EASA launches new initiatives to prevent GA mid-air collisions
April 11, 2025
Europe’s aviation safety watchdog is ramping up efforts to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions in general aviation, with the launch of two initiatives aimed at boosting electronic visibility for light aircraft and drones.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has unveiled new measures designed to make it easier and more affordable for private pilots and small aircraft operators to adopt electronic conspicuity technology.
Unlike commercial aircraft, which have Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), many smaller GA aircraft have traditionally operated without such technology.
That’s now changing. With technological advancements, more accessible and affordable electronic conspicuity devices are becoming available, allowing GA pilots to electronically “see” and be seen by other aircraft, even in uncontrolled airspace.
“Every year there are an average of six fatal airborne collisions involving GA, leading to 13 fatalities. The ability for every pilot to have access to affordable, compatible systems to enhance their situational awareness will be a major step forward in safety in this vital sector of the aviation community,” said Florian Guillermet, EASA Executive Director.
“GA is the part of aviation where the commercial pilots of tomorrow take their first steps in their careers. A thriving GA Community is therefore vital for the whole aviation eco-system.”
The first of the two new safety measures is the Conspicuity Declaration, a voluntary commitment agreed by 11 aviation authorities and industry partners.
This initiative promotes the use of electronic conspicuity devices and technical standards such as ADS-B out, ADS-L, and other surveillance data systems.
It also encourages collaboration on data analysis to support accident prevention and a shared commitment to improving aviation safety culture.
The second initiative, known as the ADS-L Coalition, focuses on the technological infrastructure supporting GA safety. This coalition brings together technology developers and manufacturers to adopt ADS-L as a standard protocol for electronic visibility.
Designed specifically for use by light aircraft and drones, ADS-L will allow aircraft to be electronically detected by other airspace users and ground systems, improving situational awareness for pilots.
Coalition members have pledged to include ADS-L in their existing and future products and to promote its adoption to maximise consistency and safety benefits across the industry.
Both efforts are part of EASA’s broader GA Flightpath 2030+ strategy, the latest evolution of the agency’s General Aviation Roadmap.
