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Many of us still remember the dramatic mid-air collision that occurred between two small planes in Loches, France, in 2018. This month, the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) issued its final report, sharing its conclusions and the lessons learned to prevent future accidents. General conclusions on the accident. The investigation revealed that the accident was caused by a lack of visual contact and situational awareness between the pilots who saw each other too late to avoid a collision. Neither aircraft was equipped with a proximity detection or warning system for other aircraft. Lessons learned. The report stresses the importance of electronic conspicuity, which refers to the use of electronic devices to make aircraft visible to each other and thus improve traffic awareness. It recommends the acceptance of such electronic visibility systems and interoperability to improve eConspicuity and reduce the risk of mid-air collisions, as also advocated by EASA. What we also know about mid-air collisions (Source: Aviation Safety). The majority of mid-air collisions happen in these 3 areas and conditions: At low altitude, below 2,000ft When approaching an airfield When overflying touristic area What does this mean for you, pilots? The BEA report suggests that you use interoperable electronic visible systems to help increase your eConspicuity and prevent accidents. It highlights our SafeSky application as a potential solution. SafeSky's capability to significantly enhance eConspicuity, particularly in high-risk areas like low-altitude regions, airport approaches, and tourist spots, as well as its unique interoperability with most existing systems, make it an ideal tool to meet the recommendations of BEA and EASA. These are indeed exactly the conditions in which SafeSky performs exceptionally well. In order words, SafeSky is the right tool for the right job being the most affordable, complete and interoperable inflight traffic awareness system. More information can be found on the BEA site in the Safety Investigation section.

The Dutch General Aviation (GA) community held its annual "Season Opener" event in March, bringing together major GA players including AOPA, KNVvL & NACA, in collaboration with EASA, LVNL, and ANSP. The event took place at the National Military Museum in Soest and focused on safety issues, eConspicuity and U-space, featuring a special guest from EASA, Vladimir FOLTIN. EASA presentation – Vladimir FOLTIN, EASA Officer. During the event, Vladimir Foltin presented the New GA Roadmap 2023+, which provided insights into current and future ideas and regulations on "eConspicuity" in U-Space and beyond. "eConspicuity" refers to the electronic means of being visible to airspace users via radio or mobile technology and has been introduced in the SERA 6005 Rules for all pilots in Europe. Vladimir Foltin also discussed the latest developments on the ADS-L concept and the use of mobile technology in the air (see below). Vladimir Foltin (EASA) expressed his delight that electronic visibility is gaining momentum, and that we will soon be able to use existing systems. SafeSky's role To achieve these goals, SafeSky collaborates with EASA and plays a crucial role by ensuring the most comprehensive air traffic visibility using mobile technology. What's more, according to a recent EASA survey, the main barriers to the adoption of situational awareness/collision avoidance systems by general aviation pilots are: In conclusion, SafeSky addresses the main concerns regarding eConspicuity for both pilots and EASA by offering the most affordable, complete, and interoperable solution. If you would like to read more about the GA Day event, you can find : · A report of the day and the video playback of the day. · The presentation of EASA Officer Vladimir FOLTIN.

Today we announce a major breakthrough in our quest to offer the most comprehensive in-flight information service for pilots. We are launching the fully embedded version of our Premium app within EasyVFR 4, the popular navigation software. This means that pilots can now enjoy the best of both worlds in one seamless service, without needing separate apps. This new integration is a major step forward in delivering the highest standard of safety and comfort with in-flight traffic and navigation. The ability for pilots to access real-time traffic information, weather updates, and accurate navigation data all in one place has become a commodity. In addition, the SafeSky community now also receives EasyVFR pilot’s positions, which further reinforces SafeSky’s unprecedented traffic awareness and ambition to make the invisible visible. "Our goal at SafeSky has always been to provide our pilots with the most comprehensive and convenient in-flight traffic information services," said Tristan FILY, CEO of SafeSky. "This new collaboration with EasyVFR is a game-changer, as it offers pilots unparalleled safety and navigation comfort. Pilots can access both platforms without the need for separate applications. They no longer need to think about launching SafeSky, it will happen automatically. We are proud to be at the forefront of this unique service and to offer our pilots an even more streamlined experience. It is the result of SafeSky's belief that collaboration is the key to innovation, by tapping into the strengths and expertise of industry players. We couldn't have done it either without the support of our pilot users, who through their feedback and ideas, played a crucial role in shaping this new offering." "EasyVFR's mission is to give pilots peace of mind by enhancing situational awareness," said Tim PETER, Product & Marketing Lead at EasyVFR. "The new EasyVFR 4 Essential app delivers to that. Offering the essential features and official data, always up-to-date - for free. Ensuring confident navigation across all European countries for all airspace users. We are extremely proud to collaborate with SafeSky to now introduce the first navigation app ready for eConspicuity and ADS-L. Boosting traffic awareness and sky safety. This collaboration highlights our commitment to a supportive community, empowering aviators with advanced technology for confident and safe flying." Contact us for more information on this exciting new development. If you want to try I out, visit the EasyVFR website today!

Dear SafeSky pilot! As we kick off the new flying season, your Newsletter has shed its old skin and emerged anew, baptised with the name "SafeSkyScoop". A distinguished audience deserves nothing but the most innovative communication. Read below what happened in March, as we're soaring to new heights with an expansion of our community, both geographically and collaboratively.

