General Aviation Collision‐Avoidance Alternatives
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 115, Issue 5
Abstract
Midair collisions are often perceived as the number‐one safety issue in aviation. Though the actual incidence of such accidents is (thankfully) small, public perception of the problem, and the government's reaction to it, may threaten the very future of general aviation. Midair collisions are primarily a general aviation problem. Its solution starts with the review of accident statistics and nearmidair report data, an exploration of prior art, and an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of TCAS (Threat alert and Collision Avoidance System), the FAA's supplement to visual traffic avoidance. This paper contemplates the need for an “ideal” general aviation collision avoidance system—one which is selfcontained, noncooperative in nature (requiring no equipment in the “other” plane), transparent to the Air Traffic Control System, and fully compatible with TCAS and all other FAA proposals.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Airman's information manual. (1984). 19th Ed., Aviation Book Co., Glendale, Calif.
2.
Anderson, R. W., Weiss, B. J., and Holley, H. E. (1974). “Moving target indicator system and apparatus.” U.S. Patent No. 3,790,938, Feb. 5.
3.
Anderson, T. N. (1973). “Marine radar with T‐V receiver display.” U.S. Patent No. 3,750,164, July 31.
4.
Anno, J. N. (1982). “Estimate of human control over mid‐air collisions.” J. of Aircraft, 19(1), 86–88.
5.
“AOPA Criticizes XPDR Rule.” (1985). Western Flyer, 27(11), 1.
6.
ARTS III conflict alert. (1984). Sperry Univac Defense Systems, Fed. Aviation Administration Publication NAS‐MD‐632, Washington, D.C.
7.
“Aviation Facts.” (1984). Santa Clara County AirTour III, Reid‐Hillview Airport, 99s, Mar., Int. Woman Pilot's Assoc., San Jose, Calif.
8.
Baker, J. L. (1985). “Near Midair Collisions.” Testimony before Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, Public Works and Transp. Committee, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
9.
Begley, S., and Buckley, J. (1981). “Averting midair collisions.” Newsweek, CII (27), 61.
10.
Bennett, D. B., Follen, R. J., and Harman, C. P., Jr. (1973). “Time‐to‐collision circuitry for collision warning system.” U.S. Patent No. 3,714,648, Jan. 30.
11.
Billings, C., et al. (1980). “A study of near midair collisions in U.S. terminal airspace.” NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System: Quarterly Report No. 11, NASA Technical Memorandum 81225, 13–22.
12.
Blaker, M. (1986). “Legends.” Downwind, 2(1), 14–15, 27.
13.
Brandao, R. L., and Taylor, R. A. (1977). “Radar display system.” U.S. Patent No. 4,017,853, Apr. 12.
14.
Bryant, J. H., and Schultz, S. M. (1985). “True ground speed sensor.” U.S. Patent No. 4,517,566, May 14.
15.
Campbell, R. L. (1984). “Binaural reception of SSB and CW signals received on a pair of antennas.” Proc., 18th Conf. of Central States VHF Society, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 27–33.
16.
Casse, R., et al. (1973). “Visual display device for radar system.” U.S. Patent No. 3,754,248, Aug. 21.
17.
Census of U.S. civil aircraft, calendar year 1985. (1986). FAA Office of Mgmt. Systems, Washington, D.C.
18.
Chapman, G. C. (1978). “Human factors associated with potential conflicts at uncontrolled airports.” NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System: Seventh Quarterly Report, NASA Technical Memorandum 78528, 26–44.
19.
Colby, K. G. (1972). “Collision Avoidance System.” U.S. Patent No. 3,697,986, Oct. 10.
20.
Connolly, R. (1979). “How can we prevent midair crashes?” Electronics, 52(8), 81–82.
21.
Connolly, R. (1982). “FAA presses on‐board anti‐collision unit.” Electronics, 55(2), 84–86.
22.
Crow, R. P. (1984). “Discrete address beacon, navigation and landing system.” U.S. Patent No. 4,454,510, Jun. 12.
23.
Datta, K., and Oliver, R. M. (1988). “Predictions of mid‐air and near mid‐air collisions.” Research Report UCB‐ITS‐RR‐88‐16, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Berkeley, Calif.
24.
Endo, A., and Kimura, K. (1985). “Doppler radar type speedometer.” U.S. Patent No. 4,527,160, Jul. 2.
25.
Ends, E. J. (1987). “Vision and midair collision.” Business Aviation Safety, 3, 105–107.
26.
Evans, J. (1974). “Three dimensional display system.” U.S. Patent No. 3,789,397, Jan. 29.
27.
“FAA adopts anti‐collision system.” (1981). San Jose Mercury, June 24, 14E.
28.
“FAA provides TCAS details, seeks support.” (1981). Business and Commercial Aviation, 49(4), 134–136.
29.
“FAA reports 777 near midairs in '85.” (1986). Western Flyer, 28(5), 1.
30.
“FAA to install better computers.” (1985). Western Flyer, 27(12), 2.
31.
Faris, W. R., and Harokopus, W. P. (1972). “Rear end warning system for automobiles.” US. Patent No. 3,697,985, Oct. 10.
32.
“Future‐aircraft designers see big changes inside.” (1981). Machine Design, Jul. 9, 53(16), 4.
33.
