligent, there is less value in VMC and I rarely use it as such.
I recall I paid < £300 for mine.
They are passive receivers only - they eaves drop on transponder conversations between aircraft and ground stations. The distance is calculated based on power output assumptions. These assumptions are used to identify the host aircraft transponder and separate from others. Occasionally the host's transponder may be confused with another aircraft's and generate spurious same height 0.1nm warnings as I had in IMC on approach to Exeter after being warned about near by corp jet. Was not happy with that, possibly bad placement by me. Despite that I think this unit is useful for IMC. If you are like me and reasonably diligent, there is less value in VMC and I rarely use it as such.
I recall I paid < £300 for mine.
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I fly with TIS in California, and now I wouldn't be without it. In busy area's like that it is literally a lifesaver. It does not encourage you to keep eyes in, but helps you NOT to fixate on traffic becasue you know it's relative altitude and course. It also helps you to pick up traffic with the Mk1 eyeball....It may also stop some people making irrational decisions....
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Thanks for the opions and experiences peeps.
Tony, thanks for the perspective of an actual user of the Zoan. Sounds like it might be useful in the busy and often hazy area where I normally poodle about. I might get the unit that tells you which quadrant the traffic is in.
Tony, thanks for the perspective of an actual user of the Zoan. Sounds like it might be useful in the busy and often hazy area where I normally poodle about. I might get the unit that tells you which quadrant the traffic is in.
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I have a Zaon MRX and would not fly without it now it does not make you look out less in fact it makes you look out more than you already do. It warns you with several beeps through your headset of any transponder signals it considers a threat. It does not mean that there aren’t aircraft in the vicinity that do not have transponders so you still have to look out. I think it is an aid to prudent flying just like GPS, it does not replace a map but can be used in conjunction with one. I say grasp the technology, get one you can never have enough help when your aviating especially with look out!
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"There's a lot of mythology touted by the "never in my lifetime" brigade, all of whom have probably never seen TCAS in operation."
How true ShyTorque.
My experience is similar - I have avoided at least 2 near misses with fixed wing aircraft and one with a helicopter since commencing flying with TCAS, those who have never experienced it usually have the strongest anti-TCAS opinions.
Midairs happen.
TCAS is a great way of helping the eyes to pick out traffic.
SB
How true ShyTorque.
My experience is similar - I have avoided at least 2 near misses with fixed wing aircraft and one with a helicopter since commencing flying with TCAS, those who have never experienced it usually have the strongest anti-TCAS opinions.
Midairs happen.
TCAS is a great way of helping the eyes to pick out traffic.
SB
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Just a thought..
If like me your flying budget is limited, and you fly a small two seater, VMC only. What would give the most safety?
Fit a mode C transponder (used) plus the zaon unit. Cost £1500-£2000
Or fit the brightest strobes/leds with sequential flashing, and visible in all attitudes. Cost < £1000
If like me your flying budget is limited, and you fly a small two seater, VMC only. What would give the most safety?
Fit a mode C transponder (used) plus the zaon unit. Cost £1500-£2000
Or fit the brightest strobes/leds with sequential flashing, and visible in all attitudes. Cost < £1000