The weather finally improved, allowing us to continue the tests we mentioned back in December 2022. Objective of the test: Install a 4G router with an external antenna to conduct internet reception tests during flight. Read on to find out more, and rest assured, we'll keep it simple! The idea The idea behind this was simple. SafeSky's forum fosters exchanges, ideas, and trials among its members. One of our pilot-users proposed testing the installation of a 4G router with an antenna to verify mobile internet reception improvements during flight. We were encouraged by his positive feedback and decided to try it out ourselves and share our findings with the community. Material and installation We only needed two pieces of equipment: a 4G router with antenna output(s) and an antenna. Personally, I had a NetGear Nighthawk M2 router, and Amazon took care of the selection of a compatible 4G antenna with an SMA connector. Admittedly, the price of the NetGear router is excessive considering its intended purpose, but if you already own one that you use on vacation, for example, don't hesitate to use it. As for the antennas, I chose to test a simple, flat, and aerodynamic model (+/- €12) and another model with two connection cables (+/- €17). The antennas were affixed to a vinyl wrap adhesive to avoid attaching them directly to the aircraft's paint. The cables travel from the landing gear to the cabin, passing through the seats. It was easy and temporary, just what I needed. Time to test it out on a flight from EBBY to LFAY! The weather is good, so we should take advantage of it! We're taking two planes to run SafeSky under different configurations, including on a phone, a tablet, and of course, the famous router + antenna. My fellow pilots Claude and Jean-Pierre are preparing their MCR01 while I install the last connections and settings onboard my VL3. My setup is straightforward. I regularly use my 11" iPad Pro on a dedicated mount on the right-hand side. Typically, it's equipped with a SIM card but today I transfer it to the router for testing purposes. SafeSky will be displayed on the iPad in Splitview 1/3 - 2/3 with my navigation software. I love this configuration because it leaves enough space for my navigation while offering an ideal area for SafeSky's radar. By sharing traffic with the navigation software, I can also visualise it perfectly in my environment thanks to the aeronautical maps. For me, it's the epitome of efficiency and, above all, safety. Testing protocol The distance between Baisy-Thy airport (EBBY) and Amiens airport (LFAY) is 96 NM, and the flight should take approximately 50 minutes. The areas we'll be passing through are known for signal losses due to the presence of white zones (areas without coverage), as well as roaming between Belgium and France when crossing the border. Therefore, I decide to connect my tablet to my phone's wifi during the outbound flight, taking advantage of the shared connection since my SIM card is in the router. On the return flight, I will connect the tablet to the 4G router's wifi network, making use of the external antenna. I have also installed two cameras, which allows me to create a short video to illustrate the flight: Everything is in place, runway 05 in use, wind from 070 at 15 knots, CAVOK. The sky is all ours. FJVZJ is lining up on runway 05 for immediate takeoff and I will follow shortly with FJFVB. The return flight Let's talk about the flight. As a reminder, the outbound leg to Amiens will be conducted using only the phone, without any external antenna. For the return, we will take exactly the same route and altitude (2000' QNH) to see if there are any differences. During the outbound flight, we experienced some internet connectivity issues in well-known zones near Charleroi and Mons. These are the so-called "white zones" that we have identified since the beginning of our testing with our application over two years ago. This makes it the perfect location to check for any potential differences. The map below outlines the flight path and the internet connectivity evolution. Several elements to note and explain about this flight: Zone A: Known dead spots between Mons and Charleroi. As expected, the phone loses its signal but quickly regains it. Zone B: Near Valenciennes, the Belgium-France roaming takes place. The loss of signal is normal as it switches to the French network. Additionally, we had already noted dead spots near the Valenciennes aerodrome, so this situation is expected. Zone C: A brief loss (37 seconds) occurred above the A2-A26 highway interchange. Apart from the roaming issue (zone B), which is a technical reality between countries, we can consider this to be a very steady flight path. It's worth noting that during this flight, air traffic control reported another aircraft (between A and B). It was a helicopter flying 100 feet lower, and although it wasn't equipped with SafeSky, it did have an ADS-B out transponder, which I was therefore able to see on my SafeSky screen and then locate outside quickly. This highlights the importance of having a software that can represent the majority of location systems (ADS-B, Flarm, and many others). SafeSky is doing that, acting like a translator that enables everyone to see each other even if they don't speak the same language. Let's now take a look at the return flight path with the tablet connected to the router's hotspot, equipped with the external antenna: Visually, the difference is striking. The trace is continuous, a clear proof of near-perfect internet reception. But what happened near the EBBY airfield during our arrival? We think that the antenna worked so well that roaming did not occur shortly after crossing the border, but instead occurred near EBBY well inland. This is surprising but not illogical. We could not resist digging deeper into the numbers, and here is what we found: We considered only the data when the plane was AIRBORNE. We went from 83% internet connection with the phone to 88% with the router and antenna. This difference of 5% is not huge and does not seem to reflect the experience we had during the tests and the trace on the maps. Therefore, we decided to conduct a new assessment without the impact of roaming and border crossing to be closer to reality. Here are the data from the same flight, but reduced between the border crossing to the west of Valenciennes and the Feluy refinery in Belgium. This area is interesting because it includes the aforementioned white zones. These are more representative figures of our coverage perception during the flight. Please note that the difference in transmitted positions corresponds to the number of seconds without connection, as we transmit one position per second. With the router and antenna, we lost connection for 25 seconds of flight, which gives a coverage ratio of 97% at 2000', which is close to excellence. The phone in the cockpit lost its connection for 22% of the flight, but when passing through known white zones. Not so bad, you will admit. Conclusion As a reminder, our tests are intentionally simplified, and are far from being scientific. We wanted to have a first perception of the advantage brought by the placement of an external antenna. The result, even though it was expected, confirms all the good that can be thought of such an installation. To our knowledge, it is not currently possible to connect an external antenna directly to a phone or tablet. The option of a router with the possibility of connecting an antenna is the only viable solution. Can a router without an antenna improve reception? I don't think so, but it can make your connectivity on board easier. Soon, we plan to conduct additional tests following the protocol outlined below: We will use a phone with SafeSky and a connected tablet on a router, both on the same plane, in order to compare identical data under perfectly similar flight conditions. We will fly on a predetermined route at different altitudes (1500', 2500', 3500', 5000') to evaluate the signal's reliability at various heights. The NetGear M2 router used for this test is quite expensive (approximately €420), but it offers the advantage of two connections for an external antenna. If you already use this router for your family's camper van for instance, then the investment is worthwhile; otherwise, the cost may be unreasonable. However, there are other products available (such as Huawei) at lower costs that will work just as well, provided that you ensure the possibility of connecting an external antenna. For tech-savvy and computer enthusiasts, there are many other solutions available, but they require knowledge of electronics, telecommunications, and computing. Please do not hesitate to share your ideas with us at info@safesky.app. We need your help! Do you want to help us evaluate similar solutions? Maybe you have already conducted yourself such tests or are inspired to do so after reading this article? Please get in touch with us at info@safesky.app . Safe flights. Christophe ERKENS Co-Founder SafeSky

