What is e-Conspicuity?
The term e-Conspicuity refers to the ability of an aircraft to be electronically visible in the airspace by technical means. The aim is to avoid collisions and to visualise the air situation as fully as possible for all parties involved - pilots, air traffic controllers and drone operators. In a digital airspace, e-Conspicuity is a central element for "See and Avoid" and in the future also for automated "Sense and Avoid" process.
The initial situation in Switzerland: many systems, little interoperability
Several technologies for implementing e-Conspicuity already exist in Switzerland. These include
- Transponder (e.g. Mode S)
- FLARM (primarily in gliding)
- FANET/FANET+ (especially for hang gliders and paragliders)
- ADS-Bwhich is particularly relevant in an international context
- Smartphone-based solutions like SafeSky
But one central problem remains: These systems are not compatible with each other. This means that a FLARM system does not recognise an aircraft with ADS-B - and vice versa. This results in fragmented airspace visibility, which increases the risk of undetected approaches.
Survey shows wide range of technical equipment - and major differences
In order to gain a better picture of the current state of use of e-Conspicuity technologies, the FOCA conducted a nationwide survey in autumn 2024. Around 1,500 male and female pilots from different categories took part. The most important findings at a glance:
- 87 % of respondents have at least one system for electronic visibility.
- With Helicopters, Motorised aircraft and Gliders the rate is even higher than 95 %.
- In the helicopter sector in particular, two thirds of pilots rely on Combinations like transponder plus FLARM.
- With Hang gliders FANET(+) - a system that can be integrated into paragliders relatively easily and lightly.
Despite these pleasing figures, there is still some catching up to do: 24 % of hang glider pilots stated that they did not use an electronic visibility solution at all - a not insignificant security risk.
The figures in detail (extract)
| Category | Transponder only | Transponder + FLARM | FLARM/FANET only | Nothing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hang glider | 0.4 % | 0.4 % | 43.3 % | 24.0 % |
| Helicopter | 14.4 % | 67.8 % | 12.7 % | 2.5 % |
| Motorised aircraft | 36.4 % | 48.6 % | 9.5 % | 3.7 % |
| Gliders | 0.9 % | 56.3 % | 40.6 % | 1.6 % |
This data demonstrates a high level of technical readiness, but also reveals the heterogeneity of the systems used - a key obstacle to reliable air situational awareness across the board.
The FASST-CH project: the digital future of airspace
In response to these challenges, the FOCA has launched the project FASST-CH (Future Aviation Surveillance Services and Technologies in Switzerland). It pursues the goal of Roadmap for future monitoring services and to create the basis for a modern, interoperable and digital Swiss airspace.
FASST-CH is part of the overarching strategy AVISTRAT-CH 2035which is intended to steer the digitalisation of aviation in Switzerland in the long term. Central approaches of FASST-CH:
- Definition of technical standards and preferred systems
- Development of an interoperable airspace surveillance system
- Coordination with European partners, in particular EASA, EUROCONTROL and Neighbouring countries
- Development of a sustainable "See, Sense & Avoid" ecosystemwhich also integrates drones
A key objective is to make e-Conspicuity easily accessible for all types of aircraft - from Boeing 737s and gliders to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS).
Outlook: Safety and efficiency in harmony
With the FASST-CH project and the underlying survey, Switzerland has taken important steps towards a digital, transparent and secure airspace. The challenge now lies in this, a common technical basis for all airspace users and at the same time Practicable, cost-efficient solutions especially for recreational flying.
The involvement of the aviation community is crucial here: only through cooperation between authorities, manufacturers, pilots and European institutions can the vision of a modern aviation area be realised.
Source references:
Staysafe.aero
