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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 comprehensive 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.”

Happy New Year to all of you! 🍀 You may have seen the fantastic news: our community has now grown over 60,000 pilots. What a way to start the year! Together, we can make it even better. You can still share your ideas on safer flying through our unique eConspicuity survey. With your input, we promise you an even more exciting 2024!

In an increasingly crowded sky (ULM, drones, general aviation, etc.), seeing and being seen (eConspicuity) has become essential. New tools have emerged, allowing pilots to ensure their safety in flight more effectively. But what is your perception of these technologies? Many fragmented surveys have been conducted on this subject. Our goal with this survey is to give one single voice to all pilots, regardless of the system they use. By responding to this questionnaire, you make your voice heard throughout Europe on one of the hottest topics in aviation today, and it only takes 5 minutes. Your responses will be collected anonymously and will allow us to create a European overview of what is really living within the pilot community in terms of traffic visibility, which will be used to actively seek solutions. Let's get started!

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 in real-time of pilots’ positions from Syride devices, which improves significantly 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 ensure 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 comprehensive 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."

As summer fades, autumn reveals a new chapter in aviation: Starlink promises celestial connectivity, U-Space shakes up general aviation, and some nations face risky skies. We're eager to embrace these new realities. But before we do, we want to thank you for your exceptional dedication to safety and community this summer!

Preliminary Note: This note is inspired by our response to a personal question from one of our loyal readers and users. It has been intentionally simplified. It is by no means a detailed technical note, but it straightforwardly sheds light on this delicate aspect of our light aviation, often misunderstood. SafeSky wishes to express its gratitude to the pilots who have contributed to the improvement of this article through their insightful feedback. Thanks to their input, we have been able to make several adjustments to provide you with the most accurate, albeit simplified, information possible. Among them, Steve UZOCHUKWU, a graduate in Avionics from Queen Mary College, London University, deserves special mention. He has reminded us of the importance of being very precise when addressing such important subjects. Mode C/S Transponders: How do they work? Mode C/S transponders transmit on the 1090 MHz frequency, just like ADS-B. However, the main difference lies in the amount of information transmitted. The message from a Mode C/S transponder is much less detailed than that of ADS-B. In the message from Mode C/S transponders, precise location is missing although both types will give a standard pressure altitude for the other aircraft. Consequently, even modern situational awareness systems capable of receiving radio waves can only roughly estimate the distance and the location between two aircraft. The information received might be something like: "intruder aircraft within a radius of 5Nm around my position, similar altitude." This is a very basic alert and tends to make pilots nervous, as they do not know where to look. The other aircraft could be anywhere in a 360 degree arc. Our aircraft respond to secondary air traffic control radars via transponders (C/S mode). The radars send queries at 1030 MHz and receive responses at 1090 MHz. In the S mode, the radar receives signals without direct GPS positioning data. Aircraft location is determined by the radar using information on time, distance, and azimuth of the returned signals. Some installations (secondary radars) are capable of decoding and interpreting ADS-B, adding better accuracy in aircraft location. Hence the importance of ADS-B, which offers much completer information, significantly enhancing safety by accurately positioning traffic. This occurs simply because the transponder is connected to a GPS, allowing the transmission of the aircraft's exact coordinates in three dimensions. And what about SafeSky? SafeSky can provide part of the Mode S transponder information thanks to multilateration made possible by the presence of ground-based traffic reception antennas. The lack or absence of these ground stations means there can be no multilateration and therefore no traffic reported on SafeSky or other equivalent platforms. That's why SafeSky is actively involved in a collective effort with authorities, associations, and other organisations concerned about flight safety in order to establish a semi-professional network of ground stations specifically dedicated to general aviation, preferably positioned at airports. This network would increase visibility of traffic near airfields, where the risk is highest. We are working closely with authorities, IAOPA, and drone-related movements to make this solution a reality. ADS-B Transponders: Good to know. Most modern transponders, such as the Trig TT21, can transmit in ADS-B if they're connected to a GPS. A simple cable costing a few euros is enough to make you visible/able to transmit in ADS-B. This connection can usually be made via EFIS like the G3X or Dynon, or even via a Garmin 650. However, this work must be carried out by a qualified person or during the radio and transponder check, which must be performed regularly. Conclusion.

The future is now. You just read a "fictional" pilot's tale that we could publish in one of our upcoming newsletters in 2025. Today, it's 'only' October 2023, and yet, things are moving fast, very fast. This story is not pure fantasy. On the contrary, it offers a tangible glimpse of what tomorrow could bring: a future where internet connectivity transcends boundaries, and planes fly safely thanks to intelligent systems. These systems could be mixed (radio + internet) to ensure redundancy, a synonym for safety in aviation. This future isn't as distant as one might think. Today, we already live in a world where the mobile internet is pretty ubiquitous, with an average coverage of 80% in Europe at 5,000 feet and often above. In the intricate realm of aviation, these 80% already make all the difference. A successful bet? SafeSky made the bold move in 2021 to develop an application based on internet usage to enhance aviation safety for all pilots. This innovative initiative paved the way for the emerging reality described above. So, was SafeSky's bet the right one? Certainly, judging by Elon Musk's recent announcements about Starlink. Other promising developments are heading in the same direction. For instance, the provision of dedicated SIM cards for drones, and probably soon for general aviation, will eliminate the complexity of roaming between European countries while optimising in-flight internet connectivity! The be(s)t is yet to come and is on the verge of being won. We are all moving in the right direction and will continue to adhere to the 'See and Avoid' rule - today strengthened by SafeSky’s extra pairs of eyes, tomorrow without a blink of an eye. How about that? Happy flights! Check also: Starlink direct to cell

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 by bridging 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.

