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- In collaboration with SafeSky and OGN, Avionix is introducing the most advanced ground station to extend traffic reception at low altitude.
Meet the "openAir multitrack All-in-one" Receiver! Why improve air safety? LFNA (Gap Tallard): a perfect example. Nestled in the splendid French Alps, LFNA is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. It offers a variety of activities, from gliders to ultralights, motor planes, and parachute jumps. LFNA is a bustling hub of aerial activities. However, these diverse aerial activities come with inherent risks, and pilots flying to or from LFNA must navigate a complex airspace, requiring extra vigilance and attention to safety. Adding to this complexity are the limitations of "See and Avoid" rules and the limited electronic traffic visibility and availability. To address these safety concerns, our SafeSky team is working hard. We recently achieved a significant milestone with over 60,000 registered pilots. Today, we are focusing on an additional level of safety for all pilot categories at the entry points of airfields and in the approaches to aerodrome circuits. How to achieve this additional level of safety? Our partnership with AVIONIX and Open Glider Network. In collaboration with SafeSky and OGN, AVIONIX is introducing the most advanced ground station to extend traffic reception at low altitude. This "plug-and-play" solution is both comprehensive and professional, collecting traffic data from various "eConspicuous" radio systems, including ADS-B, FLARM, OGN-Tracker, PilotAware, FANET, ADS-L, and recreational drones using Remote ID. The ground station data is directly transmitted to the OGN and SafeSky network, providing traffic information to pilots through the SafeSky app and other compatible navigation software. The installation and configuration. The installation of the ground station at LFNA was swift. In collaboration with "Alpes en Ciel," SafeSky obtained permission to install an antenna on the roof of the hangar. Placed at an elevated position for maximum coverage, the antenna was discreetly connected to the ground station inside. The setup was straightforward, involving the creation of a Wi-Fi access point and connection to the station's web interface. Within an hour, the installation was operational, providing visibility of air traffic within a radius of 50 to 200 kilometers. The result: an additional layer of safety. Thanks to the ground station's traffic data integrated into the SafeSky network, pilots benefit from an extra layer of safety with complete visibility of nearby aircraft, even at low altitudes. Conclusion. The installation of the ground station at LFNA, coupled with the use of the free SafeSky app and other compatible systems, is a significant step forward in enhancing aviation safety. Pilots now have the necessary tools to make informed decisions and adopt preventive behaviors to avoid conflicts. This contributes to a safer and more efficient airspace, even in the absence of the AFIS operator. By providing pilots with a constant awareness of air traffic, SafeSky reaffirms itself as a complementary safety solution, in all operational circumstances. This is just the beginning... The installation at LFNA is only the first illustration of the shared ambition between SafeSky, Avionix, and OGN, in collaboration with federations, national institutions, and clubs. A large-scale European project is emerging on the horizon, and you'll have the privilege of being the first spectators of this safer sky. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks on how we are collectively creating a safer sky. For more information : SafeSky Avionix
- Avia Maps navigation app now enhanced with SafeSky’s traffic information.
We are delighted to announce our partnership with Avia Maps , a trusted name in aviation navigation. As part of this collaboration, Avia Maps will join SafeSky's growing list of compatible navigation software partners. Through this integration, Avia Maps pilots will have the ability to seamlessly display the complete SafeSky traffic on their navigation maps using just an internet connection (via the so-called GDL 90 protocol). Tristan FILY , CEO of SafeSky, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, " We are thrilled to welcome Avia Maps to our expanding community of approved navigation partners. This collaboration exemplifies our ongoing commitment to interoperability to offer the greater traffic awareness for pilots . " Andreas DEKIERT , CEO of Remy Webservices, emphasised the significance of this partnership: “ The integration of SafeSky's real-time traffic information is a highly requested feature by Avia Maps pilots and has been prioritised on our development roadmap. It greatly complements our ICAO styled aviation maps with existing weather and terrain overlays, providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness. To ensure a visually cohesive experience, Avia Maps has adopted SafeSky's aircraft iconography, making the integration even more seamless and intuitive for pilots . ” For more information: · SafeSky: please visit our website · Avia Maps: please visit Avia Maps ’ website or Google Play (Avia Maps is currently only available for Android)
- CloudDash now integrated with SafeSky.
We are excited to announce a bilateral air traffic exchange agreement with CloudDash , an advanced app designed for paragliding, paramotoring, and ultralight aviation. This partnership enhances traffic awareness and data insights for pilots from both platforms, aiming for a safer flying experience. What you need to know: SafeSky has long made paramotor and paraglider traffic more visible to other sky users. CloudDash was one of the last major free-flight apps missing from our integration list. CloudDash is a popular app providing real-time in-flight data such as ground speed, altitude, wind speed, and direction. This integration offers even more precise tracking and complete safety for both SafeSky and CloudDash pilots. Thomas GRØNNELØV from CloudDash says, " I'm happy that SafeSky led the way and made this unified, multi-source data publicly available—benefitting both SafeSky, CloudDash, and the flying community. I had explored other sources before, and nothing compares to what SafeSky offers freely for the good of us all. That is greatly appreciated !" SafeSky CEO Tristan FILY adds, " Making invisible traffic more visible is at the heart of what we do at SafeSky. Our partnership with CloudDash reflects that together, we're not just enhancing technology; we're living our motto: 'Only together we create a safer sky .'" Traffic awareness in CloudDash thanks to SafeSky integration.
- XC Guide’s free flight traffic now also integrated into SafeSky.
XC Guide and SafeSky platforms have agreed to exchange their respective air traffic. This bilateral traffic exchange completes traffic visibility for all pilots, contributing to the much-needed harmony among all sky users. Photo Credit: Phil Russman, Pilot Indy, Jocky Sanderson. What you need to know. Free flight pilots are often vulnerable and unnoticed. SafeSky has been making paramotors’ and paragliders’ traffic more visible to other sky users. XC Guide – the popular Android paragliding app for guiding and tracking - was missing from our integration list. With its strong user base, it is expected to bring a significant influx of new traffic to the SafeSky network. With this integration, most hardware and software used by paramotors and paragliders are now compatible with SafeSky, and vice versa. This is traffic that no other traffic awareness system but SafeSky provides. Tristan FILY, CEO SafeSky: " We often hear feedback from pilots that there are too many navigation and traffic awareness systems on the market. That’s why we want to complete the ‘See and Avoid' principle in an interoperable and affordable way by aggregating air traffic from different sources. XC Guide was probably the last popular missing free flight integratio n ". XC Guide App developer Indy: “ 30+ years ago when I learned to fly them, Paragliders had little interaction with other aircraft. Now, however, their performance allows high altitude, long duration cross country flights. General Aviation may encounter paragliders unexpectedly, at great distance from their launch points. Paragliders can fly hundreds of kilometres, navigating airspace, at any altitude from near ground to cloud base, but they are very slow, difficult to see, and offer no radar signature. With the advent of busier skies, pilotless commercial drones and pressure on free airspace, the need for Electronic Conspicuity has never been greater. With this latest integration, pilots using the XC Guide App (~ 20 thousand downloads) can ‘be seen’ and benefit from improved situational awareness using SafeSky’s aggregating platform. SafeSky’s lightweight and highly efficient API places a small resource burden on a mobile tablet. This is important as cockpit real estate is strictly limited in paragliding . ” Good to know: In addition to the app-generated traffic by our community of over 75,000 pilots, SafeSky aggregates data from partnerships and ground stations. Today, we provide 30+ air traffic information sources from all aircraft types, available for free across our app, free and PREMIUM. Check out the full list here : SafeSky Pilot Playbook
- SafeSky hits One-year milestone in SAFIR-Ready Project.
