An Analysis of Anti-Collision Devices on Gliders as a Means to Prevent Mid-Air Collisions

ABSTRACT :Gliders are involved in mid-air collisions due to the inability of pilots or air traffic controllers to detect them. The research question for this study was: would the use of anti-collision devices on gliders minimize the likelihood of mid-air collisions? This study used primary and secondary data. The primary data was derived from results of a survey administered to glider pilots and subjected to Chi-Square and ANOVA analysis. Secondary data was gleaned from a review of pertinent literature and government sources. The results show that mid-air and near mid-air collisions occur more frequently than reported to the Federal Aviation Administration. There are a number of potential solutions to curb the problem, but glider pilot resistance or lack of governmental direction renders implementation largely unsuccessful.INTRODUCTIONGliding is a special type of recreational flying that draws pilots to the sport for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the challenge of operating an aircraft without the assistance of an engine, seeking to use both science and art to generate lift. Others enjoy the opportunity to get close to nature, experiencing soaring on thermals and other updrafts the same way that an eagle does. Gliding is a dangerous sport with many accidents each year. From the period of 1990 through June 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated 710 accidents in the United States involving gliders (National Transportation Safety Board, 2010).Mid-air collisions in gliders gamer special attention in the media because they often involve powered aircraft. Gliders by nature do not operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and are limited in their ability to maneuver, so they do not always have access to air traffic control separation enjoyed by powered aircraft (National Transportation Safety Board, 2008). Besides IFR separation and good lookout doctrine, there are several other tools, including lights and avionics, available to powered aircraft pilots to avoid mid-air collisions. Glider pilots do not always elect to use all available lighting and avionics because, lacking an engine, most gliders do not possess a device capable of generating power during flight. Batteries provide power but at significant weight penalty. Additionally, due to their slow speeds, small size, and often composite material construction, gliders often do not return a large target to radars.Collisions are related to a lack of detection or late detection of gliders by other glider pilots, powered aircraft pilots, or radar controllers. A variety of means are available by which these accidents can be avoided. These include, but are not limited to, avionics mounted in the gliders, avionics in non-glider aircraft, the use of special-use airspace, special paint schemes, aircraft lighting, and pilot training. This research explores whether the mandatory use of anti-collision devices on gliders can minimize the likelihood for mid-air collisions.REVIEW OF LITERATUREFrom 1990 to 2010 there were 710 accidents involving gliders. Of these, 105 were fatal, and 149 ended with seriously injury (National Transportation Safety Board, 2010). Mid-air collisions accounted for only four of the fatal accidents, but nine of the deaths. A review of the Near Mid-Air Collision System (NMACS) database in the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA's) ASIAS System revealed 20 reported near mid-air collisions involving gliders during the period from 1990 to June 2010. In nine of these cases, the other aircraft involved was a commercial airliner and in five cases it was a military aircraft. The majority of these incidents were near major commercial or military airports. Several aviation regulatory bodies address the use of anti-collision devices in gliders however gliders do not always have to conform to the same regulations as powered aircraft.Anti-collision devices fall into two basic categories- visual and electronic. …