SkyEcho may be finding a role - and approval - in the USA

[Garfly]

 

 

 

 

From the YT description:

"The FAA's proposed rule for drone integration to the NAS includes the possibility that crewed aircraft that don't have ADS-B will have to give right of way to drones when flying below 400 feet. uAvionix has come up with a simple inexpensive solution that also has safety benefits for glider, paraglider and ultralight pilots that is also anonymous. uAvionix's Christian Ramsey tells us about the SkyEcho, a portable ADS-B Out/In device that can offer real utility at altitudes also occupied by drones."

[jackc]

I got told that our Sky Echo units may be obsolete in 18 months, due to CASA changes?

Maybe we can then sell them to the U.S.? 

[skippydiesel]

"I got told that our Sky Echo units may be obsolete in 18 months, due to CASA changes?"

 

What changes????😈

[jackc]

Just now, skippydiesel said:

"I got told that our Sky Echo units may be obsolete in 18 months, due to CASA changes?"

 

What changes????😈

I believe mandatory use of ADSB Transponders only?  I am checking this further 👍

[Garfly]

 

It looks like that wouldn't be for at least 8 years.

 

 

 

ADS-B Mandate Cross Agency Working Group

Potential future expansion of

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) mandate in Australia

 

Consultation Paper September 2025

 

potential-future-expansion-automatic-dependent-surveillance-broadcast-ads-b-mandate-in-australia-consultation-paper-september2025.pdf

 

EXCERPT (p.9) :

 

Potential model in brief

 

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) 

 

...  Overall, the model proposes a staged introduction of ADS-B OUT capability for all aircraft operating under VFR, including the use of approved electronic conspicuity (EC) device in some circumstances. The model would see aircraft operating under VFR in class A, D, E and G airspace equipped with ADS-B OUT from 2028.

For Class D, E or G airspace, operators could choose between approved ADS-B equipment or approved EC devices. This would be supplemented in 2033 by a requirement for all capable aircraft

operating in Class B and C airspace to be equipped with approved ADS-B equipment. A transition to approved ADS-B equipment for all capable VFR aircraft in all airspace is envisaged in the long term, at a time to be determined beyond 2033. Equipment requirements under an ADS-B mandate would be in addition to existing requirements relating to carriage and use of transponders.

 

The working group has proposed ADS-B IN capability using a suitable receiver be required from 2028 for all capable aircraft operating under VFR. This reflects the fact that much of the safety benefit of ADS-B technology is enabled only once both OUT and IN functionality is activated, and by the fact that approved EC devices in Australia can be capable of both OUT and IN functionality.

 

 

 

Edited December 26, 2025 by Garfly

[skippydiesel]

(Following are my understanding of Australian airspace regulations at the present time & foreseeable future)

 

SE2 is  In & Out ADSB  Transponder (limited range).

 

SE2 can be run in parallel with a compliant ADSB Out transponder.

 

For maximum benefit the SE2 needs to be Bluetoothed connected to a suitable EFB display (eg iPad/OZRunways). The display will show ADSB OUT equipped aircrafts in the vicinity (10Nm +?)

 

For aircraft without an EFB display, there is still a benefit in that other aircraft, fitted with an ADSB IN display, will be able to see an avoid the SE2 equipped aircraft.

 

For entry to Controlled Airspace (CTA) the aircraft must be fitted with a compliant Transponder (Mode S, ADSB out, legacy Mode A & C). SE2 does not currently meet the standard's for entry to CTA. This does not mean that SE2 is not a valuable safety tool, especially when used in congested airspace eg Sydney.

 

The still legal/current, legacy Mode A & C transponders are not compatible with SE2 ie do not show up on your iPad. I presume that they are not compatible with any on board ADSB systems. In congested airspace, this makes for a real safety issue.  If anything is to be  made "...obsolete.." it should be the old systems ASAP!.

 

True our authorities sometimes impose incredible stupid/impractical/ineffective regulations on us, however I cant see the aviation authorities making "...Sky Echo units .... obsolete..."  any time soon, as this would be a significant backward step, in their current drive towards the (subsidised) fitting of ADSB systems in small aircraft.

 

I doubt that SE2 will be made obsolete, :

• As it does not conflict with ADSB Out
• If the sole transponder on board, as long as the aircraft/pilot does not wish to enter CTA 😈

[Thruster88]

5 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

(Following are my understanding of Australian airspace regulations at the present time & foreseeable future)

 

SE2 is  In & Out ADSB  Transponder (limited range).

 

SE2 can be run in parallel with a compliant ADSB Out transponder.

 

The transmit function, adsb out must be turned off in the SkyEcho2 settings if an ADSB transponder is fitted to the aircraft. Can't have two outs. One advantage for the pilot of an aircraft equipped this way is continuous viewing of your own ADSB transponder, ie you know the out and the in is working and altitude and position is being transmitted correctly,  far better than a check every two years.

[skippydiesel]

10 hours ago, Thruster88 said:

The transmit function, adsb out must be turned off in the SkyEcho2 settings if an ADSB transponder is fitted to the aircraft. Can't have two outs. 

 

I thought as you do, however I was advised, by CASA, that there no legal/practical problem with using my SE2 IN/OUT & my ADS-B Out at the same time😈

Edited December 26, 2025 by skippydiesel

[BurnieM]

If you do not have an approved GPS source for a mode S/ADS-B transponder then it is not transmitting ADS-B just mode S.

So running a Skyecho out/in should be fine.