It’s been a year since the SAFIR-Ready Project kicked off, and the progress is nothing short of impressive. Funded by the European Commission and part of SESAR 3 , it aims to revolutionise emergency medical and critical infrastructure responses in Europe through the use of advanced drone and U-Space technologies . After one year, SafeSky has made significant contribution to the project by integrating manned aviation traffic information with drone operations, providing a unified situational awareness. SafeSky’s role in SAFIR-Ready. SafeSky’s contributions are twofold: First, we’re working to seamlessly integrate manned general aviation at low altitudes into the medical drone ecosystem . At the same time, we’re ensuring that drone mission traffic is also accessible to general aviation pilots. Second, we are sharing our experience in merging diverse additional traffic information from partner data , including ground station data and secondary radar with ADS-B. This integration provides a comprehensive view of both manned and unmanned traffic. With our extensive experience in aggregating and harmonising multiple traffic sources, SafeSky acts as a key expert in the project. Milestones and Challenges. One major challenge is ensuring the safe coexistence of manned and unmanned aviation, where a standard is still missing. SafeSky has made great strides in making previously invisible low flying traffic—like paragliders, paramotors, ultra-lights and even drones— more visible, and we’re excited to bring this expertise to the SAFIR-Ready project. Over the past year, SafeSky has successfully delivered APIs that feed the project from our traffic system. Next, we will incorporate drone traffic data into the SafeSky traffic to enhance general aviation situational awareness. Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re advancing aviation safety and emergency response. For more information on SAFIR-Ready, visit the SAFIR-Ready website . For information on SafeSky’s drone integration, visit the SafeSky website . SAFIR-Ready project partners 🤝 : Helicus (Coordinator), HUSI (Hellenic U-Space Institute) (Communication Lead), Airbus Defence and Space, Safran, Cranfield University, EHang (NASDAQ: EH), KPMG, Aerocom Belgium, Delft University of Technology, SkyeBase, AgentFly Technologies, Airial Robotics, ANRA Technologies, Avercon, Avy, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Droniq GmbH, Estonian Aviation Academy , FLYING-CAM, Flyvercity, Frequentis, Hepta Insights , HyFly, ifly, INVOLI , Royal Military Academy, Belgium, Egis, LuxMobility , MANTA Aircraft, NSX - Normalized Systems, RigiTech, SABCA-UAS, SafeSky, SKYCORP Technologies, and UZA.
- “Mayday – Mayday – Mayday”: SafeSky for better and for worse.
What you need to know. SafeSky supports air safety in both good times and bad. The Search & Rescue (SAR) App function helps pilots call for help in emergencies. Not only is it free, but it's also independent of ATC availability or radio interferences. Our ambition is to create a European portal for SAR personnel. As a pilot or safety authority, you can play an active role in this initiative. As summer continues, many hours of flying fun lie ahead. But unfortunately, danger sometimes lurks around the corner. Despite our responsible behaviour, we all know stories of engine trouble or even worse, accidents. That’s why SafeSky is here to support you, not just in good times, but also when things go wrong. Do you know SafeSky’s SAR service? In 2022, we introduced the Search & Rescue (SAR) function in the SafeSky App. With just one click, pilots can call for help when they're in trouble. How it works: 👉 Add up to 3 emergency contacts in the SafeSky App who will be notified if you're in an emergency situation. 👉 These contacts will receive an email or SMS with your emergency alert, your exact location, and the SAR contact details for the country you're in. 👉 They forward this information to the relevant SAR services as indicated in the message, including a link to download the current trace of your flight. 👉 The SAR services start the search and, thanks to SafeSky, stay updated on your position. 👉 SafeSky also gets an alert and stands by to assist authorities in the search. Are you a pilot? This feature is free, so don't wait to activate it! It has already been crucial in locating victims quickly and saving valuable time. A Civil Aviation Authorities support SafeSky's SAR service. SAR operations can be complicated or even impossible without an emergency beacon or a device to determine the last known position of an aircraft, leading to precious time being lost. What's more, ATC is not always available or radio communication can be complicated. Unfortunately, there are many examples of SAR missions that took hours, before turning to SafeSky which could pinpoint the pilot's exact location. That’s why SafeSky collaborates with the SAR services across Europe and beyond. Ambitious plan for SAR: creation of a European SAR portal. Committed to revolutionising air safety challenges, we have the ambitious idea to create a European portal specifically for SAR personnel . This portal, which could also cover overseas territories, aims to centralise access to essential data and facilitate coordination between various rescue teams across Europe. Are you a SAR authority? We invite all European SAR services to reach out if they want to be part of this ambitious project.
- SafeSky experience at the 2024 Tour ULM Jeunes.
