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- What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over.
The so-called "Big Sky Theory," which once claimed that there was always enough space for everyone, no longer holds true. The skies have significantly evolved since the days of aviation when the "see and avoid" principle was conceived. Originally tailored to the speeds of aircraft of that era, this concept now lags behind the era of high-speed aviation and congested skies. And then, there are us, the pilots, while intelligent beings, we cannot perfectly “see”. Speaking of which, let's take a closer look. That was then, and this is now. Research dating back to 1970 clearly illustrates the gap between yesteryears and tomorrow. It claimed that "see and avoid" could prevent 97% of potential collisions at low closing speeds. Recent research however conducted by John Andrews in the United States provides compelling evidence against "see and avoid." Even motivated pilots participating consciously in these trials often failed to spot conflicting traffic, achieving a meagre success rate of 56% . These trials expose the uncomfortable truth that our reliance on this outdated concept is dangerous and could even jeopardise lives. Why? Because we are ‘only’ human. The "see and avoid" process is far more complex than meets the eye. It involves multiple steps, including looking outside the aircraft, scanning the visual field, detecting objects, identifying them as aircraft, deciding on evasive action, and executing control movements. At each step, human factors cast shadows over the chances of success. These limitations are not signs of 'errors' or 'poor airmanship' but are inherent in the limitations of human vision and information processing, affecting all pilots to varying degrees. Speed and Vision: A risky combination. Picture yourself aboard a typical general aviation aircraft. It's a machine capable of reaching significant speeds (averaging 120 knots, and up to 200 knots for high-performance models), and it can be approached from any direction at varying speeds. However, there's a catch: speed significantly reduces the field of vision. On average, a person has a field of vision of about 180 degrees, but as speed increases, this field drastically diminishes, dropping to just 30 degrees at 130 km/h ! Not to mention that when two aircraft approach each other, their speeds add up, turning their approach into a veritable race. But there's more to it. A pilot's view is most restricted on the side farthest from their seat. For left-seated pilots, aircraft approaching from the right pose a particular threat. Who would have thought that your choice of seat could have such a profound impact on your safety ? Race against the clock. FAA data delivers a stark message: recognising an approaching aircraft and executing an evasive manoeuvre demands approximately 12.5 seconds, provided the target is detected promptly. Picture those critical seconds slipping away as you struggle to spot a potentially converging aircraft. Limited time is not on our side in the skies. Early detection is the key that separates life from tragedy. We'll revisit this later… The unforgiving march of time. Age may bring wisdom, but it also brings vision challenges. After 35 , your field of vision starts to narrow. For men, deterioration even accelerates after 55 . These are in a nutshell the lain challenges that humans pose to the "see and avoid" concept. But there's another aspect to consider: the aircraft itself can also restrict your field of vision. Rage against the machine. In the cockpit, pilots juggle increasingly complex instruments, radio communications, and critical tasks. These demands can divert their attention from essential external scans. Talking, thinking and even daydreaming all occupy mental processing capacity. Did you know that VFR flight pilots spend only about 50% of their time monitoring traffic outside the cockpit ? Near airports, where air traffic is high, workload reaches its peak. Now let that be precisely where vigilance is crucial, as most collisions occur there, as confirmed by the recent Safety Report from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) . The pitfalls of visual obstructions. There are many obstacles in the cockpit that can obstruct a pilot’s a pilot's field of vision. These may include window-posts, unsightly bug splatter on the windscreen, sun visors, wings partially obstructing the view, front seat occupants, and instrument panels. These physical barriers are apparent, but there are also subtler forms of visual interference such as… … The hazards of glare. Ah, the allure of a radiant sunset! Yet, glare, whether direct or reflected, significantly reduces visual effectiveness. Even glare half as intense as the general illumination reduces visibility by 42% at a 40-degree angle. At only 5 degrees off the line of sight, visibility dramatically drops by a staggering 84%. It's a reminder that beauty can obscure danger ... But there is hope. In our human frailty, we are subject to physical limitations so it's crucial to be alerted to potential convergence as quickly as possible because, as described above. But what if we could turn back time? In particular, the 12.5 seconds needed to recognise convergence and execute evasive manoeuvres? Am I converging or diverging, what's the closure rate, what action to take? We said it before: Early detection is the key that separates life from tragedy. Guess what, SafeSky gives you a 60 seconds warning before a potential convergent traffic has been detected, well before those crucial 12.5 seconds even begin! Conclusion. Lady Luck alone is no longer sufficient to avoid mid-air collisions, it is a reckless gamble. Don't get us wrong. "See and avoid" has served us well and continues to do so, preventing countless collisions. But as our skies fill up, our aircraft become faster and more complex, and our pilots face ever-increasing demands, it's time to seek assistance. And that assistance exists. Let SafeSky be your assistant, or your extra pair of (electronic) eyes if you prefer. 🎧▶️ Also listen to Emmanuel Davidson's recent presentation at the Mondial de l'ULM 2023: " See and avoid: the human eye wasn't built for that ." Sources:
- Compatibility with VFRnav.
