Comments on: Onboard Saviors!

By: Mark C

Mark C — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:20:46 +0000

I know that each situation needs to be evaluated and the appropriate action taken, but doesn’t the AIM state that when on a collision course with another aircraft, each pilot is to deviate to the right?

By: Don Eck

Don Eck — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:22:51 +0000

I heartily agree. When my regional airline first got TCAS II in 1992, I was initially concerned I would become complacent through using, and not scanning visually enough. What I discovered was that it actually increased my awareness by alerting me to targets well before they were within visual range, and prompting me to scan more. The effect is similar to receiving ATC traffic advisories.

However, one must never forget that none of these technologies, including ADS-B, can “see” all traffic; only those who are participating and whose equipment is functioning properly.

By: john dukesherer

john dukesherer — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:29:25 +0000

If airports had ADS-B out boxes running (in tower or fbo) then ALL low priced (SkyRadar, etc) ADS-B in boxes would show ALL traffic with transponder on the Ipad along with the free weather that is already there. What an investment for the saftey of us low lifes.
I would not go back to any other type nav, weather, traffic system after 1 1/2 years of use.

By: Fred von Zabern

Fred von Zabern — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:28:17 +0000

Agreed Bruce! On several occasions TIS has shown traffic within 2 nm, heading my way, before I saw it or the controller called it. My eyes aren’t as good as they were 40 years ago, but all the more reason to have this worthy piece of equipment. With it, comes training…it has its limitations, and differences.

The other worthy piece of equipment is XM weather…but a lot has already been written about this. Only reason for mentioning, is this equipment is so helpful for coming up with a plan “B”, and could really cut down on weather accidents if more widely used.