From July 13-20, the 2024 Tour ULM Jeunes, organised by FFPLUM , offered young ultralight pilots a unique chance to gain experience while exploring France's stunning landscapes. Young pilots set an example for the general aviation community by using SafeSky to prioritise air safety and for coordination purposes. They showcased the value of traffic awareness and communication for secure and efficient flights. SafeSky also added an element of fun! Read below about Guilhem's experience as a pilot and safety coordinator. (version française plus bas) Experience Feedback – SafeSky – Tour Jeunes 2024. By Guilhem ROLLAND, Departure safety officer. " We had the opportunity to use SafeSky during the Tour ULM Jeunes 2024 , which took place from July 13th to 20th in the southeast part of France. There were 22 aircraft flying together in a group. Here’s some feedback from both young and experienced pilots on using this safety solution during the event organised by the French ULM Federation. Let’s start with what the pilots had to say: SafeSky allowed them to identify the aircraft they were catching up with in advance . On the designated frequency for the tour, they could alert their fellow pilots that they were about to overtake them, ensuring proper spacing and safety—all without the need for external intervention. One specific example involved a high-wing pilot who crossed paths with a low-wing pilot; without SafeSky, they would have seen each other much later due to the wing obstructing their view in a turn . From a fun perspective, pilots could easily find each other in the air , much more easily than if they didn’t have a tool like SafeSky . On the ground, the team responsible for takeoffs could easily track the departing aircraft using SafeSky , ensuring sufficient spacing between participants. Thanks to the app’s integration of transponders, it was also possible to track the DGAC aircraft leading the way, which helped organise takeoff briefings more efficiently. At the destination, the air traffic controller used SafeSky to identify the aircraft approaching, which allowed for better planning of their integration into the traffic. They could then schedule long final approaches or, alternatively, request a downwind leg to allow time to clear the runway. We also spoke with the AFIS at Gap, who installed SafeSky on their tablet to assist with their work . Lastly, we should mention the limitations of such an app. SafeSky should be seen as a tool to help with visibility, but it’s still important to keep a lookout . Some aircraft aren’t visible on the app, although it integrates FLARM, Microtrack, certain transponders, Flymaster, and other beacons. No one experienced network communication issues, but some phones had the app crash due to battery saver problems. Finally, the pilot/navigator setup allows to be complementary: one can use their phone as a GPS, while the other uses SafeSky as a radar to benefit from full-screen alerts. " Given the very positive feedback, the SafeSky app will likely be used on the 2025 tour! Original testimonial RETOUR D’EXPÉRIENCE – SAFESKY – TOUR JEUNES 2024 "Nous avons eu l'occasion d'utiliser SafeSky lors du Tour ULM Jeunes 2024, qui s'est déroulé du 13 au 20 juillet dans le quart sud-est de la France. 22 machines étaient présentes et ont dû voler en groupe. Nous vous proposons ici un retour d'expérience sur l’utilisation de cette solution de sécurité, retour fait par des pilotes jeunes ou expérimentés lors de cet événement proposé par la Fédération Française d’ULM. Dans un premier temps, laissons la parole aux pilotes eux-mêmes : l'utilisation de SafeSky leur permettait de connaître en avance l'identifiant de la machine qu’ils rattrapaient. Sur la fréquence attribuée pour le tour, ils pouvaient alors prévenir leurs camarades qu'ils allaient les doubler, et ainsi assurer l'espacement et leur sécurité ; sans l’intervention d’un tiers extérieur. J'ai notamment en tête un pilote aile haute qui a croisé un pilote aile basse, et qui se serait vu bien plus tard sans l'utilisation d'un tel outil, l'autre étant caché par son aile en virage. D'un point de vue ludique, les pilotes ont aussi pu se retrouver en l'air, bien plus facilement que s'ils n'avaient disposé d’un radar comme SafeSky . Au sol, l'équipe responsable des départs pouvait pointer facilement les machines au décollage grâce à l'outil SafeSky , et garantir un espacement suffisant entre les participants. Grâce à l’intégration des transpondeurs dans l’application, il était aussi possible de suivre l'avancement de l'avion de la DGAC qui ouvrait la route, pour organiser au mieux les briefings de départs. À l'arrivée, le contrôleur pouvait utiliser SafeSky pour connaître l'identifiant de la machine en approche, et ainsi prévoir au mieux son insertion dans le trafic. Il pouvait alors planifier des approches en longue finale, ou à l'inverse demander une vent-arrière pour laisser le temps de libérer la piste. Nous avons aussi pu échanger avec l’AFIS de Gap, qui a alors installé SafeSky sur sa tablette pour l'aider dans son travail. Enfin, nous tenons à évoquer les limitations d'une telle application. Il faut voir SafeSky comme une aide à la visibilité, et ne pas oublier d'ouvrir l'œil. En effet certaines machines ne sont pas visibles sur cette application, bien qu’elle intègre les FLARMs, Microtrack, certains transpondeurs, Flymaster et autres balises. Personne n'a expérimenté de soucis de communication au réseau, mais certains téléphones ont vu l'application planter à cause de soucis d'économiseur de batterie. Et pour conclure, le fonctionnement pilote/navigateur permet d'être complémentaire : l'un peut utiliser son téléphone en tant que GPS, et le 2e en tant que radar avec SafeSky pour profiter des alertes en plein écran. Les retours étant très positifs, l'application sera très certainement utilisée sur le tour 2025 !" Guilhem ROLLAND , Responsable sécurité au départ, le 08 août 2024.
- SafeSky participates in Finland’s first ADS-B UAT test environment.
SafeSky supports Finland's first air traffic situational awareness system (ADS-B UAT) test environment, led by the NELI research unit at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences ( Xamk ). This project marks a significant step in integrating manned and unmanned aviation into the same airspace. What you need to know: Project context Finland’s first air traffic situational awareness system (ADS-B UAT) test environments are being set up as part of the European UAT978 Coalition network. Core components Includes the installation of two ADS-B UAT ground stations with transmitters, receivers, and an antenna for receiving location data from various systems (ADS-B, ADS-L, UAT, MLAT, FLARM, RemoteID). SafeSky’s contribution Enhances the air traffic picture by feeding the UAT platform with data from its extensive network. Pilot benefits Combined traffic picture is transmitted to airborne aircraft as an ADS-B/UAT TIS-B transmission, improving visibility and decision-making by making drones and other aircraft visible to manned aircraft in real-time. Additional information Real-time weather and aviation notices (FIS-B) are sent to aircraft. Operational status The first station at Helsinki-East Aerodrome in Pyhtää is operational. The second station in Mikkeli will be installed in July. The next equipment will be installed in Norway, at Starmoen airfield, later in June. European UAT978 Coalition Partners Xamk : Provides test equipment and serves as the first customer and development platform. AVIONIX Engineering : Supplies the system hardware. Flyk Oy : Compiles the transmitted information. SafeSky : Enhances visibility by providing its extensive traffic information to the UAT platform. Tristan FILY , SafeSky’s CEO, commented: “ We are thrilled to embrace the UAT innovation. Unlike the American system, Europe is leading the way in making all classes of air traffic visible, including General Aviation, ultra-lights, the free flight community, and even drones. With many aircraft lacking ADS-B equipment, SafeSky is enhancing the traffic picture by feeding the UAT platform from its extensive network. This is a unique development! ” 👉 For more information read the press release
- A new website at your service!