SafeSky now seamlessly integrates with the popular VFRnav app developed by Hermann Hölter. This integration allows pilots to access SafeSky's traffic information, including data from over 20 sources, directly within VFRnav through the widely-used GDL-90 data exchange protocol. We've made this enhancement based on requests from our valued SafeSky pilots, as their feedback is our guiding force in development. To enjoy this feature, simply activate it in your SafeSky Premium subscription's traffic sharing section. Make sure you have the latest version of SafeSky by downloading it from the Apple store (iOS) or the Play Store (Android). More information on the traffic integration steps to follow in our thorough User Manual . ⭐ Become SafeSky Premium now! ⭐ For technical setup details in VFRnav, please reach out to mail@flugbetrieb.com .
- Get ready for the Mondial de l’ULM (MULM), from September 1st to 4th.
It's a highlight in the European microlight aviation calendar. As autumn approaches gently, many companies have dedicated their summer to get inspired and develop captivating novelties. SafeSky is no exception. Be ready for some groundbreaking news at Blois. To pique your interest, know that it will be another testament to our collaborative spirit and a significant step in our mission to innovate aviation safety. Education will also be our focus. This year, we will host thematic presentations by aviation experts, immersing you in essential topics and connecting you with key players. Next to that, we will take the floor in the FFPLUM village, shedding light on situational awareness and existing tools to enhance safety, from both the pilot's and club's perspectives. Find our preliminary programme here . Hand in hand with FFPLUM. True to our essence, we have renewed our partnership with FFPLUM to contribute to the safety during the event. For those of you who will spread their wings to come to Blois, using the SafeSky App will be highly recommended. As a token of encouragement, we are offering a free trial of our PREMIUM plan, blending safety and comfort. The use of SafeSky will also allow AFIS agents and control towers to locate you as you approach, thereby ensuring that incoming and outgoing traffic flows smoothly and safely. Find the MULM programme here . Pilot webinar on SafeSky Also, mark your calendars for a pilot webinar scheduled on Monday, August 28th, at 19:00. The presentation, organised by FFPLUM, will emphasise the safety advantages of incorporating SafeSky for flight-bound participants, both for the pilots and the MULM organisation. There's a present waiting for you! Drop in and take advantage of our special MULM offer. The place to be? Booth C4 49-48. Our team is eager to meet you. Your feedback and questions are our compass in everything we undertake.
- The unthinkable debate on (private) life in aviation.
Foreword: It's not in our DNA to gripe or critique. Our project is rooted in boundless positivity and constructive action. But when excellent aviation initiatives are unfairly sidelined, we feel the need to bring some things back into perspective. "I'll pass on being tracked." In a world where technological advancements redefine human boundaries, a peculiar debate emerges shaking the very foundations of aviation security. Pilots — sky enthusiasts and guardians — reject a service offering visibility and safety, citing privacy as the crux: " SafeSky? No thanks, I'll pass on being tracked. ” < Who would've thought that concern for privacy would surpass concern for life itself? > You might wonder why pilots, entrusted with flight integrity and often lives from their passengers, shy from air traffic information? The answer lies within the delicate dance between privacy and common good. The Common Good Enters the stage, SafeSky: an air traffic awareness service to aim for safer skies. Sounds like every pilot's dream, doesn't it? This service isn't just user-friendly and free —it also alerts us when other aircraft approach. A digital guardian angel scanning trajectories, bridging human intuition and technology, complementing pilots' golden rule: 'See and Avoid.’ The Individual Good And yet, intriguingly, some hesitate to use SafeSky and other tracking systems: with the promise of heightened security, comments arise suggesting a compromise is at play – a perceived loss of privacy and freedom. “ We want to fly freely like a bird, that’s the ultralight spirit ” or even '"I turn off my transponder to avoid being tracked '", preferably heard at the bar. Some take an even more paradoxical stance: they strive to maintain inconspicuousness while benefiting from the conspicuousness of others! Wait a second, isn’t the " ultralight spirit " about mutual assistance among pilots, group travels, sharing experiences, or simply a common passion - just like the general aviation spirit, after all? This spirit isn't restricted to solo flights. Many clubs and organisations strive to create an atmosphere where flying becomes a thrilling and secure escapade, perfectly capturing the essence of light aviation: blending enjoyment with security. The urge for freedom can never dismiss the fact that we traverse shared, tightly regulated, often intricate complexe spaces at high speeds. Admittedly, in the digital era, controlling what we share is crucial. The value of our personal space is evident. < Yet the sky isn't a personal space — it's a shared expanse teeming with many, many players. > We shouldn't mistake freedom for visibility. So, as some argue, does SafeSky inadvertently expose pilots to a new realm of surveillance, to a feeling of being 'controlled' in an area they've always considered their own, as some argue? That’s curious, because SafeSky anticipates these concerns. Privacy is guaranteed through a 'private' profile option — only positional data is shared, without personal markers. Pilots, much like how we drive