Gardner, B. (1986). “As the pro flies.” Western Flyer, 28(5), 18, 23.
34.
“General aviation fleet grew and logged more hours in 1984.” (1985). Western Flyer, 27(19), 1.
35.
Grimes, D. M., and Jones, T. O. (1974). “Automotive radar: A brief review.” Proc., IEEE, 62(6), 804–822.
36.
Hammitt, T. (1985). “Hits & Misses.” Flying, 112(5), 62–66.
37.
Hart, G. E. (1977). “Doppler‐radar, projected terrain‐clearance system.” U.S. Patent No. 4,024,537, May 17.
38.
Helms, J. L., and Poritzky, S. B. (1982). “The national airspace system plan.” Astronautics and Aeronautics, 20(6), 50–61.
39.
Helms, J. L. (1983). “The challenge of space technology—Developing an aviation policy.” Astronautics and Aeronautics, 21(5), 80–84.
40.
“Human factors associated with potential conflicts at uncontrolled airports.” (1986). Callback (83) 2.
41.
“‘Keep squawking,’ Says new FAA rule on transponders.” (1985). Western Flyer, 27(19), 1.
42.
Landeck, O. (1986). “Safety Corner.” In Flight, 2(10), 40.
43.
Lewis, A. (1979). “Into the 1980s.” Business and Commercial Aviation, 45(6), 120.
44.
Machol, R. E. (1979). “Effectiveness of the air traffic control system.” J. Opl Res. Soc., 30(2), 113–119.
45.
Magnin, P. A. (1986). “Doppler effect: History and theory.” Hewlett‐Packard J., 37(6), 26–31.
46.
Mann, J. R. (1976). “Navigational and collision avoidance apparatus.” U.S. Patent No. 3,981,008, Sept. 14.
47.
McClellan, J. (1987). “TCAS.” Flying, 114(6), 82–84.
48.
Meilander, W. C. (1972). “Method and apparatus for high speed vehicle position acquisition.” U.S. Patent No. 3,665,464, May 23.
49.
Miles, R. B. (1980). “Laser beacon system for aircraft collision hazard determination.” Applied Optics, 19(13), 2098–2108.
50.
Morse, M. (1971). “Mosaic omnidirectional radar scanning system.” U.S. Patent No. 3,611,371, Oct. 5.
51.
“Near midair incidents increased in first seven months.” (1985). Western Flyer, 27(16), 1.
52.
“New products—Transponder reactor.” (1970). Private Pilot, 5(6), 78.
53.
“New transponders must meet mode S,” (1985). Western Flyer, 27(16), 9.
54.
Olcott, J. W. (1979). “Are we clear of that Cessna?” Business and Commercial Aviation, 45(2), 86–87.
55.
Olcott, J. W. (1981). “The eyes have it.” Business and Commercial Aviation, 48(1), 90.
56.
Pease, W. M. (1980). “Marine radar including anticollision unit.” U.S. Patent No. 4,205,313, May 27.
57.
Perkinson, R. E., and Borrok, M. J. (1969). “Asynchronous collision avoidance system.” U.S. Patent No. 3,456,256, July 15.
58.
“Radar fundamentals.” (1972). Reference Data for Radio Engineers, 5th Ed., ITT, Indianapolis, Ind.
59.
Sanfelici, A. H., ed. (1988). “AOPA 1988 aviation fact card.” General Aviation Nat. Report, 46(1), 3–4.
60.
Sanfelici, A. H. (1986). “Editor's forum.” AOPA Newsletter, 44(5), 2.
61.
Schrieberg, D., and Nakaso, D. (1986). “Crash to fuel debate over tourist flights.” San Jose Mercury News, June 19, 23A.
62.
Shuch, H. P. (1987). “Binaural doppler collision alert system for general aviation aircraft.” U.S. Patent No. 4713669, Dec. 15.
63.
Skolnik, M. I. (1962). Introduction to radar systems. McGraw‐Hill, New York, N.Y.
64.
Sommer, R. C. (1986). “A simple, effective receiving aid.” QST, LXX(2), 15–19.
65.
Straub, K. L., and Shear, W. G. (1979). “Collision avoidance readout on air traffic control radar beacon systems.” U.S. Patent No. 3,579,235, May 18.
66.
Statistical handbook of aviation, calendar year 1986. (1987). Fed. Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C.
67.
Taylor, M. B. (1983). “Flyways in the sky.” Sport Aviation, 31(2), 56–57.
68.
“TCAS status report.” (1982). Business and Commercial Aviation, 50(6), 121–123.
69.
“Transponders must match future radar beacon system.” (1985). In Flight, 2(2), 20.
70.
Twombly, M. R. (1986). “Geostar launches service this summer.” AOPA Pilot, 29(6), 30.
71.
Tymczyszyn, J. P. (1979). “The collision avoidance problem requires a mix of partial solutions.” Aircraft Engrg., 51(11), 18–21.
72.
Wiener, E. L. (1980). “Midair collisions: The accidents, the systems, and the real‐politik.” Human Factors, 22(5), 521–533.
73.
Wolkomir, R. (1988). “Equipment makers profit from safer skies.” High Tech. Business, Jan., 8(1), 28–31.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 115 • Issue 5 • September 1989
Pages: 474 - 492
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 ASCE.
History
Published online: Sep 1, 1989
Published in print: Sep 1989
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.