Sat Mar 13, 2021 6:08 pm
#1832922
@patowalker you are indeed correct however, the Ofcom letter and website assume a level of knowledge that I think is perhaps challenging the average pilot.
There needs to be guidance as to how to apply the right values in the Ofcom calculator and most people would look for help through either:
Manufacture Specification/Maintenance Organisation/Aviation Body such as AOPA or LAA etc/CAA or their own technical knowledge.
There is a distinct lack of clarity from some of those sources and in at least one case, admission they don't understand and have asked Ofcom for explanation.
I have received feedback that there has been little if any consultation with the aviation bodies, unless someone knows otherwise, and that the Marine Side has had some consultation.
The letter that is sent out says that Ofcom are expecting feedback from the recipient before the 18th April 2021, perhaps suitable worded feedback would identify the fact that the pilot community is struggling with this further level of bureaucracy.
For my own Trig Transponder I get a safe distance of 0.33m using the assumed duty cycle of the transponder. For the average VHF transmitter in a GA aircraft you would probable lose enough of the 10 watts in the cable/connectors to be below the 10Watt threshold and then the duty cycle is how long is the transmission in any 6 minute period. Unless you have a penchant for life stories of course.
There needs to be guidance as to how to apply the right values in the Ofcom calculator and most people would look for help through either:
Manufacture Specification/Maintenance Organisation/Aviation Body such as AOPA or LAA etc/CAA or their own technical knowledge.
There is a distinct lack of clarity from some of those sources and in at least one case, admission they don't understand and have asked Ofcom for explanation.
I have received feedback that there has been little if any consultation with the aviation bodies, unless someone knows otherwise, and that the Marine Side has had some consultation.
The letter that is sent out says that Ofcom are expecting feedback from the recipient before the 18th April 2021, perhaps suitable worded feedback would identify the fact that the pilot community is struggling with this further level of bureaucracy.
For my own Trig Transponder I get a safe distance of 0.33m using the assumed duty cycle of the transponder. For the average VHF transmitter in a GA aircraft you would probable lose enough of the 10 watts in the cable/connectors to be below the 10Watt threshold and then the duty cycle is how long is the transmission in any 6 minute period. Unless you have a penchant for life stories of course.
Mind over Planet!