with our headlights on, make their presence known without revealing their identity – a balance between visibility and confidentiality. The analogy with aviation is unmistakable – being seen is both a responsibility and protection. < So, what's the catch here? Because it seems that SafeSky honours both privacy and freedom. > Maybe the real question is: “ Why would we refuse to be visible ?” Perhaps we should even contemplate the obligation to be visible? Certainly a debate topic, especially in life-or-death situations like search and rescue. Knowing 'who' and 'where' is pivotal, elevating the efficiency of rescue efforts, often a life-saving time gain. Privacy concerns pale in comparison to aiding or rescuing pilots and passengers. Moreover, the sky is already a grand stage where visibility is real, thanks to existing technologies like Mode-S transponders, TCAS, ADS-B – all of which contribute to pilots' safety. Visibility to controllers is a given, aided by primary, secondary radars, not to mention military scans. At the heart of the debate, some pilots contend their eyes are enough to 'See and Avoid.' While this basic principle stands, tech assistance is priceless in identifying conflicting air traffic. Let's not leave it all to chance; let's leverage existing systems to scan the skies in the right direction. A visual alert, an audible cue, and we'll know where to look for that fellow pilot sharing our slice of heaven. Final Thoughts As SafeSky receives praise for securing organ transport, it's ironic to witness absurd debates arise when the same solution is contemplated to accompany a human being in their entirety... While it's frustrating to confront unfounded rejection, it's heartening to observe that this perspective seems to emanate from a limited minority of scopophobic individuals who strive to convince others, acting somewhat like an insistent voice. Thankfully, most pilots are perceptive enough to rely on facts, figures, and their own experience, which often eludes the detractors... SafeSky offers pilots the choice of visibility, whether anonymous or public, favoring proactive engagement over a passive attitude. Moreover, SafeSky isn't the sole option for becoming visible. Any tool promoting visibility holds significant advantages. We commend event organisers who seek our support to enhance safety, yet are unfortunately sometimes disregarded by those who refuse to be seen, even by their fellow pilots. We extend genuine gratitude to pilots embracing the collective ethos, understanding every bright point contributes to a constellation of security and trust. Happy and safe flights to all. Tristan FILY , CEO SafeSky
- Integration of Cavok UAS drones into SafeSky traffic.
As part of a partnership between SafeSky and Cavok UAS , an important step forward has been made to secure drone traffic in their operating altitudes with other types of aircraft potentially conflicting. Cavok UAS is a manufacturer of professional drones used for cargo delivery, surveillance, agriculture and industry. In the SafeSky HMI (human-machine interface), the trajectory of the Cavok UAS drone will be visible to connected users through our app (paramotor, glider, hot air balloon, microlight, airplane, etc.). The Cavok UAS drone mission software will display the traffic present in the drone's designated area, providing flight operators with the necessary information to anticipate potential evasive manoeuvres. This capability significantly enhances safety, particularly in delivery missions, in addition to ADS-B. Tristan FILY, CEO of SafeSky, comments: " For the first time, our collaborative approach extends to a drone manufacturer, addressing airspace safety challenges right from the start. This marks a substantial step forward in our role to enhance interoperability between drones and manned aircraft."
- SafeSky, Naviation and ACR partner to enhance Drone and General Aviation aerial harmony in Sweden.
We are pleased to announce another partnership aimed at harmonising the aerial interaction between drone operators and general aviation pilots. This time we have entered into a partnership with Naviatio n AB , a Swedish company providing software and services to the Swedish ANSP ACR ( Aviation Capacity Resources AB ) including the pre-UTM service Dronerequest . Through this collaboration, drone operators will have visibility of surrounding air traffic, while SafeSky pilots will be informed of drone flight plans, including mission start and end times. The SafeSky App will display a radius indicating the expected position of the drone, enabling pilots to navigate their flights safely and accordingly. BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations are also presented, including the realtime position of the drone. The majority of the drone missions focus on professional activities such as police surveillance, powerline inspections, forest survey, structure inspection and delivery services. The partnership will initially launch at five airports (Gothenburg-Säve, Trollhättan, Kalmar, Stockholm-Västerås and Skellefteå), with a rapid expansion plan to encompass 17 airports and several heliports and drone danger areas across Sweden before year’s end. SafeSky considers this partnership as a strategic milestone in its ongoing mission to make as much traffic as possible visible , especially at low altitudes, where potential converging traffic risks are known to be higher. Through this partnership, SafeSky plays a crucial role in enabling and enhancing the safety of economically- and citizen-crucial operations. Together, SafeSky, ACR and Naviation are taking a significant step forward in advancing drone activity visibility and fostering a culture of safety, accountability and collaboration in our skies. Read also: ACR's press release
- SafeSky welcomes Enroute Flight Navigation (EFN) as its latest interoperability partner.
