COPA is participating on a working group at Transport Canada to study several issues and opportunities for use of new technology for marking and lighting of obstructions.
One of the options is a new concept involving a low-voltage radar that detects aircraft on a collision track that will be within 5 feet from the surface to 165 feet above the obstacle. When the system detects that an aircraft is 15 seconds from the obstacle, strobes are activated. At 5.5 seconds, an audio warning is transmitted on pre-selected frequencies.
A test of the Obstacle Collision and Avoidance System (OCAS) is being conducted in BC and the help of members in the area is requested by Transport Canada, whose Pacific Region is working with the British Columbia Transmission Company, Federal Aviation Administration and Norwegian company, OCAS-AS, to install a test system at the Ruskin power line crossing on the Fraser River, located 9 NM East of the Pitt Meadows Airport.
The Ruskin crossing is presently lighted with strobes, but is not marked with the standard orange and white spheres. During the test period which runs from Nov. 25, 2004 until June 30, 2005, the existing strobes (one on each side of the river) will remain on and a third strobe will be activated by the OCAS at the 15 second point.
The audio warning at 5.5 seconds will consist of the words “WIRES WIRES” and will be broadcast on several of the local area frequencies (local training area, control towers and VFR enroute).
Of course, we do not expect COPA members to deliberately trigger the system, given the low altitude manoeuvres that would be required. However, Transport Canada will be conducting evaluations at low level during the trial period.
If you hear the warning, Transport Canada is interested in your feedback regarding its effectiveness. Any questions or comments may be directed to Transport Canada Inspectors Geoff Graham (604-666-5490) or Wayne Heal (604-666-1090). COPA contact Kevin Psutka