In Réunion Island, the Indian Ocean Civil Aviation Safety Directorate (DSAC OI) has launched a project to assess the SafeSky application, aiming to improve airspace safety. Unique Challenges in Réunion Island's Air Safety. Pilots in Réunion Island face a range of safety challenges due to diverse activities such as tourism, aerial work, and recreation. Multiple aircraft of different classes coexist in the airspace. Additionally, the shared use of air routes, especially along the coastline and over the cirques and volcanoes, adds complexity to aircraft movement. Moreover, traffic information sources are limited, relying primarily on radio communications which become challenging as pilots move away from the coast due to geographical factors, thereby compromising safety. Experimental Project with SafeSky. SafeSky is not new to Réunion Island. Available since 2021 and a sponsor of the 2022 "Tour de l'Île en ULM," SafeSky has successfully demonstrated its system's functionality, even in remote areas. Building on this positive experience, the sponsorship has been renewed for the 2023 edition. In collaboration with DSAC OI, an experimental project has been initiated to encourage all pilots, clubs, and aviation associations to use the SafeSky application. This project aims to evaluate the app's capabilities in relation to Réunion Island's complexity. The experiment, which began on October 14 and spans three months, provides pilots with the opportunity to share their experiences via a dedicated forum, ensuring continuous feedback and user experience optimisation. SafeSky will map the effectiveness of its usage in different geographic areas of the island, ensuring user anonymity. To support pilots in this adoption, SafeSky offers comprehensive assistance, including video tutorials, detailed manuals, and interactive webinars to help them become familiar with the application. Just the Beginning. At the end of this experimental period, DSAC OI will analyse the gathered data and draw conclusions. If the results are positive, DSAC OI will schedule a meeting with all users to discuss the application's added value. During this user meeting, discussions will also focus on the implementation of ground stations capable of capturing radio signal-emitting traffic (ADS-B, FLARM, OGN, etc.). This will ensure complete coverage and enhanced safety for all flights. Tristan FILY, CEO of SafeSky: "We firmly believe that this initiative marks the beginning of a safer era for aviation in Réunion and will be a motivating project that will have a snowball effect in mainland France and Europe." Arroquidasse ZEMBOULINGAME, Head of ANA Division, DSAC: "I am eagerly anticipating the analysis of the experimental data, and I am convinced that SafeSky will bring us some surprises." Heatmap of SafeSky Traffic in Réunion Island on October 19th 2023 (the darker, the more traffic), showing the air traffic concentration along the coast line. Source: SafeSky.

Last month we talked about 'To BE seen or not to BE seen.' This month is all about 'To SEE or not to SEE.' A subtle but crucial distinction – an eye-opener! One thing is certain: we were thrilled to SEE you at the Mondial de l'ULM and SEE so many of you enjoying the skies with SafeSky. What's more, you now can SEE even more traffic directly on your navigation map! So what's not to SEE? You will find out below.

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, that’s exactly what SafeSky allows you to do by being alerted already 60 seconds before convergent traffic approaches, well before those crucial 12.5 seconds even begin! Conclusion. 🎧▶️ 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:

You've been waiting for it for a long time: Garmin has finally released a stable GDL90 version of its excellent navigation application for pilots, GARMIN Pilot. How do you get started? Nothing could be simpler, just follow the procedure below. In the SafeSky application: Update by downloading the latest version of SafeSky from the Apple store (iOS) or the Play Store (Android). Make sure you have a SafeSky PREMIUM subscription. Go to > Settings > Traffic Sharing and activate traffic sharing. Choose your navigation software, GARMIN Pilot in this case. Don't forget to press the Take Off button. In the GARMIN Pilot application: Make sure you activate the traffic layer in GARMIN Pilot's settings, as shown below. You now see the traffic on the map.

SafeSky now seamlessly integrates with the popular VFRnav app developed by Hermann Hölter. This integration allows pilots to access SafeSky's comprehensive 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.

This month, we've been uplifted by numerous aviation initiatives that embody the spirit of aviation - joy, unity, and safety. These events have also raised an intriguing question: "To be or Not to be... visible?" That's the topic addressed in this month's newsletter. Amidst a multitude of arguments and choices, finding the answer can be challenging. Except for the SafeSky pilot, for whom the choice is clear: flying is sharing! Discover more in this newsletter.

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 ensure optimal 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. Our team is eager to meet you. Your feedback and questions are our compass in everything we undertake.

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: a real-time air traffic awareness service to thwart collisions and ensure 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 Happy and safe flights to all. Tristan FILY, CEO SafeSky

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 real-time 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 pioneering role to enhance interoperability between drones and manned aircraft."

This month, we were fueled by the power of listening—attentively hearing the needs of our users and society, driving us to create impactful solutions. Therefore the word "critical" is the red thread in this month's newsletter. General Aviation, in its broadest sense, indeed plays a critical role in addressing societal needs and embracing change. You are General Aviation. You are SafeSky. So you are transforming today’s dynamic aeronautical environment. And guess what... we now are 50,000 pilots to join us in this endeavor! Find out how in this newsletter.

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 Naviation 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 real-time 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 the invisible visible, especially at low altitudes, where collision 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

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 most comprehensive and safe aviation experience 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)