We are pleased to welcome Enroute Flight Navigation (EFN) as yet another GDL-90 compatible navigation app with SafeSky. Developed by Akaflieg Freiburg , EFN is a renowned, completely free navigation app for VFR pilots, recognised for its simplicity, functionality, and elegance. Tristan FILY , CEO of SafeSky, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, " With this collaboration, we continue to expand our roster of approved interoperability partnerships, offering pilots a consolidated and interoperable traffic awareness solution. Furthermore, this partnership underscores the shared vision of SafeSky's commitment to affordability, aligned with Enroute's dedication, offering high-quality aviation solutions at no or low cost to the pilot community . " Stefan KEBEKUS from Enroute Flight Navigation commented, " This integration is a response to the growing demand from our dedicated user base. One of the key benefits of Enroute is its seamless, no-setup-required integration with various devices and systems. Combining the strengths of SafeSky and EFN, I believe that our collaboration can contribute to flight safety for general aviation pilots worldwide ." The success of SafeSky, driven by our dedicated community of pilots, including beta-testers, translators, and real-life pilots, reflects the identical enthusiasm that EFN has generated among its aviation enthusiasts. Their invaluable feedback has played a pivotal role in shaping this partnership, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them. For more information: · SafeSky: please visit our website · Enroute Flight Navigation: please visit Enroute Flight Navigation (EFN) ’s website, the App Store or Google Play
- SafeSky is ready for SAFIR-Ready Project.
The official kick-off of the SAFIR-Ready Project is now a reality. This ground-breaking initiative will revolutionise healthcare and emergency response services in Europe and beyond. This project is part of the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking program and is funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, a 7-year scientific research initiative of the European Union. Its ambition is to significantly transform emergency scenarios, ranging from rapid medical care delivery to critical infrastructure inspections. This entails reducing response times, costs, and carbon emissions to maximise efficiency and ultimately save lives. Kick-off meeting June 20, 2023 Hosted by our coordinator, Helicus , the meeting brought together the 34 partners to reaffirm our objectives, timelines, and deliverables, as well as to discuss the future steps of this transformative endeavour. It provided an opportunity for all consortium members to introduce themselves, fostering a deeper understanding of the unique value each participant brings to the project. Progress updates will be conducted monthly to track the project’s development. SafeSky’s contribution to SAFIR-Ready Our role in the SAFIR-Ready project is paramount. We will create a comprehensive platform that aggregates traffic information from both manned and unmanned aircraft. By bridging the worlds of general aviation and drones, we aim to enhance air traffic visibility, air mobility, and ultimately air security for all airspace users. Our platform will feed a ‘Command and Control’ centre for drone operations. With the information provided by SafeSky, this center will be able to utilise tactical trajectory deviation and adaptive path algorithms to effectively manage and mitigate risks within the airspace. Additionally, through the SafeSky mobile app, pilots of manned aircraft will have access to the positions of nearby drones, enabling them to make informed decisions and execute secure maneuvers in the presence of drone traffic. Read also SAFIR-Ready's official first press release
- Plan, See and Avoid: the new mantra for paragliders thanks to SafeSky and Wingit.
SafeSky is thrilled to collaborate with Wingit , the new ‘Swiss Army knife’ that allows paragliders to meticulously plan their next paragliding or hang gliding adventure. It offers flying sites, live conditions, forecasts, glide range calculator, airspaces, and more in one single place. Through our collaboration, Wingit paragliders will have access to a new layer of information being SafeSky’s information on traffic density, giving insights into where fellow pilots are flying as well as letting pilots follow them. Wingit's development is still early and there is much more to come. For more information or feedback: · Wingit : info@wingit.live · SafeSky : info@safesky.app ❓Did you know ❓ Wingit's integration with SafeSky comes just in time for this year's RedBull X-Alps event , often referred to as the world's toughest adventure race. This will allow athletes, support crews, and audiences alike to see the gaggle in real time, what the weather conditions are, and if they'll be able to make it across the next critical ridge connecting them to a major paragliding skyway. In these challenging competitive conditions, air safety is crucial, and SafeSky's traffic awareness, especially in mountainous areas, will provide a sigh of relief.
- SafeSky now fully integrated into Air Navigation Pro.