March, 3-5, 2023, Airweek, Middelburg FAMB, South Africa. Once again, Middelburg Aeroclub was the place to be for a vibrant community of enthusiastic aviators. Over 100 aircraft of all types participated in this event, including balloons, gliders, model planes, and gyrocopters. Gaggle and SafeSky cooperation. The event was also an ideal occasion to present the latest developments of the Gaggle app and its brand new collaboration with SafeSky. Hennie Brink (Founder & CEO of Gaggle) gave a presentation entitled "ADS-B on your phone!", showcasing an affordable solution for all pilots to BE SEEN and to SEE other aircraft in the air. This marks the start of a campaign to encourage pilots to use Gaggle and/or SafeSky to become visible in South Africa. SafeSky, previously only available in Europe, was launched in South Africa at the end of February 2023 to support the collaboration between Gaggle and SafeSky. Through this collaboration, all pilots using either app, or both, will be visible to other pilots and able to see other traffic. This community has been created through a network of over 60 pilots, flying all types of aircraft, who are willing to work together to enhance safety in South African airspace. The campaign to promote the use of Gaggle and SafeSky will also examine the installation of ground stations to collect all available air traffic data. In the coming weeks, we hope to see more air traffic in the South African airspace thanks to this collaboration. More info here: Middelburg AeroClub The Aero Club of South Africa Passionate pilot testimonial: Glenn Pretorius. "With SafeSky, my situational awareness is drastically improved." One of the passionate pilots and SafeSky beta testers in South-Africa is Glenn Pretorius. He has the opportunity to test SafeSky in the most challenging - but also beautiful - places. Like he did a couple of weeks ago. Read his story below. Glenn PRETORIUS, passionate pilote and SafeSky beta tester As I climbed into my Sling 2 aircraft for a quick 30-minute flight, I knew that the Cape Town TMA area was going to be busy. With many training flights scheduled for the day, it was important that I had all the necessary tools to ensure a safe and successful journey. Equipped with my trusty Nav equipment including the Garmin G3X touch, ADSB out, and Mode S transponder, I had my Samsung smartphone mounted neatly on the left side of the instrument panel, running both SafeSky and SkyDemon. Taking off from FASH, I routed via FAWN to Morningstar, all while maintaining my altitude between 1500-2000 ft AMSL. The flight was going smoothly and with the help of SafeSky's real-time exchange of in-flight traffic information, I was fully aware of any nearby traffic. The AUDIO feedback in my Bluetooth headset of proximate traffic was clear and accurate, and on the smartphone display, I used both the SkyDemon navigation mode and the SafeSky app - both of which worked flawlessly. As I landed at Morningstar, I knew that my flight back would be just as busy, but with SafeSky, my situational awareness was drastically improved. The combination of SafeSky and SkyDemon worked perfectly, and it was a matter of personal preference which display I used and when. All three airfields were bustling with activity, but with SafeSky's advanced technology, I felt confident and in control. As I touched down at FASH a few hours later, I couldn't help but think that integration with other avionics products such as SkyDemon, Foreflight, or even Garmin avionics like the G3X touch would be amazing. "SafeSky is truly a great product that enhances flight safety, and I am grateful for the peace of mind it provides me in the skies."

We generally associate flying with pleasure and joy, but we all know that aviation also plays a vital role in emergency situations. Today, our mission to make the sky the safest place on Earth, takes on an even greater significance: help saving lives. We were approached by the Turkish Airforce Search & Rescue teams to assist with their air operations following the recent massive earthquakes in their country. These SAR pilots are specially trained officers who play a crucial role in coordinating operations and providing critical medical assistance and transport to disaster areas or difficult to be reached. SafeSky help. In response, we have provided the SAR helicopter and airplane teams with full access to our Premium situational awareness app. Our app significantly enhances their flight safety and coordination in a high-risk and busy mid-air airspace, allowing the SAR teams to focus their efforts on their crucial emergency relief roles. The aerial fleet counts several dozens of aircraft which do not all have eConspicious equipments, creating obviously a high risk with no traffic situation awareness. It is a true honor for us to support the Turkish SAR teams in their lifesaving mission and we stand in solidarity with all citizens affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts and hearts are with them during these devastating times, and we are in awe of the bravery and dedication displayed by the SAR pilots. Following this partnership, SafeSky is now available for all pilotes in Turkey.

