CAA electronic conspicuity consultation
The recently published Electronic Conspicuity (EC) Concept of Operations (ConOps) document outlines the CAA’s strategic approach to implementing EC technologies within UK airspace. The main themes and key details from the document are:
Purpose and Scope
The document supports the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) and focuses on enabling safe integration of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with manned aircraft in unsegregated airspace. It lays out: Short-term testing (2025–2027), Long-term adoption (post-2027), and Technical positions and equipage standards for EC.
Main Themes
- Role of EC in Airspace Safety: EC enhances situational awareness by enabling aircraft to “detect and be detected”. It supplements (not replaces) see-and-avoid principles and supports detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems. Plays a key role in mitigating mid-air collisions (MAC).
- Strategic and Tactical Deconfliction: EC will enable tactical (real-time) and strategic (pre-planned) conflict avoidance, particularly in unsegregated airspace. Ground infrastructure will support both deconfliction types.
- Airspace Architecture and EC Integration: Propose an interoperable ecosystem of ground and airborne systems to improve EC performance. EC will interface with DAA, UAS Traffic Management (UTM), and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).
- Equipage Standards:
Manned Aircraft: <140 Kts: CAP1391 or compliant transponder with moderate performance requirements (SIL/SDA ≥1). >140 Kts: Higher-grade Mode-S transponder with extended squitter and higher integrity (SIL=3, SDA=2). ADS-B In is optional and risk-based.
Unmanned Aircraft (UAS): UAS must transmit 978MHz UAT ADS-B signals (DO-282B or DO-282C from 2027). Must also receive 1090MHz and 978MHz to detect both manned and unmanned aircraft.
- Installation and Operator Responsibility: Correct installation and functional EC operation are operator responsibilities. CAA will provide guidance and verify emissions via ground infrastructure.
Implementation Plan
Short-Term (2025–2027): Validate assumptions and positions through trials and real-world tests. Prioritize stakeholder engagement, operator training, and installation guidance. Focus on ground infrastructure development and air-to-air/air-to-ground testing.
Long-Term (2027+): Develop next-gen EC technologies: more interoperable, certified, and higher-performance. Address spectrum congestion concerns (especially 1090MHz). Align with AMS deliverables UK-AM/4 (Integration) and UK-AM/7 (Future Surveillance).
Evidence Base and Supporting Reports
EC Consolidated Study Report (2024), Egis CAP2498 (2022): Recommends 1090MHz for manned, 978MHz for UAS, Equipage studies: ~64% of GA aircraft have EC; majority use ADS-B, GASCO Human Factors Report (2022), Aviation Innovation Centre altitude studies (ADS-B errors in fast aircraft)
Regulatory and Strategic Alignment
Aligns with: ICAO GANP, UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy, Future of Flight Action Plan. Emphasis on interoperability, safety, and cost-effectiveness
Limitations and Challenges
EC is not a universal solution; technology and equipage vary. Spectrum congestion and lack of display/certification consistency challenge universal adoption. Limitations in pressure altitude reporting for carry-on devices in faster aircraft.
Future Mandate Considerations
While this document is not a mandate, it includes a Call for Evidence to inform potential future regulation. Implementation of a mandate would involve further consultation and regulatory assessment.
Conclusion
The CAA believes that Electronic Conspicuity is a cornerstone of the UK’s plan to modernise airspace and integrate emerging technologies like BVLOS drones, and that the ConOps document offers a roadmap that seeks to balance near-term practicality with long-term innovation, aiming to enhance airspace safety while maintaining inclusivity and interoperability for all users.
Anyone can respond to the CAA EC Concept of Operations consultation, which closes on 6th October.