SafeSky's traffic services embedded within Air Navigation Pro's navigation services: an unprecedented flight experience! Pilots can now benefit from the direct integration of SafeSky's traffic into the Air Navigation Pro application. This advancement goes far beyond the current integration (GDL90) and offers exceptional advantages. In a seamless experience, Air Navigation Pro users will gain instant access to SafeSky’s traffic information on their map and share their position with the SafeSky community, all without any extra costs or the need to juggle between the two applications. The integration of SafeSky's traffic within the navigation software has undergone meticulous redesign, providing an unmatched visual experience. Simply put, a single launch of Air Navigation Pro empowers pilots with enhanced situational awareness, not only protecting themselves but also their fellow pilots. Tristan FILY , CEO of of SafeSky, says, " This integration marks yet another significant milestone for SafeSky as we strive for maximal interoperability and compatibility with major industry players. It reflects the valuable feedback we have received from our dedicated pilot community who fly to make a difference, as well as the collaborative spirit of Air Navigation . ” Johann Huguenin , CEO of Air Navigation, adds, " The partnership with SafeSky will revolutionise our navigation software, delivering a distinctive user experience that seamlessly integrates navigation, weather, and traffic. We seized the opportunity to streamline and enhance our subscription model, while elevating the traffic display to provide unparalleled flying enjoyment. ” This partnership aims to significantly enhance air safety, particularly valuable in these known potential convergent traffic risk situations: Near aerodromes, during approach, circuit, or landing. Flying below 2000 feet AGL, where general aviation traffic is dense. When flying over popular tourist areas for sightseeing flights and introductory flights. How to take advantage of this innovation? Benefit from SafeSky's traffic awareness solution directly in Air Navigation Pro with 3 simple steps: Acquire one of the new Air Navigation Pro subscription plans that includes SafeSky data: Smart Lite, Smart Classic or Smart Advance. Go to “Map Options” - “Traffic Information” - “Connect to SafeSky” Accept the Terms of Use and enter your e-mail address That’s it! Without having to launch SafeSky, as soon as a Take-off is detected in Air Navigation Pro, you will receive SafeSky traffic directly in Air Navigation Pro and your position will be streamed to SafeSky’s servers. Get ready for an unparalleled level of safety and convenience right at your fingertips. Together, we are making the sky a safer place on Earth! FAQ I am already a SafeSky user. How can I benefit from this embedded version? Great news! Simply download Air Navigation Pro from the Apple or Google Play Store and try out Air Navigation Pro’s traffic display, along with all its other amazing features. If you are a SafeSky Premium user, continue to use it as it offers many other benefits such as weather updates, flight logs, integration with your external device, etc. I am already a AirNavPro user. Why should I change? Do you want to benefit from SafeSky’s traffic in Air Navigation Pro? Upgrade now to one of the new subscription plans by going to "Config" - "Store" - "Subscription Plans". Switch to the new subscription plan and unlock even more value for your money! Can I benefit from a trial period? New Air Navigation Pro subscribers can benefit from up to 28 days free trial. During this trial you can make full use of the SafeSky integration. Is still possible to have the apps separately? You want to have the best of both worlds? You can still run both applications in split screen and benefit from SafeSky’s traffic visualisation and Air Navigation Pro’s feature-rich application during your flights. Especially if you are a SafeSky Premium user, you will benefit from many other features. Don't forget to configure traffic sharing correctly if you want to continue to use both applications simultaneously but separately, to benefit from SafeSky's radar view, for example. Choose Air Navigation Pro (native) and do a classic 'take off' to start monitoring the traffic of other aircraft on SafeSky. This will prevent you from seeing the duplicate echo of your position while in flight.
- SafeSky is now a partner in the world of competition flying.
We are excited to announce our partnership with Air Sports Live Tracking , the leading European online platform for tracking competition flying. This partnership came to life over the last couple of days with the launch of the Spanish national championship . Context: The new era of competition flying. Recently, a new format of aerial competition has emerged, tailored to the needs of pilots and clubs. These innovative competitions offer optimal organisation, flexible participation options, and cater to different types of aircraft and pilot levels. The results of these competitions are recognised by the FAI . Thanks to the ingenious "competition app" developed by the Norwegian volunteer organisation Air Sports Live Tracking , the practical organisation of these contemporary competitions has become a reality. Our partnership with Air Sports Live Tracking. Through this collaboration, AirSports.no air traffic data are integrated into SafeSky's traffic sourcing, providing pilots with an additional source of traffic information. It reflects the strong synergy between our respective fields of expertise in flight tracking and aviation safety. Spain kicks off the competition in a joint effort with Air Sports Live Tracking and SafeSky. The Spanish ULM federation, Real Federación Aeronáutica Española , has embraced this new format during their national championship . All participating pilots are using the AirSports.no app, and all non-participating stakeholders, including family, nearby pilots, AFIS and control towers, media and event organisers, will have the opportunity to track the competition participants in real-time, either through our app, or via our live tracking services on live.safesky.app/map . This tripartite alliance allows everyone to participate in the excitement of these thrilling moments while aiming for the greatest safety. Follow the event live on AirSports.no or on SafeSky live tracking . SafeSky: Your source for traffic information. As a reminder, SafeSky currently offers pilots traffic awareness . Our data is crowdsourced from our passionate community of 45,000 pilots and augmented with data from unparalleled sources. This extensive traffic information is accessible to both our free and Premium plan users.
- New consortium aims to enhance European aviation safety.
