Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
CAA
Text
Various aircraft paint schemes have shown to have little benefit in improving the conspicuity of aircraft for the wide range of weather, environmental and geographical conditions likely to be encountered. Similarly the current minimum aircraft lighting requirements are not always effective in attracting the attention of pilots in bright conditions.
However, more modern high intensity strobe lighting can increase the ability for an aircraft to be detected in most lighting conditions and could improve the reliability of ‘see-and-avoid’ as a primary means of preventing mid-air collisions.
The Commission recommends that the Director of Civil Aviation initiate a review of aircraft anti-collision lighting systems, including the use of high-visibility paints, to determine whether there are systems that can increase the visibility of aircraft; and if such systems are found to exist Report 10-008 | Page 43 with demonstrable safety benefits, start action to promote, encourage or mandate their application in the New Zealand civil aviation system
However, more modern high intensity strobe lighting can increase the ability for an aircraft to be detected in most lighting conditions and could improve the reliability of ‘see-and-avoid’ as a primary means of preventing mid-air collisions.
The Commission recommends that the Director of Civil Aviation initiate a review of aircraft anti-collision lighting systems, including the use of high-visibility paints, to determine whether there are systems that can increase the visibility of aircraft; and if such systems are found to exist Report 10-008 | Page 43 with demonstrable safety benefits, start action to promote, encourage or mandate their application in the New Zealand civil aviation system
Reply Text
The CAA confirms the recommendation is being implemented. A review of anit-collision lighting systems and high visibility paint use is currently being assessed by the Operations and Airworthiness Group. An implementation ate has yet to be finalised.
Related Investigation(s)