Thu, Aug 27, 2009
First Such System Installed, Tested And Approved For Use In
National Airspace
The FAA recently published a memo announcing the approved use
of Audio Visual Warning Systems (AVWS) in the National Airspace
System (NAS) and the administration’s intentions to update
Advisory Circular 70/7460-1K, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, the
recommended marking standards for obstacles that penetrate the
NAS.
An AVWS is described by the FAA as "a system that activates
obstruction lighting and audio signals to alert the pilot of
potential collisions with obstacles." The FAA memo goes on to state
"OCAS is the first AVWS to be installed, tested, and approved in
the National Airspace System (NAS)."
An AVWS is designed to significantly reduce the potential for a
wire strike or obstacle collision for low flying aircraft. There
are over 5000 such incidents/accidents in the National
Transportation Safety Board database.
The Obstacle Collision Avoidance System (OCAS) uses a small
radar to detect and track an aircraft’s proximity to an
obstacle. Two warning zones are defined. The first warning is the
activation of medium intensity strobe lights to allow the pilots to
visually identify the obstacle. If the pilot does not take
avoidance action and the aircraft enters the second warning zone, a
VHF broadcast is transmitted to the pilot’s radio. The
message includes warning tones and a description such as
“POWER LINES…POWER LINES.” The OCAS system has
the ability to simultaneously broadcast on several frequencies
within the VHF range of 118-136 MHz. The FAA/FCC will determine
acceptable broadcast plans based on the geographical location of
the system.
No additional onboard equipment is required, which makes it
available to almost all aircraft. OCAS says the audio warning is
the most powerful aspect of the system as it provides a warning in
any type of visibility or weather conditions.
OCAS is currently operational in the US, Canada, and Europe.
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