Aviant , SafeSky and AirNavigation Pro have formed an airbreaking consortium to bolster aviation safety in Europe. Starting with Norway, the goal is to avoid potential converging traffic by incentivising the usage of position sharing. Norway is leading the way in embracing the future of advanced technologies, which translates into witnessing a remarkable surge in both professional and private drone usage. However, integrating drones with helicopters and general aviation comes with visibility challenges and potential converging traffic risks. With SafeSky's eConspicuity platform, Aviant's home delivery drone network and AirNavigation's popular helicopter navigation app, the consortium is well suited to tackle this challenge by developing a single, integrated solution. Aviant, a visionary company specialising in autonomous technology, will share real-time drone traffic data with SafeSky and Air Navigation Pro, making drones visible to the helicopter and general aviation community. Meanwhile, SafeSky, European air traffic awareness solution with a strong presence in Norway, will seamlessly integrate with Air Navigation Pro, widely recognised as the preferred navigation choice among helicopter operators in Norway. This integration will provide unprecedented convenience for helicopter pilots, offering direct visibility into drone traffic and facilitating the sharing of vital traffic information back to Aviant. The consortium welcomes other interested stakeholders that want to contribute to making the sky safer. To get in touch, please contact Herman Øie Kolden at herman@aviant.no or Tristan Fily at tristan@safesky.app . More updates will follow in the coming weeks.
- SafeSky and Piloti di Classe join forces to elevate aviation safety in Italy.
We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Piloti di Classe , an esteemed flying association boasting over 800 members from across Italy. This collaboration aims to promote the use of the SafeSky app within the Piloti di Classe community, bolstering overall air safety in the Italian general aviation sector. Piloti di Classe holds the safety of its members in the highest regard and actively pursues initiatives that contribute to it. Having already secured exclusive agreements with airports, companies, and insurance providers in this regard, this partnership with SafeSky marks another significant milestone in their commitment to creating a safer aviation ecosystem. As part of this collaboration, Piloti di Classe will formally advocate for the adoption of our SafeSky app during their upcoming association meetings. The inaugural event , scheduled on May 14, featured a SafeSky presentation by Marko Bordogna, distinguished member of the Piloti di Classe Board. This introduction of SafeSky's innovative solution marks the first step towards achieving enhanced aviation safety together. Through this collaboration, participants of Piloti di Classe events and flight instructors will gain access to the Premium SafeSky app. It will empower pilots with greater situational awareness and interoperability features. Italy's diverse aviation landscape demands tailored safety solutions. We are honored to embark on this journey with Piloti di Classe and jointly address these challenges head-on. We extend our deepest appreciation to Marko Bordogna for his instrumental role in orchestrating this partnership. As a reminder, the SafeSky app offers pilots traffic awareness designed with all pilots in mind – Download now
- SafeSky and theFlightVario team up to integrate traffic information.
We are happy to announce another bilateral traffic information exchange agreement, this time with theFlightVario , a popular vario application for paragliders. The partnership embeds SafeSky's traffic data into theFlightVario app, while theFlightVario's position data become available to general aviation and ultralight pilots using SafeSky. " SafeSky's collaborative approach is driven by the belief that innovation and air safety are best achieved through partnerships and interoperability ," said Tristan FILY , CEO of SafeSky. " Our ability to seamlessly communicate and exchange data with other systems or devices is unique. It not only provides pilots with unparalleled traffic awareness, but also contributes to greater eConspicuity. The integration with theFlightVario is a testament to this approach.” “Situation awareness is a key to safer skies and theFlightVario is happy to pass this awareness on to paragliding pilots worldwide. Providing the first vario app built around the inertial measurement unit, theFlightVario continues its strive for innovation in paragliding by integrating SafeSky services into our vario apps. We would like to express our gratitude for this long due innovation and collaborative approach in our shared medium sport," said Thomas ROTH - founder of theFlightVario. This partnership marks already SafeSky's sixth direct integration of traffic data into aviation apps, following successful integrations with Skytraxx, Aviant, EasyVFR 4, Gaggle and eVario. As such, SafeSky also addresses the latest recommendations from EASA and the BEA ( Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses pour la sécurité de l'aviation civile )* to promote inbound & outbound interoperability of electronic visibility systems. SafeSky will continue to seek out collaboration opportunities with key industry players to increasingly unlock integration and innovation opportunities. Be part of this new development by downloading now! The bilateral integration of theFlightVario and SafeSky is now available in both apps. Please make sure that you have the latest version of both apps installed. For more information, you can contact : · SafeSky ( info@safesky.app ) · theFlightVario ( info@theflightvario.com ) or here *Also read the Results of the BEA investigation into the Loches air accident and the resulting recommendations.
- eVario, yet another partnership for traffic information exchange.
Today we announce yet another partnership as part of our mission to " make the sky a safer place on earth " and promote air safety. This time the new partnership involves exchanging traffic data with eVario , a full-featured para/hanggliders’ variometer app for Apple mobile device users. As part of the partnership, eVario's position data will be shared with SafeSky pilots, while the eVario's paramotors and paragliders community will receive SafeSky’s traffic information. The exchange of data will allow both SafeSky and eVario pilots to have a better understanding of the traffic in their vicinity and become visible ( eConspicuous ). " We are excited to partner with eVario and to continue our mission of improving air safety through bidirectional collaboration and interoperability ," says SafeSky's CEO, Tristan FILY . "These partnerships offer our pilots greater visibility of air traffic. We are proud to lead this collaborative movement and believe it is key to addressing the challenges of air safety and eConspicuity for all aerial enthusiasts." “ eVario aims to enable light-weight aircraft pilots flying their flights as safe as permitted by today’s state-of-the-art technologies, all with consumer electronics.” says VarioSoft 's CEO, Jean-Marc MEYER . “SafeSky’s traffic awareness system and live data aggregation is an incredible benefit in terms of flight safety. Pilots becoming air-visible to high speed aircraft is a major step towards co-existence of all aircraft in local airspaces. We are happy to contribute to an overwhelming collaboration for improved safety and air data reliability, trend-setting in the pilot’s community.” SafeSky retrieves traffic data from unparalleled sources , providing you with traffic information from many sources. SafeSky is committed to continue working with partners to improve air safety. This partnership with eVario is another example of SafeSky's commitment to this goal. For more information, please contact : · SafeSky ( info@safesky.app ) · VarioSoft ( evario@variosoft.eu ) or virtually meet Tristan and Jean-Marc: .