2024 is the year of new things! After our new App Version 3, the ongoing co-development of a combined air-to-air SafeSky Inside® tracker, today we announce the launch of our new website. What changes? With a brand-new look , and reflecting our latest ecosystem of traffic awareness solutions , it brings an up-to-date view of all solutions you can benefit for greater air safety. Our new website is brought into life with your pictures capturing your authentic real-life experiences in the sky. You see the sky through your fellow pilots' eyes! A big thank you to all pilots sharing their pictures. Our website will also enjoy the latest user technology, including automatic translations . Today, this feature is highly qualitative and allows all pilots to choose their own native language. This means our new website will be available in English, and you decide in which language you would like to continue. We will do the same with our future newsletters. Quick reminder on how to change the language of a website: Using Chrome Using Firefox Using Safari Via Google Yes, it can sometimes give some funny translation, but hey who doesn’t like some fun in life? We are convinced that our new website will contribute to an even greater user experience and will better balance the representation of our pilots' community. What’s more, the extra time that we will gain by no longer translating our communications ourselves, we can put it towards advancing our products! Enjoy reading!
- The brand-new Version 3 of our App is out.
With your input and ideas, we have worked hard to add an extra dimension to your flying and safety experience. Discover the 5 PREMIUM features you will no longer be able to fly without. 1. The SmartRadar. "Smart" because this new version will display alerts when it matters most for you, i.e. considering aircraft convergence and speed. Moreover, we've added a new way to represent traffic, in line with what professional traffic awareness systems offer today. 2. Manage nearby aircraft alerts. Flying with fellow pilots? Muting alerts from nearby aircraft has become very simple. In-flight, this easily accessible menu will take you to a dedicated section listing the surrounding traffic. By simply clicking on a specific aircraft - or all listed aircraft as a whole - you can deactivate the alerts. This straightforward solution enhances the quality of flights in squadron. Of course, you can reactivate alerts for all at any time. 3. Weather ahead! Weather is a crucial element for the safety of your flights, and having weather "ahead" during your flights is a major advancement of SafeSky. Based on your position and route, SafeSky informs you of the nearest METARs throughout your flight. This weather information has been simplified to quickly provide you with the essential information you need. 4. Map and AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) . Many of you have asked for it, and we've listened. We have added a light AIP layer to our map view, displaying additional information such as CTR/TMA, etc. These data naturally enhance your situational awareness with relevant aeronautical context. 5. Enhanced interface. New colors bring a new experience! But that's not all, many menus have been revisited and simplified to improve in-flight user experience. The SafeSky App has never been easier to use! For example, a new pull-out menu gives access to shortcuts like text size adjustments, zooming options, and icon type settings, allowing you to fully customise your radar view while airborne. What's not changing: our free traffic! Our traffic information is and always will be free. Whether you're on a free or PREMIUM subscription, you'll have access to the same traffic information. With data sourced from 20+ channels and our 65,000-strong community, it's an extensive traffic awareness solution for all pilots. 🔎 Read more. An opportunity not to miss! You are all PREMIUM. At the occasion of the Version 3 launch, your free plan will be upgraded to PREMIUM for 1 month for free. What do yo need to do? Simply download the latest version on your app store, and the magic will happen automatically. Discover this new experience now! We want to thank our fantastic community of beta testers for putting this new version to the test over the last few months. Without your input and feedback, the result would not have been the same. We understand that every new product requires some fine-tuning, and who better to judge than you, our pilots. So, what do you think about our new version?
- SafeSky supports Norwegian Police Air Support Unit in Search and Rescue drone operations.
Our mission to create a safer sky together , gains new significance as we collaborate with the Norwegian Police Air Support Unit to enhance their Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations. Our technology serves as electronic conspicuity data hub, improving security and efficiency in search and rescue operations involving both manned and unmanned aircraft. Context. In Norway's challenging landscapes, drones play a crucial role in providing aerial insights for locating and rescuing individuals in distress. In 2023, the Norwegian Police successfully saved 50 lives thanks to the use of drones. SafeSky integration. The SafeSky implementation addresses two critical needs: UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) pilots in the field will receive alerts about nearby air traffic, including low-flying aircraft such as helicopters, paramotors, paragliders, ultralights, and general aviation. SafeSky pilots will receive live drone traffic data, including position and velocity, providing situational awareness of unmanned aircraft. Besides the use of SafeSky, the Norwegian Police Air Support Unit is exploring the permanent installation of Avionix openAir ground stations , both at fixed locations and in portable formats on drone patrol vehicles. These devices would feed traffic data back into the SafeSky technology, improving traffic information for everyone. Tristan FILY, SafeSky’s CEO: "The drone world is currently paradoxical. Remote pilots are legally obligated to spot other traffic but often lack the systems to do so. Our collaboration with the Norwegian Police aims to rectify this, making drone operations safer and coexistence with other sky users more harmonious. We would like to thank the Norwegian Police Air Support Unit, for their trust and joining us in our ambition to create a safer sky together."
- ADAC Luftrettung chooses SafeSky to more safely save lives.
We are pleased to announce that ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH , pioneers of air rescue in Germany, partners with SafeSky to enhance air safety standards. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and security of aerial operations across Germany. What you need to know. ADAC Luftrettung is one of Europe's most prominent air rescue organisations conducting more than 50,000 annual missions. Pilots navigate diverse landscapes, including mountains, encountering various aircraft, from gliders to drones. Traditional air traffic systems struggle to detect low-flying traffic, posing risks of mid-air collisions. To address this, ADAC Luftrettung formed a Collision Avoidance Task Force, evaluating an extension of their current tablet-based navigation system to provide traffic alerts alongside with certified anti-collision devices. SafeSky's technology was chosen for its extensive air traffic covering various aircraft categories, enhancing safer operations for ADAC Luftrettung's pilots. Context and challenges. Navigating complex airspaces. With over 50 rescue helicopters stationed across 38 locations, ADAC Luftrettung operates at the forefront of air rescue in Europe, conducting more than 50,000 missions annually. Operating at low altitudes throughout the country – traversing a wide variety of landscapes including mountains – pilots encounter a multitude of aircraft, ranging from gliders and paramotors to the increasingly prevalent drones. Limitations of existing air traffic detection systems. Traditional online air traffic services often fail to adequately display low-flying air traffic, increasing the risk of mid-air collisions. Existing certified anti-collision systems, such as ADS-B and FLARM, are effective in certain scenarios but often fall short due to interoperability issues or equipment limitations. Additionally, Flight Information Services have limitations in detecting traffic below 1000 feet, especially in mountainous regions, which concerns ADAC Luftrettung Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) flight operations. Creation of ADAC Luftrettung Collision Avoidance Task Force. To address these challenges, ADAC Luftrettung established the Collision Avoidance Task Force , led by Dr. Philip Edelmann, Flight Operations Executive and Pilot . This task force is committed to pioneering innovative solutions and has evaluated tablet-based systems alongside certified anti-collision devices. SafeSky's technology emerged as the most suitable solution due to its comprehensive coverage of air traffic and seamless integration into ADAC's operations. To evaluate its real-life effectiveness, a three-month evaluation period will now be initiated. Benefits for ADAC Luftrettung’s pilots? ADAC Luftrettung's helicopter pilots will benefit from SafeSky's extensive traffic information, covering various aircraft categories, including general aviation, commercial and civil helicopters, ultralights, hang-gliders, para-gliders/motors, military planes, balloons, and drones. SafeSky traffic overlay in ADAC's navigation app. " SafeSky is honored to collaborate with ADAC Luftrettung in their mission to enhance air safety and save lives. Every second counts in emergency medical care and rescue services, and safety in flight operations is critical. SafeSky will support HEMS operators to save lives more safely. After successful partnerships in citizen-critical operations in other parts of Europe, this marks SafeSky’s first yet highly significant partnership in Germany. We hope it sets an example for improved flight safety in emergency medical services throughout Europe and beyond. " Tristan Fily , CEO SafeSky For further inquiries or information, please contact ADAC Luftrettung.
