dirkclod
Premium Pilot
Well you probably haven't been looking in the right aircraft thenI haven't seen a radar altimeter since 1980.
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Besides that, how would you know what frequency the low-flying traffic may be listening to? ....
Thank you everyone for your views, i know that in my first post i was significantly oversimplifying things.
So- the licensing thing is not a big issue, as a restricted radiotelephone license is not difficult to obtain and costs about $65. However, i don't think that a license is actually required. If the FAA says that anything in the air is an aircraft (especially UAV/UAS), then i believe using a radio on the ground while controlling a UAV could qualify as operating 'aboard' the aircraft while operating domestically as noted in the below excerpt from http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=aircraft_stations
On October 25, 1996, the FCC released a Report and Order in WT Docket No. 96-82 eliminating the individual licensing requirement for all aircraft, including scheduled air carriers, air taxis and general aviation aircraft operating domestically. This means that you do not need a license to operate a two-way VHF radio, radar, or emergency locator transmitter (ELT) aboard aircraft operating domestically. All other aircraft radio stations must be licensed by the FCC either individually or by fleet.
The CTAF is only used by pilots operating in the vicinity of an airport with a published CTAF.You'd know what frequency to be listening on if you use the right maps for the area before flying.
Here in Australia, OZ Runways is an annual subscription phone app, that has a million and one very very useful features, and not the least of which is that it shows the CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) for the area you're in. That is the frequency that would probably be the best to be listening on.
That would require several changes by the FAA. First, ADSB-Out uses the A/C identification in it's data packet, so if it isn't a registered A/C then there's no FAA "N" number. You want every personal drone to be registered? Second, ADSB is designed to work with ground based receivers wired into ATC. Yes, there is an aircraft to aircraft ADSB system called UAT (Universal Access Transceiver), but not all aircraft will be able to receive UAT mode. UAT mode is also called ADSB-In.The best option to avoid other aircraft is not to fly in area that may have other aircraft flying in it.
Alternatively, we should all put our heads together and devise a way for ADS-B to be fitted to a Phantom!
Really, try listening to A/C communications and tell us how it can possibly help. If you aren't a pilot you won't understand most of what you hear. And it is extremely unlikely that you would have any warning on the radio that a low-flying A/C is even in your area.
The best option to avoid other aircraft is not to fly in area that may have other aircraft flying in it.
I'm a part 61.licensed pilot, still have my original radio telephone license and all my birds have N numbers. IMHO, neither the FAA or the FCC are going to accept that a ground transmitter is an ok variation on a station 'license' associated with a registered aircraft. And do we really need the distraction of trying to operate a radio while we are flying our birds? I keep a Bearcat Sportcat portable scanner with me that is tuned to the local Unicom a CTAF fregs and just listen in the background. When I'm flying in the area of my authorization, I also have to keep a ear on my cell phone in case ATC tries to contact me! Remember, it's our responsibility to get out of, literally, everyone else's way, so keeping good SA and being ready to 'duck' if the situation calls for it is enough to keep me busy!I contacted a local FBO and discussed radio comms. My plan was to monitor unicom and on hearing an aircraft enter my area on a low approach, let them know of drone activity.
I was thinking something like:
"Aircraft at roosterville, be advised, drone aircraft 300 feet agl 2 miles south of roosterville actual"
Roosterville being the uncontrolled field near me.
Just a thought and the fbo guys thought it was a good idea. They also said I was the only person to ever contact them. Just my 2 cents. Let me know what you all think.