- SafeSky wins the "Innovation of the Year” award from fliegermagazin!
Our app, SafeSky, has been named the "Innovation of the Year" by fliegermagazin at The Leading Show for General Aviation #aerofriedrichshafen. Since our launch in 2021, our mission is to go beyond the traditional "See and Avoid" principle by adding the concept of “BE SEEN”. Our success is the result of our app’s unique interoperability capabilities through our collaborative approach with key industry leaders. It gives multi-sources traffic awareness, meeting the latest eConspicuity recommendations from EASA and the BEA to promote interoperability of electronic visibility systems. Tristan FILY, CEO SafeSky: " This prestigious award recognises our groundbreaking work in creating greater situational awareness. But above all, we owe this prize to our many loyal pilots and supporters. Their unwavering trust, support and of course their votes, played a vital role in us winning this prestigious award." We see this award as an invitation to the entire GA industry to join our collaborative effort to make the sky a safer place on Earth. We invite industry players to reach out and explore new opportunities for working together. We also want to express our gratitude to the organisers of the event, fliegermagazin, and in particular its Editor in Chief, Thomas BORCHERT, for his collaborative mobilisation within the aeronautics community. More information here . Congratulations to all nominees and winners !
- Greater aerial harmony between manned and unmanned aircraft, thanks to SafeSky and SkeyDrone.
The upcoming U-space in Europe poses challenges for the harmony between manned and unmanned aircraft and the risk of mid-air collisions. To mitigate these risks, SafeS a European traffic awareness service, and SkeyDrone , a subsidiary of skeyes and Brussels Airport Company, have agreed today April 20, 2023 upon a bilateral exchange of traffic information in U-space. The European U-space context. Current aviation law in Europe requires drones to yield to manned aircraft. To do so, it is mandatory that manned aircraft pilots become visible (“Be Seen”) while operating within active drone zones. This empowers drone operators in turn to take all necessary precautions to prevent potential conflicts. Compliance with this obligation is often challenging, especially for General Aviation or ultra-light pilots who lack transponders, ADS-B, or other situational awareness systems. How does this partnership help aircraft pilots and drone operators? Through this partnership, both manned and unmanned aircraft will be informed of their respective presence. SafeSky pilots will be able to visualise SkeyDrone's submitted U-space drone flight plans, while SkeyDrone users will be able to visualise the surrounding SafeSky traffic ( from 20 different traffic sources ) while in the air. SkeyDrone plans to integrate and validate SafeSky's traffic data as part of its planned certification as U-space service provider. In essence, to allow General Aviation and ultra-light aircraft pilots to “Be Seen” and receive timely information regarding drone activities in their vicinity, they can download and use the free SafeSky App on their smartphone or tablet. World first. The collaboration between SafeSky and SkeyDrone is a world first. It is the first time that manned aircraft and drone operators can receive information about their respective activity in the vicinity. It sets a new standard for aviation safety not only in Europe, starting at national level in Belgium, but potentially around the world. Tristan FILY, CEO of SafeSky, said: “Since the inception of our company and services, our goal has consistently been to supplement the adage of "see and avoid" by introducing the notion of "being seen". Thanks to our partnership with SkeyDrone, this aspect has taken on an exceptional significance, as we are creating safer harmony in the sky for all categories of aircraft. For the first time, both manned and unmanned aircraft can access critical information about activities in their airspace, without requiring any additional devices or investments. It is a testament to our commitment to innovation and essential solutions that ensure safe, efficient, and secure access to airspace for all sky users.” Hendrik-Jan VAN DER GUCHT, Managing Director of SkeyDrone, said: “This partnership allows us to further strengthen our ambition as (future) U-space service provider. The traffic information service we offer already today to our customers (drone operators) is the only aviation-grade solution in this young market and is accepted as safe air risk mitigation measure by national aviation authorities.”
- Wow, we couldn't have asked for better music to our ears!