Today the invisible for General Aviation has become visible. SafeSky is excited to announce its partnership with Gaggle, the leading flight recording app for paramotor and paragliding pilots around the world. Through a two-way real-time exchange of in-flight traffic information, all Gaggle pilots will now appear in the SafeSky traffic while Gaggle users can now see nearby traffic on their own screens without having to install our SafeSky app. This partnership contributes to our ambition toof improving safety for pilots across the board, from those flying paramotors to those piloting airplanes. This brings the number of traffic sources aggregated by SafeSky to 17! Step by step, with our pilots, we are creating a SafeSky collaborative community to build a safe sky. How it all started. As a user-centred company, SafeSky is committed to prioritising the safety of pilots of all aircraft classes and concluding complementary partnerships. This partnership was initiated a few months ago when a fervent SafeSky pilot user approached us with the idea to integrate Gaggle traffic, much like we do with other navigation apps and peripherals. Valuing our pilot users' feedback and ideas as sources of innovation, we reached out to Gaggle, and it quickly became apparent that our shared goal of striving for safer skies made us natural partners. What it offers to our SafeSky community. Through this partnership, all Gaggle pilots will now show up in the SafeSky traffic, giving airplane pilots greater awareness of paragliding and paramotor pilots in their vicinity and enabling them to be better prepared and avoid unexpected surprises in the air. This topic is close to our hearts, and we recently paid tribute to the passionate community of paragliding pilots. In addition, all traffic displayed by SafeSky will be visible in the Gaggle navigation app with its proper iconography. Gaggle pilots all around the world will be able to see SafeSky traffic around them in real-time and receive alerts when approaching it. Tristan Fily, CEO of SafeSky said: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Gaggle, the popular flight recording app for paragliding and paramotor pilots. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to listening to our users, as it is the culmination of an idea proposed by one of our pilot users, and working together with the general aviation industry to create solutions that address the needs of all GA pilots. By reciprocally integrating Gaggle with SafeSky, we are empowering all pilots to navigate the skies with greater confidence and security." « Making the skies safer is a core principle of both Gaggle and SafeSky, and we are excited about our partnership and to offer this advanced safety feature included by default to all our pilots" said Hennie Brink, Founder of Gaggle. "With this new integration, we are providing pilots from all forms of aviation with greater situational awareness and the tools they need to make safe decisions in the air. » 🙏🏻 We once again would like to express our gratitude to our forward-thinking pilot-user for his contribution of the idea. The new version of Gaggle with SafeSky traffic is available now on Android or iPhone. Read also: https://www.flygaggle.com/news/enjoy-safer-flights-with-real-time-aircraft-detection 🇿🇦 Did you know? With this Gaggle integration, SafeSky is now also available in South-Africa!

February has demonstrated more than ever the potential of SafeSky to save lives. Tribute to (powered) paragliders: sharing is caring. Paragliding and paramotor flying are exhilarating activities, but they can be challenging when sharing the airspace with larger aircraft. With SafeSky, all pilots can enjoy the skies together. Did SafeSky help avert a collision for Michael? Many of you know the German pilot and expert Michael Kros, aka hirnklempner. Last month he tested SafeSky. During his flight, an SR22 flew over him with only 100 ft of vertical distance. Neither pilot saw each other, but SafeSky did, potentially averting a collision. 🇮🇪 In the press: "We think SafeSky is great." (Flying in Ireland Magazine) The proof of the pudding is in the eating. So SafeSky was put to the test again, this time in Ireland. Their verdict? "We think it’s great! ... The more of us that use it, the better." 🇩🇪 SafeSky pilot of the month: Georg (Germany). Our pilots know the importance of staying safe in the skies and spread the word about our benefits to their fellow pilots. Georg is one such pilot. He even gave his plane a "SafeSky touch". fliegermagazin Award 2023: Votes are still open (but not for long!). If you haven't voted for us yet, or would like to encourage others to do so, time is running out! Enjoy reading !