- Another day, another integration: Flymaster.
Today, we are pleased to share our latest free-flight traffic integration. This time we are teaming up with Flymaster Avionix . Flymaster pilots' positions are now visible to the SafeSky community. And very soon, SafeSky traffic will also be integrated in all 4G compatible Flymaster solutions so that their pilots can benefit from situation awareness alerts. Why Flymaster? Flymaster needs no introduction; it stands as the ultimate electronic navigation instrument for paragliding and paramotors. With over 1000 daily users during the peak season, it confirms its position as a major player in the market. And why integrate? The same rationale as always – trying to make air traffic visible to all, and at no cost. This marks SafeSky's 10th free flight collaborative traffic integration, bringing the total number of compatible navigation software and hardware close to 20. Our commitment to interoperability and affordability remains resolute. Tristan FILY, CEO of SafeSky, stated : "Being vulnerable and unnoticed is often a free flight pilot's destiny. Until SafeSky came along. Through bilateral traffic information exchange partnerships, we aim for zero surprises in the sky. I want to thank the enthusiastic team at Flymaster for our shared vision and passion."
- eConspicuity Survey Results: SafeSky usage and feedback.
After we shared the main conclusions of our eConspicuity survey , today we delve into SafeSky. How popular is our app, what is your most recurrent feedback and what are your most frequent questions? And lastly, how can we improve. Overall usage of SafeSky. 73% of participants use SafeSky, 70% of which use SafeSky on every flight or regularly . Usage is split almost equally between using SafeSky alone ( 52% ) or combined with another eConspicuity system ( 48% ). As mentioned before , pilots using multiple systems combine mostly SafeSky with FLARM ( 11% ) or ADS-B ( 10% ), all three combined ( 7% ), or SafeSky combined with Pilot Aware ( 6% ). Although SafeSky alone already gives you consolidated air traffic from many aircraft categories, when paired with another EC system, it becomes an excellent complement. - Check it out - Sense of security and effectiveness. 58% of pilots have a high to very high sense of security with SafeSky. This translates into 50% confirming that SafeSky has already helped avoid an airprox. SafeSky's capability to " see and be seen by as many pilots as possible " scored 96% (fair to high), and its interoperability scored 94% . These are pilots' 2 most important criteria of an effective EC system . Sense of security - pilot testimonials. "Only airprox I have experienced was with a plane with no conspicuity at all! Otherwise SafeSky generally alerts me to other aircraft way before I would see them." Overall pilot experience. Overall positive pilot experience with SafeSky stands at 81% . Highest scores are given for Easy to Use and Easy to Install , both also standing at 81% . Communication & Support received a very high appreciation of 84% . "Shame not more people use it. So easy to use and cost effective." "SafeSky is by far the best product but I am sure it can and will become much better over time." "I appreciate all the work and how active you are on forums, and how quick you are to reply to feedback and fix bugs/make changes." "Thank you very very very much for this app. It is important for my safety. I advise it to all my students." Frequently Asked Questions and Quick Answers. "Can I use SafeSky on 2 devices?" Yes, you can! Just use your login details on both. ➡️ "I am seeing my own aircraft as conflicting traffic?" One correction to your settings and it's solved. ➡️ "Please embed SafeSky natively into SkyDemon/Garmin G3X/SDVFR/…." While we're thrilled about this idea, this decision is not ours as it requires a change in your navigation app. But some integrations might come sooner than you think... ➡️ "I would like to have a PREMIUM trial before I buy it." Sure! Every new SafeSky pilot gets a one-month free PREMIUM trial. ➡️ "I cannot see Mode S/C?" This is because at least 4 ground stations are generally required for multilateration*. Federations and clubs across Europe are investing in this initiative, facilitated by SafeSky. ➡️ "I see aircraft that SafeSky does not see." Frustrating indeed. This is what happens when pilots decide not to make themselves electronically visible or when instances choose not to their share data. ➡️ "My internet is not always stable." While in 80% of the time internet works perfectly fine in Europe above 5000 feet AGL, we understand your frustration. We are working on a solution and future investments from telecom operators will likely improve even more coverage. ➡️ "I don’t use SafeSky as not all pilots use SafeSky so I will not see all traffic." Not necessary! SafeSky aggregates traffic from 15+ sources besides their 65000+ pilots, so you'll see about 80% of all traffic, including non-SafeSky pilots. ➡️ *Multilateration in aviation traffic information is figuring out where airplanes are by looking at how long it takes for their signals to reach different ground receivers. By comparing these different times, the system can pinpoint where the airplane is. Conclusion. SafeSky has been widely adopted by pilots in Europe as an effective traffic awareness solution. Whether used alone or in combination with other systems, pilots acknowledge and experience its benefits, particularly in receiving timely alerts. We are particularly proud about the high appreciation for the app's extensive traffic information and interoperability , as it sets SafeSky apart from other systems. On the other hand, while its ease of use is highly confirmed, frequent questions indicate the need for us to further explain our unique technology . Finally, another aspect that sets SafeSky apart is the strong sense of community and contribution from our pilots . Now what? What's next? We greatly value your input and leverage it to continually improve and innovate the app. You have shared some great ideas for new functionalities and design. Perfect timing as we are preparing our new version V3! Stay tuned for more news.
