ADS-L

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EASA informs me about a new network protocol that will help the GA pilots to be “visible” to other planes, helicopters, gilders and drones.
I am not sure that I understand the concept and its products.
Could you do me a favor and please explain the essentials of ADS-L and possible consequences on SafeSky?
Thanks
Robert

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Hi Robert,
Thanks for your message. Your question is a bit complicated and evolving rapidly…

ADS-L (ADS-B ‘Light’) is indeed a new concept introduced by EASA to ensure pilots are electronically visible when entering U-Space zones. This aligns with SERA 6005(c) and provides three methods for achieving visibility: using ADS-B, SRD860, and mobile telephony.
• The technical specifications for ADS-B are well-established.
• Specifications for SRD860 were published in 2022.
• The specifications for apps using mobile networks are still under development.

Outside U-Space, there is currently no mandatory requirement. However, EASA has clear ideas on addressing this issue, though it remains a work in progress. A detailed overview of ADS-L (see pages 11–24) : https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/4._iconspicuity_ads-l.pdf

Additionally, EASA published a study in July 2024, particularly relevant see pages 33–39 :frowning:https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/downloads/140498/en)

EASA and Eurocontrol are also exploring new technologies for direct air-to-air communications, expected to enter the market next year. They also look at incorporating the use of the UAT band.

What does this mean for SafeSky?
The use of mobile networks is a crucial step forward. Enhanced connectivity via both ground and space networks, combined with devices and apps using SRD860, is paving the way and evolving rapidly. For more details, check out: https://www.safesky.app/3rdparty .
The key challenge lies in aggregating all available traffic data and ensuring ‘interoperability’.
SafeSky is pioneering in this area by combining traffic data from:
• Networks of ground stations capturing signals from ADS-B, FLARM, FANET, ADS-L, and Mode S via MLAT.
• Devices and software integrated with SafeSky or exchanging data via SRD860 or via mobile networks.
• SafeSky app users
All this data is then made accessible to pilots through the SafeSky app or compatible software.
Limitations to address:
• Not all pilots use electronic visibility systems.
• Ground station coverage is not uniform across Europe.
• Internet coverage is inconsistent in certain regions and altitudes used by VFR GA .
However, advancements are expected, driven largely by the influx of drones into airspace.
For now, air-to-air devices combining ADS-B, SRD860, and mobile connectivity could complement areas lacking internet coverage.
We are eagerly anticipating new developments next year: see https://www.safesky.app/device .
Best regards,
Paul
P.S. We are expecting a video presentation on all these ‘eConspicuity’ issues by a UK pilot in the next weeks. We will surely inform our community about this.