The setting: German pilot and influencer Michael Kros, also known as Hirnklempner, recently conducted a successful test of SafeSky, our in-flight information service designed to provide real-time situational awareness. He was inspired by Thomas Borchert’s (Editor in Chief Fliegermagazin) assessment and SafeSky’s nomination of “2023 Innovation of the Year”. On a chilly Saturday morning in January, Michael took SafeSky to the test during his flight from Münster-Telgte (EDLT) to Oerlinghausen (EDLO). During this flight, Michael was able to experience first-hand the app's capabilities, including its integration with navigation software like SkyDemon and its effective use of GPS and mobile internet coverage to transmit information. Take-off As he prepared for takeoff, he received his first collision warning, alerting him of another aircraft nearby also preparing for takeoff. (Note from SafeSky: our app has a specific “Approach mode” option that allows to cancel warnings in approaching airfields.) Right after he took off, he also received an automatic ‘double echo’ message which gives a warning if the aircraft is equipped with a radio transmitting device like an ADS-B out transponder. Ground stations receive the signal from the device and share it with SafeSky's servers. This information is then transmitted back to the pilot via the mobile internet, leading to a "double echo". To prevent this, SafeSky has implemented an automatic detection, which allows pilots to confirm it is their aircraft with just one simple click. Internet quality Mobile connectivity is crucial to the success of SafeSky, as it relies on the GPS capabilities of mobile devices to transmit the pilot’s location. Michael experienced a short temporary dip in internet quality at the beginning of his flight, but overall, the flight had a strong internet coverage of over 80%. This is shown in the above visual representation provided (solid line = continuous connectivity). In Europe, the network coverage is generally strong up to 3,000 feet, and our latest statistics show that data transmission is successful up to 5,000 feet in the European sky with an 86% success rate. Integration with SkyDemon Integration with navigation software like SkyDemon is a key feature of SafeSky (Premium version, visit our web page on device and browser compatibility). Michael tested this integration during his flight. The app worked seamlessly with SkyDemon and alerted him proactively of a nearby airplane. You can see it on the screenshot on your left. Collision warning At 14H17:50, SafeSky lived up to its purpose of informing pilots of potential collision risks by alerting Michael of a fast-descending SR22 aircraft flying at +1200 ft. While Michael was focused on his approach, his eyes did not see it but the audible warning encouraged Michael to look around. SafeSky’s mission accomplished! SafeSky’s objective is to inform pilots of potential collision risks, as the adage “see and be seen” has its limitations. It has been acknowledged that incidents are both predictable and preventable if you know where and how to look. This is where SafeSky comes in, providing a valuable service by guiding pilots' attention in the right direction. Conclusion As Michael soared through the skies, he was able to receive real-time warnings about nearby aircraft, allowing him to remain laser focused on his flight, while staying acutely aware of his surroundings and any potential traffic issues. Michael said « being impressed » with « super app » SafeSky and the benefits it offers pilots. He will definitely use it in future, how about you? Listen to Michael’s full experience here. Sub-titles in English can be activated in the Settings. Note from SafeSky In its free version, you use SafeSky as an in-flight information service on your phone or tablet. In its paid version, SafeSky integrates directly with your navigation software and completes your existing hardware installation (Stratux, SkyEcho, FLARM).

Tribute to paramotors & paragliders: With wings spread wide and hearts alight, Paragliders soar through endless heights, But to merge with the bigger 'birds', May seem a task that's too absurd. Yet fear not, for sharing is caring, And through SafeSky's watchful caring, Paragliders can lend a hand, And aid their fellow pilots' land. So let us all unite and fly, With safety as our steadfast guide, For when we help each other out, The skies become a safer route. On our roads, cyclists and mopeds are commonly referred to as "Vulnerable Road Users". This term can also be applied to a group that is often overlooked but omnipresent in the skies we all share: paramotor and paraglider pilots. If bike paths have been created to protect and separate the flow of fast-moving vehicles from cyclists, what is happening in the sky? Free mind, free flight. Paragliding/motor is becoming increasingly popular due to its accessibility, and it's not surprising that more and more people are taking to the skies with motorised gliders. Most paragliders are equipped with small backup parachutes, and the equipment has evolved to enhance the safety of pilots and passengers. This discipline is an excellent example of the harmony between security and the freedom to fly. However, while the slow speed and close manoeuvres of motorised gliders make safe group flights possible, what about their proximity to fast aircraft (ULM and GA) and potential collision risk? Unlike bike paths and protected zones, G-spaces are entirely free and accessible to everyone. Cyclists wear reflective vests to increase their visibility on public roads, but what about paragliders and paramotor pilots? Wearing a reflective vest is not particularly practical or effective. SafeSky: your reflective vest in the sky. That's where SafeSky comes in. The idea behind the app was to provide everyone with the opportunity to be visible to other sky users for free. One should just open the app, hit "Take off," and put the phone in their pocket. It's a straightforward process that enables everyone to be e-Conspicuous. The SafeSky team realised that many paragliders and paramotor pilots already use dedicated apps (e.g. Gaggle, eVario, XCTrack, …) and/or external devices (e.g. SkyTraxx, Air3, …) to monitor their flights. The idea of sharing traffic information with these solutions quickly became a reality. Today, many paragliders and paramotor pilots share their in-flight positions with SafeSky, and in return receive SafeSky traffic. It's a pretty convincing reflective vest, don't you think? Thanks to its technology and willingness to make as many existing systems interoperable as possible, SafeSky has become a significant ecosystem that combines traffic sources that were previously invisible to known systems, providing the most comprehensive traffic data available to date. Our message to paragliders and paramotor pilots. While flying locally with friends doesn't pose any real collision risks, don't forget that you are in a shared environment. By using a compatible system like SkyTraxx, Air3, or Gaggle, you will become visible to fast aircraft using SafeSky or any other compatible platform. Being visible doesn't mean being tracked, you can always preserve your anonymity while indicating your position in the sky to others. Our message to airplane and ULM pilots. Accessing the SafeSky ecosystem's traffic via the app or other compatible systems will increase your safety and that of others during your flights. You will be able to see traffic that was previously invisible to other systems (ADS-B in, Flarm in, etc.). Additionally, SafeSky is compatible and integrates perfectly with your existing detection peripherals, such as SkyEcho, PowerFlarm, or Stratux. So why not take advantage of such a useful tool? Conclusion It's essential to ensure safety while sharing the skies. SafeSky is a reliable tool that ensures all users are visible to each other, making the skies safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

🗳️ Vote here We are extremely honored to have been nominated for the "2023 fliegermagazin awards" in the category "Innovation of the Year" by the renowned aviation magazine fliegermagazin. According to fliegermagazin's standards, these awards recognise "only the best in the industry" and the readers decide who wins! It's already the twelfth time the fliegermagazin Awards will be presented. The winners will be announced at the AERO 2023 event in Friedrichshafen where SafeSky will of course be present (booth A6-404, more on that later). Our app is recognised for "using all available sources to bring traffic data into the cockpit via the mobile network and warn of an impending collision". If you believe SafeSky deserves to win this prize, votes are open NOW! 🙏🏻 Thanks for your support 🙏🏻 🗳️ Vote here How to vote? Click on the link above Click on "Hier abstimmen" Fill in your e-mail address and the security code displayed You will receive an email with a link Open this link and vote for SafeSky in category 3 "Innovation des Jahres" Done! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Want to read again Thomas Borchert's - Editor in Chief fliegermagazin - review of SafeSky? Read it here.