- European skies soon to get greater airspace coverage with a new collaborative ground station network.
The latest results of our eConspicuity survey confirm once again that safety is a top priority in today's increasingly complex air traffic environment. Since 2021, SafeSky has been committed to addressing this challenge through innovation and collaboration. Today, we're thrilled to announce the set-up of a widespread ground station network across Europe , facilitated by SafeSky and driven by national and local aviation organisations . This project – called “AERO network” – marks the largest collaborative effort in general aviation safety to date. Why this initiative? Significant gaps in air traffic monitoring. At the heart of this initiative is the urgent need to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions. Traditional "see and avoid" methods have proven insufficient, particularly with the emergence of faster and newer aircraft types. Existing crowd-sourced ground station platforms are expensive and suffer from erratic hardware and software installations. This creates a lack of traffic precision and reliability. While useful for ground monitoring and plane spotting, they lack seamless integration for in-flight traffic information for pilots and also suffer from interoperability issues as they focus solely on ADS-B and a few MLAT traffic. (Reminder: ADS-B equips less than 10% of General Aviation in Europe.) From an Air Traffic Control (ATC) standpoint, air traffic below 1000 feet and outside controlled airspace or in the vicinity of aerodromes often goes undetected by secondary radars, effectively rendering it invisible. This represents a significant gap in air traffic surveillance. These challenges call for a major collaborative effort among all parties involved in air safety, which now becomes a reality with the « AERO network » project. Parties involved in this initiative and their roles: Partner Role AVIONIX SafeSky Open Glider Network Co-developing the most advanced ground station National and local instances Leading the implementation European flight instances Supporting the initiative SafeSky Overall facilitator Pilots Engaging actively in the transformation 1. AVIONIX, SafeSky and OGN: co-developing the most advanced ground station. AVIONIX partnered with SafeSky and Open Glider Network to develop the most advanced ground traffic reception station : the Avionix openAir multitrack All-in-one Receiver. This solution is plug-and-play, "state of the art", and affordable. The station collects traffic data from various radio systems like ADS-B, FLARM, OGN-Tracker, PilotAware, FANET, ADS-L, and more, alongside some recreational drones with Remote ID. Additionally, traffic within the range of at least 4 ground stations is multilaterated, allowing to see Mode-S traffic as well. The ground station directly transmits this data to both OGN and SafeSky networks , offering traffic awareness to pilots via the free SafeSky app and all other compatible navigation softwares and hardwares. Tristan FILY , CEO SafeSky: “Our belief in the power of collaboration drives our approach since our very beginning. We've taken on a federating role, bringing together industry stakeholders and their technologies. Today, we go one step further: serving as a facilitator between developers, federations, national institutions, and local clubs.” 2. National and local instances: leading the initiative. Federations, clubs and organisations are in the driver’s seat of this initiative, taking on their responsibility and demonstrating dedication to fostering a culture of safety within their respective aviation community. Their role is to implement the network in practise. This involves decision-making, funding, equipment, installation and maintenance of the ground stations, in a collaborative effort. They enjoy the strategic support from European flight instances such as EASA, EMF and Europe Air Sports. "The partnership signed by OGN, SafeSky and Avionix is deemed as quite positive, for establishing an efficient interoperability solution." Andrea Anesini, Europe Air Sports President Who's already leading the way? Initiatives in Belgium , Norway , France , and Spain are already underway, demonstrating their willingness to taking the lead and setting an example in improving air safety. What are we collectively aiming for? Together, by aggregating radio signals and making them available through various platforms and apps, we want to achieve significant improvements in air traffic visibility and safety for all pilots. Additionally, air traffic controllers will benefit from free access to live air traffic data. Challenges persist as we move forward. Aircraft without transmitters will remain invisible. Therefore, further efforts will have to be made to encourage visibility compliance among all pilots and deploying additional ground stations. 3. Pilots engage actively in the transformation. 🤲 Join the SafeSky and AERO network initiative: Let’s create a safer sky, together. TO ALL PILOTS : your contribution is crucial in our collective journey towards safer skies over Europe. This initiative is led by pilots, for pilots. It's more than just technology; it's about community, collaboration, and taking proactive steps to ensure our skies are safe for everyone. We invite you to play a pivotal role in this transformation. HOW? Engage with your local flying clubs and federations to discuss the installation of an openair ground station at your home airfield. By volunteering for this initiative, you are not only enhancing your safety but also contributing to a larger vision where every pilot benefits from real-time air traffic visibility. This traffic is available when you're airborne through the free SafeSky App or any of the many other compatible software and hardware options. Appendix: Datasheet openAir Multitrack SafeSky ground station project presentation
- Our Gaggle-SafeSky tandem wins the 2024 CAASA Safety Award!
SafeSky and Gaggle have been awarded the ' 2024 Safety Award ' from the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa ( CAASA ) in recognition of our « significant contribution to aviation safety ». This is SafeSky's fourth award since its launch in 2021 and its first outside of Europe. It's also the first time one of our partnerships has been recognised, which fills us with immense pride as we focus on creating a collaborative network of industry stakeholders. The Gaggle-SafeSky partnership. Exactly one year ago, SafeSky and Gaggle teamed up to facilitate a two-way exchange of traffic information. This partnership is part of our ongoing mission to enhance safety for pilots across various disciplines, from paramotor and paraglider pilots to those flying airplanes. It was a dedicated SafeSky pilot who suggested integrating Gaggle traffic. Tristan FILY , CEO of SafeSky, said, “ It's truly heartwarming to see our collaborative air safety efforts being recognised by esteemed associations. Our partnership with Gaggle, the leading flight recording app for paramotor and paragliding pilots worldwide, is just one example of how we at SafeSky aim to take on a federating role to collectively address the latest air safety challenges .” Hennie BRINK , Founder of Gaggle, shared his excitement for the award: " When the opportunity to join forces with SafeSky presented itself, we didn't hesitate. Their unwavering commitment to elevating aviation safety resonated deeply with our values and mission at Gaggle. SafeSky is emerging as a pioneer in the field, and their innovative approach to integrating with applications like ours is revolutionising the way we fly. The capability for Gaggle users to detect nearby aircraft has become a cornerstone feature, significantly enhancing paraglider pilot safety by alerting them to potential hazards, such as helicopter rotor wash and other risky conditions. This accolade serves as a testament to our shared dedication to safeguarding pilots from all forms of aviation. " We can not end this announcement without thanking everybody contributing to this amazing award: the CAASA for their recognition, the fantastic Gaggle team for their partnership, and last but not least our loyal pilots who believe in creating a safer sky, together.