Our partnership with Gaggle , the integration of SafeSky app into the EasyVFR navigation app , the integration of Mode-S and military air traffic in our traffic … these are just a few of the exciting recent developments that have come from your feedback. Asking for feedback is part of our DNA: Our app gives you eyes 👀, and we're all ears 👂 when it comes to your suggestions. We recently conducted a survey to get a better sense of what our pilot users love about SafeSky, and where we can improve. The results are in … Survey results - Feedback survey March 2023 with 30,000 pilotes Overall, you gave us a great distinction! THANK YOU! Your top 3 “most liked” aspects: We're committed to maintaining these strengths and keeping your appreciation high. A few of your comments: "Working seamlessly with SkyEcho" - "The most extensive traffic information" - "I like everything!" - "Perfect add-on to SkyDemon" -"Very easy to use" - "Radar view is genius" - "It spotted aircraft which I could not see" - "For me the best thing is its portability" - "Should be made mandatory" Your top 3 “areas of improvement”: We have already started looking into these! Check it out and ... more to come. About improvement... At the heart of our success lies a fundamental belief in the power of collaboration. We know that by working closely with key industry players and our pilots, we can unlock the key to true innovation and interoperability. However, sometimes the will or decision may not be solely within our control, which may hinder our ability to fulfil all your requests … like these . Nevertheless, we promise to persistently reach out to our industry colleagues to explore new collaborative opportunities. Also, we believe we might have the solution to some of your most pressing concerns! Check out our Support page . We picked your brain! One of the many suggestions we received is the ability to invite your fellow pilots to join you on the SafeSky app. And guess what? We're already on it! But that's not all! We've also heard your calls for more tutorials and supporting materials. That is also already in the works. We’re grateful for your role in helping us develop for you the most affordable, complete and interoperable air traffic awareness app. If you have any personal question on our app that can not be solved through our FAQ , website or Forum , or if you have another brilliant idea, do let us now on info@safesky.app so that we can listen and help!
- Conclusions and lessons learned from the mid-air collision in Loches.
Many of us still remember the dramatic mid-air collision that occurred between two small planes in Loches , France, in 2018. This month, the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) issued its final report, sharing its conclusions and the lessons learned to prevent future accidents. General conclusions on the accident. The investigation revealed that the accident was caused by a lack of visual contact and situational awareness between the pilots who saw each other too late to avoid a collision. Neither aircraft was equipped with a proximity detection or warning system for other aircraft. Lessons learned. The report stresses the importance of electronic conspicuity, which refers to the use of electronic devices to make aircraft visible to each other and thus improve traffic awareness. It recommends the acceptance of such electronic visibility systems and interoperability to improve eConspicuity and reduce the risk of mid-air collisions, as also advocated by EASA . What we also know about mid-air collisions (Source: Aviation Safety ) . The majority of mid-air collisions happen in these 3 areas and conditions: At low altitude, below 2,000ft When approaching an airfield When overflying touristic area What does this mean for you, pilots? The BEA report suggests that you use interoperable electronic visible systems to help increase your eConspicuity and prevent accidents. It highlights our SafeSky application as a potential solution. SafeSky's capability to enhance eConspicuity, particularly in high-risk areas like low-altitude regions, airport approaches, and tourist spots, as well as its unique interoperability with most existing systems, make it a tool to meet the recommendations of BEA and EASA. These are indeed the conditions in which SafeSky performs well. In order words, SafeSky is the right tool for the right job being an affordable, complementary and interoperable traffic awareness system. More information can be found on the BEA site in the Safety Investigation section.
- See & Be Seen: "General Aviation is not the problem; on the contrary it can be part of the solution"
The Dutch General Aviation (GA) community held its annual "Season Opener" event in March, bringing together major GA players including AOPA , KNVvL & NACA , in collaboration with EASA , LVNL , and ANSP. The event took place at the National Military Museum in Soest and focused on safety issues, eConspicuity and U-space, featuring a special guest from EASA, Vladimir FOLTIN . EASA presentation – Vladimir FOLTIN, EASA Officer. During the event, Vladimir Foltin presented the New GA Roadmap 2023+, which provided insights into current and future ideas and regulations on "eConspicuity" in U-Space and beyond. "eConspicuity" refers to the electronic means of being visible to airspace users via radio or mobile technology and has been introduced in the SERA 6005 Rules for all pilots in Europe. Vladimir Foltin also discussed the latest developments on the ADS-L concept and the use of mobile technology in the air (see below). Vladimir Foltin (EASA) expressed his delight that electronic visibility is gaining momentum, and that we will soon be able to use existing systems. SafeSky's role To achieve these goals, SafeSky collaborates with EASA and plays a crucial role by aiming to offer the most comprehensive air traffic visibility using mobile technology. What's more, according to a recent EASA survey, the main barriers to the adoption of situational awareness/collision avoidance systems by general aviation pilots are: Barrier SafeSky #1 : High cost of devices Free (Premium plan at only 34,99€/year) #2 : Incompatibility with other systems Offers seamless interoperability In conclusion, SafeSky helps addressing the main concerns regarding eConspicuity for both pilots and EASA by offering an affordable, complete, and interoperable traffic awareness solution . If you would like to read more about the GA Day event, you can find : · A report of the day and the video playback of the day . · The presentation of EASA Officer Vladimir FOLTIN.