Despite the gloomy weather in Europe, the year 2023 is off to a flying start: Better Safe(Sky) than Sorry! "If only s/he had turned on SafeSky". We sincerely hope we won’t to have to hear that statement again in 2023 from the air incident authorities when they desperately come to us. U-space: Reserved airspace for Drones in Europe. Countdown has started. On 26 January 2023, a comprehensive collection of extremely detailed regulations - the most recent of which was released on December 20 - that make up the European rule for U-space go into effect. Use of mobile technology in the air no longer forbidden! Europe abolishes the airplane mode obligation. The European Commission will designate specific frequencies of the new 5G network that will allow cell phones to remain connected while flying. Going flying without SafeSky is like leaving home without a wallet. For Dave - a British pilot - SafeSky has become an integral part of his life. Tip of the month: Use of SafeSky outside EU. Despite the fact that SafeSky is currently only available in European app stores, this does not preclude you from using it outside of Europe. Happy New Year & Reading !

The adage "Better Safe than Sorry" is well known and alludes to taking preventive actions rather than risking potential consequences. Even though we are all aware of and presumably agree with these wise words, for some reason, human beings tend to prefer thinking that bad things only happen to others. And thus, the famous adage is frequently disregarded. Rather Sorry than Safe in the air? In General Aviation as well, we dare to defy fate. Some of us fly without any detection mode, radio or Search & Rescue (SAR) solution. Is it because the taste of freedom outweighs the taste of security? Or the joy of sharing an incredible moment with a loved one makes us forget about certain realities? Or we believe that “no guts are no glory”? Or maybe we are just overconfident? We can all agree that the adage does not apply to all situations, but when pure survival is at stake, it certainly does. So why do we disregard this moral compass when it comes to potentially risking our own and other people's lives? S**t does happen Unfortunately, this is when drama happens. For some aircraft categories, 2021 is the worst year since 2014 in terms of fatal accidents (source: EASA Annual Report 2022) . Here are just a few examples of serious incidents that happened in 2022 that were made public: * According to media, the magistrate had refused to geolocate the occupants’ mobile phone for data protection reasons. What do these events have in common? In each case: significant time was lost the pilot did not use SafeSky or its Search & Rescue feature the SafeSky team was contacted head-over-heels by the authorities hoping that we could assist them in locating the plane. Which, in most cases, we did, in a split of a second, with the exact position Although we are always extremely happy to help where we can, it also makes us sad. Very often, drama could have been easily avoided or resolved sooner by the pilots themselves. Would you rather take control of your own fate or rely on our team's availability? What are your SAR options? 1. Personal Locator Beacon Being equipped with an emergency beacon is an excellent option, especially for frequent travellers. Using the Global 406 MHz worldwide search and rescue system, the personal locator is connected to and monitored by professional search and rescue organisations all over the world. The downside however is the significant cost, approximately 400€. 2. Localisation tools – ADS-B out and FLARM out Having a localisation device is a good start. But it has its limitations. For instance, ADS-B out / FLARM out is likely not to flawlessly function below 1,500 feet or in some of the most hazardous areas like mountains. Yet this is one of the situations in which SafeSky performs at its best. In the event of technical issue, secondary radars (radio) may monitor your localisation up to 1,500 feet, but probably not to the aircraft's final position on the ground. 3. Mobile operators One might assume that mobile operators could offer assistance given that usually we carry our mobile phone with us. As with the Spanish incident, geolocation of mobile phones is governed by extremely tight GDPR laws, the approval of which often takes even more precious time. What is more, this type of geolocation is generally very approximative because it is based on a triangulation process that only allows for the estimation of an approximate radius. 4. SafeSky SafeSky has a free “Search and Rescue” feature. In just one click SAR services would be alerted – via the pilot’s contacts – of their exact location. We fully acknowledge that in case of distress, the pilot would not always be physically or mentally able to use the SAR function. That’s fully understandable. In that case, upon the authorities’ formal request, the SafeSky team can pinpoint the plane’s last registered position as it is passively tracked. WHAT IF … SafeSky had been used in the recent flight incidents in Spain, France and Iceland? (picture of the search and rescue teams desperately looking for the airplane that disappeared in Spain) So, let’s go back to the three recent incidents described above. What if these pilots would have set-up and proclaimed a “Search and Rescue” via SafeSky? The pilots would have informed instantly their contact persons and consequently the authorities of their precise location The search team would have saved precious time, potentially lifesaving The search would not have been blocked by legal GDPR processes* The pilots might still be alive *By activating the SAR with SafeSky, the pilot would have implicitly authorised tracking his location when pressing the MAYDAY button. "If only s/he had turned on SafeSky". We sincerely hope we won’t to have to hear that statement again in 2023 from the air incident authorities when they desperately come to us. WHAT IF … national SAR authorities would be harmonised at European level? Since we let our dreams run wild ... what if there would be a European harmonisation of the SAR services with one single portal that would share pilots’ positions? SafeSky has already reached out to them to discuss and lead this initiative. So far responses have been very supportive. So hopefully more on that later… What are you waiting for? 📲 Download SafeSky now! It's free of charge! How to set-up the SafeSky SAR feature? · Go to “Preferences” · Select the “Search & Rescue” widget · Read the procedure “SafeSky SAR.pdf” (optional) · Accept the SafeSky SAR procedure · Enable SAR and verify mobile connection · Enter contacts A, B and C. Once the contacts have given their approval, their inclusion in the list will be activated How to initiate a SAR alert in SafeSky? Simply by hitting the MAYDAY button in the upper left corner of the screen. If needed, you have five seconds to annul the emergency before the alerts are sent to your contacts.

