Conspicuity and ADS-L in General Aviation: EASA's Response to enhance Midair collision Prevention.

• The number of general aviation (GA) flights in Europe is increasing, but it also increases the risk of mid-air collisions.
• The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is looking at ways to improve safety for all air traffic participants.
• EASA statistics are disappointing: there are an average of 6 fatal collisions involving general aviation each year, killing around 13 people.
• EASA's first step is the "Declaration of Visibility." This is a joint agreement of 11 aviation organizations aimed at actively promoting technologies that improve aircraft visibility. These include devices such as ADS-B Out and the new ADS-B "Light" (ADS-L) system.

As general aviation traffic grows in the European sky sharing space with the large commercial aircraft, EASA launches initiatives like the "Conspicuity Declaration" and the ADS-L Coalition to enhance midair collision prevention.

Considering the fact that in-flight collision avoidance is not only a priority, but an urgent necessity, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched two key initiatives that seek to change the rules of the game for general aviation (GA): the Declaration of Conspicuity and the creation of an ADS-L Coalition.

Both initiatives represent firm steps toward greater situational awareness among light aircraft pilots, a sector where visual visibility, "see and avoid" , has historically been the only resource to avoid accidents. But with technological evolution and the pressure of statistics, this is no longer enough.

As per the statement, every year, general aviation in Europe witnesses an average of six fatal mid-air collisions, resulting in about 13 deaths. Although this figure may seem small compared to commercial aviation, it represents a significant percentage of the total accidents in this segment.

Conspicuity Declaration: 11 aviation orgs pushing visibility tech like ADS-B Out and the lightweight ADS-L.

While commercial aircraft have long been equipped with Traffic 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 has identified this pattern as a strategic priority within the European Aviation Security Plan (EPAS). In its annual review, it highlights the risk posed by uncontrolled airspace, where there are no control towers or radar separation, and where pilots must rely on their eyesight and experience to avoid other traffic.

That is why, since the GA Flightpath 2030+ programme, EASA has set out to democratise electronic conspicuity technology, bringing it closer to all pilots, even those who fly low-cost or training aircraft.

Statement of Conspicuity : Commitment to a New Culture of Safety

The first of the measures announced is the Declaration of Conspicuity, a voluntary policy endorsed by 11 European aviation authorities. Its objective is clear: to promote the use of electronic visibility devices (such as ADS-B, ADS-L or surveillance receivers) among all airspace users, so that they can be "seen" by other traffic and thus drastically reduce the risk of collision.

This commitment to safety is not limited to the promotion of new technologies. It also includes collaboration in data analysis, the promotion of a shared safety culture, and a commitment to protect the data collected, using it only for operational safety improvement purposes.

In addition, this declaration will serve as a framework of reference for manufacturers, pilots, clubs and flight schools to progressively adopt these systems without waiting for a regulatory obligation.

ADS-L: A new standard for safer light aviation

The second major development is the creation of the ADS-L Coalition, which brings together technology providers and aircraft manufacturers around a common goal: to establish an interoperable electronic transmission protocol for light aircraft and drones.

European Business Aviation Association: "We extend our congratulations to Florian Guillermet on his appointment," said Holger Krahmer, EBAA's Secretary General. "We look forward to continuing our longstanding collaboration with EASA to advance aviation safety, a cornerstone of our industry."

The ADS-L (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Light) system will allow GA aircraft to be electronically visible to other aircraft and to observers on the ground, significantly improving the pilot's situational awareness.

Unlike traditional TCAS systems, the ADS-L is designed to be lightweight, affordable and energy-efficient, making it easy to install in light aircraft and ULM aircraft.

The members of the coalition are committed to integrating ADS-L into their current or future products, promoting technological standardization that allows rapid adoption, interoperability between devices and, ultimately, greater safety margins for pilots across Europe.

General aviation is the formative heart of the industry. As Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, recalled, "GA is where the commercial pilots of tomorrow take their first steps". Protecting this ecosystem therefore also means investing in the future of European aviation.

The progressive implementation of these technologies does not seek to impose burdens, but to create favorable conditions so that all pilots, even recreational pilots, can fly with greater safety and confidence.

As per EASA, the adoption of the ¡Conspicuity Declaration does not affect the application of Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 regarding the reporting, analysis and follow-up of occurrences in civil aviation and any other applicable European Union or national legislation.