- Understanding eConspicuity: First findings SafeSky's Survey.
In December 2023 and January 2024, SafeSky conducted a thorough survey on eConspicuity . The survey, open to all pilots both within and outside the SafeSky community, received high response. Participants from 25 countries shared insights on their practices, knowledge, and system appreciation. The results provide a well-balanced and transparent perspective on eConspicuity from the entire pilot community, in Europe and beyond. It's important to note that the SafeSky community was probably highly responsive, making it prominently represented in this survey, particularly in SafeSky-related questions. A big thank you to all participants for contributing to our shared goal of creating a safer sky, together. Overall findings Participants demographics Over 50% of the participants are aged 60 and above , confirming flying remains a recreation with entry barriers (such as time and financial investment). Participants' flying experience is evenly distributed across beginners, experienced, and proficient pilots. Representation fro m 25 countries, wit h notable participation from France, the UK, and Germany , is in line with the European distribution of the general aviation community. Aircraft classes are very diverse , with significant representation in microlights ( 29% ), planes ( 28% ), (para)gliders ( 18% ), and an emerging presence of UAVs ( 4% ), showcasing the new variety in sky occupants . Federations and clubs play a pivotal role in promoting the sport and inspiring younger generations to engage in it through communication, mentoring and sponsoring. See & Avoid limitations There is a transparent acknowledgment that applying "See & Avoid" rules is challenging . Major barriers include limited external visibility and in-cockpit activities , with 71% admitting not having the recommende d 80%+ t ime to look outside! This leads to (high) concern ( 59% ) about experiencing an airprox (risk of collision) , supported by 61% confirming having encountered at least one airprox . Airprox pilot testimonials "Below 500ft, while flying my paraglider, I encountered 2 military helicopters at 400ft vertical." "I once had a near collision with a drone, flying at 1.000 feet!!! Reported it immediately to Brussel info." Did you know? With SafeSky, you can spot paragliders, drones and military aircraft. Airproxes predominantly occur below 2500ft , in the circuit , or when approaching an airfield , with a surprising 16% experiencing them above 2500ft. Pilots often refrain from reporting airmisses ( 73% ) due to administrative hassle, lack of knowledge about the process, or reporting them elsewhere . How and when to declare an airprox? AIRPROX REPORTING "If you consider that your aircraft has been endangered during flightby the proximity of another aircraft such that a risk of collision existed, report it by radio. If this is not possible, immediately after landing telephone or by other means contact the Air Traffic Service unit." Source: EASA . Standard message: "AIRPROX, G-xxxx wants to report an AIRPROX". eConspicuity (EC) systems 76% of participants use an eConspicuity system , with variations across countries, France showing the lowest use (only 66% ), and the UK standing out with 93% . SafeSky is the most popular EC system ( 73% ), partly explained by the likely high survey participation rate of the SafeSky community, but also confirming its high adoption level. Other popular systems include FLARM ( 28% ), ADS-B in ( 24% ), SkyEcho 2 ( 13% ) , PilotAware ( 11% ), and Stratux ( 6% ). Of all pilots using an EC device, 55% use one single device . Pilots using multiple systems combine mostly SafeSky with FLARM ( 11% ) or ADS-B ( 10% ), all three combined ( 7% ), or SafeSky combined with Pilot Aware ( 6% ). eConspicuity (EC) system concerns and limitations 22% of pilots don't know or are unsure which traffic their EC device will display while 64% lack full confidence in their EC device's ability to detect an airprox. This lack of knowledge and confidence applies to all systems and combinations . 72% of pilots confirm having noticed converging aircraft their device did not see . Conversely, in 83% of cases, EC systems spotted aircraft before pilots did. This emphases the need to complement both human and electronic vision. What pilots miss most in terms of EC, is all pilots not being electronically visible , closely followed by the lack of interoperability between systems. "The lack of obligation for all users of the sky to be conspicuous is THE issue." EFB (Electronic Flight Bags, navigation software) SkyDemon is the most used EFB ( 46% ), especially in the UK ( 73% of users), followed by SDVFR ( 23% ) mainly used in France, ForeFlight, AirNavPro, Garmin Pilot, and EasyVFR. 33% declare using several EFBs, while 5% declare not using any EFB . Conclusion The survey reveals key challenges and opportunities to improve air safety. Concerns and actual airmiss incidents highlight the need for greater safety-focused solutions . Limitations of the traditional "See and Avoid" principle and varying success in spotting traffic, either by the pilot or the system, emphasise the importance of combining human and electronic visibility . Pilots expressing uncertainty and unawareness about their devices' capabilities require attention in user education . Lastly, major frustrations arise from fellow pilots' invisibility and system interoperability issues . A wealth of opportunities for a collective effort between pilots, associations and solution developers to together create a safer sky! Now what? What's next? In our upcoming newsletters, we will delve into more detailed survey topics, and of course, SafeSky feedback. We will engage with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and our other partners to individually and collectively address air safety improvements. We want to thank again all pilots for taking the time for transparently sharing their experience with eConspicuity.
- Norway takes the lead in air safety with a triple partnership involving SafeSky.