On that day, a comprehensive collection of extremely detailed regulations - the most recent of which was released on December 20, 2022 - that make up the European rule for U-space go into effect. Determined by national governments, governed by European laws These "U-spaces" are determined by the national governments, but once they are established, they are governed by EU drone laws and monitored by private U-Space Service Providers who also adhere to EU laws (and thus no longer provided by in-country ANSP, the Air Navigation Service Providers). This is a component of a larger EU Drone Strategy 2.0 published on November 29, 2022 that paves the way and promotes the efficient, secure, and safe growth of drone activities. U-space: a no-fly zone for manned aircraft? According to SERA 6005 c (European Flight Rules): "Manned aircraft operating in airspace designated by the competent authority as a U-space airspace, and not provided with an air traffic control service by the ANSP, shall continuously make themselves electronically conspicuous to the U-space service providers” (applicable as of 26 January 2023). In other words, only manned aircraft that are "eConspicuous," that is visible to U-space users, will be permitted to enter non-controlled airspace. This airspace is determined by national authorities as from 26.1.2023 and to be expected soon. It will most likely be limited to 500ft in the first phase. How can one be "eConspicuous"? There are now two ways to be noticeable to the drone community, according to EASA: Transmitting using an ADS-B-out or FLARM device: EASA has already released the specifications. Making use of mobile telephony: SafeSky is closely collaborating with EASA and other parties to develop technical specifications that will enable you to be eConspicous by using apps such as SafeSky. Both manned and unmanned aircraft will be powered by mobile technologies (5G and via satellite links) in the future. The conclusion of this in the upcoming months is something we really wish for! So there as well, additional details will be forthcoming.

One of the first messages you receive when boarding a commercial flight is to turn off your cell phones or put them in “airplane mode". This will quickly pass into oblivion! Europe recognises 5G You might remember that there were some trepidations last year regarding the use of 5G within aircraft, particularly in the US, due to potential interferences with the aircraft's instrumentation. This is however not the case in Europe, as 5G uses different frequencies than in the US. On the other hand, using the internet has evolved into a standard practice on long-distance flights (even though it is somewhat expensive...). This is accomplished using specialised, high-end equipment that uses a satellite connection to establish WIFI hotspots within the aircraft. But the game has suddenly altered as a result of the enormous influx of investments in the drone industry. The best path forward for the drone industry's future developments appears to be via satellite and 5G connections. A decision on "Harmonised technical criteria for the usage of aerial User Equipment" was agreed by the ECC (the Electronic Communications Committee of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations) on November 18, 2022, in response to this. What’s in it for you? This ruling establishes the legality of aerial mobile phone use in Europe and ensures its standardised use. In other words, legally, both manned and unmanned aircraft in Europe are now permitted to use a phone or tablet while in the air! For all GA pilots who use applications while flying, this is fantastic news! Indeed, EASA is making great efforts to assure that using mobile technology will be one of the methods to be "eConspicuous" in the upcoming U-Spaces, collaborating with partners such as SafeSky. That would imply that you would fulfil SERA 6005-c's requirements solely by using a situational awareness app on your mobile phone or tablet, without any extra hardware. That sounds like music to the ears of our many SafeSky users, doesn't it? Ready for take-off? Not yet, this decision still needs to be implemented by the national telecom authorities. All nations were urged by the ECC to put this into action by May 23, 2023.

We end the year on a high with our last newsletter of 2022, which covers the following topics: Mobile internet in flight: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Appetizer of our test that will attempt to address the question: “Is it possible to improve internet reception in flight with a 4G router with a remote antenna?” SafeSky welcomes Bernard Geldof to the team and as new shareholder. With Bernard GELDOF on board, SafeSky is bolstering its shareholder base and operating structure as part of its global and operational expansion. EASA paves the way for ADS-L to make flying even more safe than today. SafeSky had the honor to be one of the contributors to EASA’s first set of guidelines to support the implementation of U-space (drones) in the European Union. In the spotlight: the Instructors. Meet Julien van der Rest. To educate students about air safety and the most recent technology advancements in this industry, instructors are crucial. SafeSky or Flying Neurons? Vol Moteur magazine gives you the answer. In its November issue, the French magazine Vol Moteur has taken a look at anti-collision applications, in particular SafeSky and Flying Neurons. Enjoy your reading! Thanks to all our users, partners and supporters for contributing to a successful 2022!

