European aviation authorities are intensifying efforts intended to prevent midair collisions by increasing visibility and operational safety for general aviation (GA) operators.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) — which noted that an average of six fatal midair collisions involving GA aircraft occur each year, along with 13 associated fatalities — said in early April that technological innovations have made conspicuity devices for small aircraft more affordable.
“While commercial aircraft have long been equipped with [traffic-alert and collision avoidance systems] (TCAS), the cost and weight of such equipment meant it could not be used on smaller GA aircraft, which are mostly used by private pilots,” EASA said.
The first initiative, known as the Conspicuity Declaration, is a voluntary policy …