We are delighted to announce a strategic collaboration that brings together SafeSky , AVIONIX , and the Norwegian Air Ambulance (“Norsk Luftambulanse”) to enhance air safety in Norwegian airspace. By combining our respective air traffic services – air traffic data, airspace surveillance hardware and weather & drone warnings – pilots will benefit from maximum decision support. Background. Large weather variation. Norway's diverse geographical environment results in significant weather variations across the country. Pilots have developed a strict routine of checking weather conditions before take-off. This is also a critical practice for the Norwegian Air Ambulance to ensure timely medical assistance to those in need, regardless of their location. To facilitate this, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation has funded the development of HemsWX , and is now in the final phase of deploying 200 weather stations across the country. HemsWX serves as a tool to access all relevant weather data for low level operations. This includes tools like «route forecast» and TAF/Autometar for Norway's largest hospitals in Oslo. This is made possible thanks to a close collaboration with the Norwegian Met office. The application provides mission critical data for helicopter crews in the air ambulance, police and rescue helicopter services, as well as general aviation. The system is continously developed to optimise mission planning and serves as a decision making support tool. High presence of drones. HemsWX also serves as a planning tool for private and commercial drone pilots in GA airspace, allowing them to register drone plans. In Norway, NOTAMs can extend over several weeks, such as those issued for powerline inspections. HemsWX allows pilots to input their plans for each drone take-off, specifying the inspection area and the maximum planned altitude during the entire duration of these NOTAMs. With drones being extensively used in rescues in hard-to-reach areas, the platform has recorded 26,000 flight plans in just 18 months. Triple collaboration. In light of the complexities posed by the geographical environment and the increasingly complex airspace harmony, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation has initiated a triple collaboration partnership. This partnership includes: Norsk Luftambulanse – is exchanging their HemsWX drone alerts (‘drops’) with SafeSky pilots. AVIONIX – who will deliver a significant number of openAir multitrack receivers over the next few months for widespread traffic coverage of the Norwegian landscape, starting south-east and around the big cities. SafeSky – is exchanging their unique consolidated traffic data feed with HemsWX, including traffic from the newly installed AVIONIX ground stations. Through this substantial investment from the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation and their bilateral data exchange with Avinor Flysikring AS/Ninox Drone and SafeSky, Norway is set to become the country with the most extensive air traffic data coverage in Europe, offering crucial information to helicopters, especially those involved in emergency services. How it looks like: 1 - Antenna at one installation site receiving ADS-B / ADS-L / OGN / FLARM / MLAT for Mode-S and other standards protocols based on 868Mhz and 1090 Mhz. 2 - AVIONIX openAir multitrack receiver, seamlessly integrated with the SafeSky network. 3 - HemsWX drone alerts visible in the SafeSky app, together with other traffic such as helicopters, general aviation, ... Comments from our partners. Rune STARK-OLSEN from Norsk Luftambulanse said: “This collaboration will contribute to electronic conspicuity, more composite airspace picture and will significantly increase flight safety for our crew and patients.” Ralf HECKHAUSEN from AVIONIX commented: “We are happy to provide our technology in this project and we hope that other countries will follow when the success becomes visible.” Tristan FILY , CEO SafeSky added: “This partnership creates a safer and more connected aviation ecosystem, aligning with our federating vision at SafeSky. It's not a one-off; it's about advancing safety in Norwegian airspace and serving as an example to broader Europe and beyond for the years to come.”
- SafeSky and Syride collaborate for safer skies.
In our ongoing efforts to improve traffic awareness, we are happy to announce our collaboration with Syride, an innovative company that creates compact and lightweight electronic devices for paragliders and paramotors. This collaboration enables SafeSky pilots to view and be warned of pilots’ positions from Syride devices, which improves safety for everyone. The challenge. Due to the vulnerability of paragliders and paramotor pilots, who often go unnoticed by general aviation, in recent years, SafeSky has been actively teaming up with paramotor and paragliding tech developers and companies to attempt that the traffic of these aerial enthusiasts becomes visible to all pilots. The partnership. Today, SafeSky expands its list of compatibility partners with Syride , which has agreed to exchange its traffic data for inclusion in SafeSky's traffic information. This adds another layer of traffic to our service, available at no cost to all pilots, contributing to a safer and more interconnected sky for everyone. Syride has a community of 24,000 registered pilots, with an impressive daily average of 1,000 published flights on syride.com . Tristan FILY , CEO SafeSky: “At SafeSky, creating harmony among all sky users is our daily mission. This partnership with Syride exemplifies our continuous efforts to integrate and exchange traffic information without leaving anyone behind.” Anthony CRETEUR , CEO Syride: "At Syride, we're dedicated to enhancing aerial sports safety and innovation. Our partnership with SafeSky is a pivotal step towards better visibility and safety for paraglider and paramotor pilots. By integrating our traffic data with SafeSky's system, we're significantly contributing to a safer sky. Our lightweight, efficient technology complements SafeSky's solutions, paving the way for a more secure and interconnected aerial experience."
- “eConspicuity”: to fly or no longer to fly…
On the 30th of September, EMF organised their General Assembly in Madrid, presided by Louis Collardeau (vice-president of FFPLUM ). At this meeting a new Board has been appointed. We are happy to announce that one of them is Paul WINDEY – co-founder of SafeSky and former president (2011-2023) of the Belgian Ultralight Federation. On this occasion, Paul introduced the need for all pilots to become ‘eConspicuous’, in line with the policy of Europe Air Sports ( EAS ), as we all face the new reality of drones and U-Space : “ which will influence the way of flying of all our categories of airspace users ” according to Andres ANESINI of EAS. At this occasion he presented the eConspicuity concept to the colleagues of EMF, inviting them to collaborate all together, to make sure that all general aviation pilots become ‘visible’, by whatever means. “ This is a major safety advise but responds also to the new challenges of drones invading our airspace. We all look forward – manned and unmanned aircraft pilots - to share the sky safely. And this can be done with existing technologies, without major investments of our pilots .” How to create harmony in the sky between manned and unmanned aircraft? The vast investments made in R&D and projects by the EU, as well as at the national level, and the rapid developments in the drone industry might jeopardise the freedom of general aviation pilots. It is an illusion to believe that even if all air sports federations join forces, they will be able to prevent the increasing risk of establishing airspaces exclusively for drones. In these designated areas, general aviation pilots might find themselves excluded from flying. A better strategy is to embrace the European concept of U-Space, where manned aircraft can continue to fly, together with drones. The new EU drone regulations – in force since 26.1.2023 - and the new SERA rules 6005 are clear: manned aviation can continue to fly in U-Space, as far as they are “visible” (‘eConspicuous’) for each other. As such, there would be no need to install further ‘separated airspaces’ for drones where manned aircraft is banned. New technologies are available to make all airspace users – manned and unmanned – visible to each other in an electronic way. So, let’s all make sure we are ‘visible’. Some categories of General Aviation have been obliged to install (expensive) Mode-S transponders to be visible to air control. Unfortunately, these transponders do not transmit the actual GPS position to other devices. Only ANSP (national air control authorities) get these positions through primary and secondary radar systems. But here’s the thing: ANSP do not want to exchange their data. Some are visible to private ground stations. Very few GA use ADS-B devices. The Glider community decided long time ago to use Flarm. Hangliders, paragliders, paramotors or UL use Skytraxx devices, OGN trackers or apps like XC Track, theFlightVario, eVario and the like. But until now, all of these are not communicating to each other: they do not see each other. And many pilots still do not transmit their position in flight. That is where the new SafeSky approach comes into play aiming to bridge all these players, devices and software as to one ‘eConspicuity community’. Interoperability is the future! About EMF The EMF brings together the microlight federations of 23 European countries. It is dedicated to promoting and safeguarding microlighting across Europe. As an independent, nonprofit umbrella association, EMF collaborates with regulatory authorities and organisations like FAI and EAS. Its mission includes harmonising regulations, encouraging safety initiatives, and enhancing communication among member states. EMF actively promotes young pilots, advocates for conspicuousness development, and sees microlights as a cornerstone for sustainable innovation in aviation.