In keeping with its geographic and operational expansion, SafeSky reinforces its shareholding and operating structure with the arrival of Bernard GELDOF. Bernard will have a stake in the company and support its future business development, in particular from an organisational and commercial point of view. He will work closely with our CEO, Tristan Fily. With previous roles as Mentor for start-up companies via IMECiStart, as VP in Product portfolio and R&D Management in the Aviation business (ADB Safegate) and previously as CEO of Premium Sound Solutions (PSS), Bernard provides a plethora of knowledge and expertise. SafeSky’s expansion Since it was founded in March 2021, SafeSky has known steep growth. Our user’s community has grown to an impressive 35,000 pilots today, spread across Europe - with Germany, Great-Britain, France and Belgium being our most established markets. In parallel, our company also concluded significant private and public partnerships with the aim of contributing to a safer airspace. Tristan’s comments on Bernard’s arrival: “Today SafeSky’s growth has reached a tipping point. The unwavering acknowledgment from our users, the authorities, GA instances and private partners in establishing a safer airspace invites us to become even more innovative and federating. I am therefore thrilled with the arrival of Bernard. I am convinced that he will allow SafeSky to play an even more predominant role in e-conspicuity and above all safeguard even more precious lifes.” Bernard on joining SafeSky: “It is my pleasue to join forces with the enthusiastic team of co-founders of SafeSky in order to further scale-up the company and make the future brilliant for SafeSky and its community of pilots.” Please join us in welcoming Bernard to the team! Feel free to connect with him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernard-geldof-974085254/ We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tanguy DETROZ and bid him (partially) farewell. Tanguy co-founded SafeSky back in 2021 and was instrumental in the commercial and strategic growth of our organisation. Having taken on recently a new exciting position, Tanguy is unable to continue supporting SafeSky operationally. However, we are thrilled that he will continue to support and challenge us as member of the Board of Directors.

Who said November is a quiet month in general aviation in Europe? Check out our most recent newsletter, which reports on the following topics: GA situational awareness solutions: a simple overview of all situational awareness technologies that are available and what they offer Our users in the picture: Martin Mareček relates his adventurous flight from his home country Check Republic to France, to attend the Blois aero event Belgian Paramotor Federation and SafeSky join forces for safer air traffic: a unique partnership that demonstrates that "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Looking for the perfect X-Mas gift?: A little help from our SafeSky Santa Claus in your search for a present for a loved one who flies General Aviation For the technical geeks: Stratux integration: How does it work and how to configure? It's dogged that does it: Flying Neurons finally visible in SafeSky! Enjoy reading!

In order to promote aviation safety among its members, the Belgian Paramotor Federation (BPMF/FBPM) has decided to join forces with SafeSky. To do so, the BPMF/FBPM will include the Premium edition* of the SafeSky application in their 2023 membership services and benefits. The community of paramotor members can rely on training and informational sessions organised by BPMF/FBPM in collaboration with SafeSky, to emphasise the role and responsibility of all in enhancing air safety and to guarantee the proper and consistent usage of SafeSky. Why? The challenges. There is a lot to do around flight safety. Especially for general aviation (GA), where aircraft are not necessarily equipped with high-tech detection gear (in/out) due to the high cost. Considerable initiatives are being made by the public, private, and associative sectors to make the skies safer for these aircraft. Unfortunately, we are reminded several times a year that things could and should be better. Recent mid-air collisions in Europe are evidence of this. Belgium is sadly not exempt from these tragic events. Paramotors are among the most vulnerable general aviation users. They have little physical protection, and their aircraft are usually not visible to other air users. Because of this, the Belgian Paramotor Federation (BPFM/FBPM) prioritises safety through training and info sessions. Additionally, each discipline in general aviation (ultralights, helicopters, paragliders, …) has its own “flying language” (ADS-B, FLARM, Fanet, etc.) which is rarely mutually shared or technologically understood by the other systems. The opportunities. But there is help from the private sector. Recently, the SafeSky app came into the market as a straightforward and affordable solution to address these visibility and communication gaps. All pilots at low- and medium-altitude airspace can communicate their location by simply using their mobile device. What is more, the app is free of charge to ensure a “zero cost = zero barrier” solution. In addition to registering and anonymously transmitting the whereabouts of SafeSky users, the app also incorporates air traffic from over 15 other protocols as such significantly fixing the communication issues between the different general aviation categories. The SafeSky app was rewarded internationally with GA excellence awards and enjoys the support of both national and European authorities. In the past, SafeSky has formed numerous partnerships true to its conviction that, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." (Hellen Keller). This collaboration with the BPMF/FBPM is however the first one with a national Belgian GA Federation. Patrick Aussems, President BPMF, said: "The key elements to avoid mid-air collisions are to see and be seen. Paramotors are small aircraft that are slow and not easy to spot, that's why the use of SafeSky is a huge step forward to increased security by making other pilots aware of the presence of such an aircraft in their vicinity. The Premium version which adds the possibility to run SafeSky in the background and get the surrounding traffic displayed in compatible navigation programs is a huge bonus for paramotor pilots because we often fly with a single device. With this partnership, we hope to increase the use of SafeSky in the paramotor community and make the skies a safer place for every pilot." Paul Windey, Co-Founder SafeSky said: “Each aviation discipline has its own particularities. Paramotors fly freely, head into the wind, and it's an incredible pleasure and sensation. With SafeSky as a companion, freedom and safety go hand in hand, allowing other faster aircraft (planes, ulms, ...) to see this slow traffic and avoid it. The sky belongs to all of us and we share it, let's do it in a mature way by thinking of the other pilots as well, because a collision is always a two-way process. This partnership is a major contribution to safety for all.” We strongly hope that this collaboration will serve as inspiration and invitation to other GA Federations. Only together we can make the pleasure of flying prevail over its dangers. For more information: SafeSky Paul WINDEY Co-Founder Public Relations +32 497 41 10 65 www.safesky.app * The PREMIUM plan offers a number of additional comfort and compatibility features on top of the free plan which mainly focuses on safety.