Press Release

Issued by DEA.

June 10, 2013

Diamond-Executive Aviation is pleased to announce that on the 7th of June, 2013, RGV Aviation, a leading UK avionics supplier completed the fitment of the final Avidyne TAS615 traffic collision avoidance system to G-DSKY, a Diamond DA42.

The TCAS program means that all 10 of DEA's DA42s, and the Cobham/OSRL Islander are now fitted with TCAS 1 functionality.

TCAS 1 actively interrogates the transponders of other airborne aircraft, analyses the replies and based on the current and rate of change of altitude, speed and direction of other aircraft automatically assesses whether these aircraft pose a possible or real collision risk. Only aircraft that pose a risk are then highlighted by both a voiced based alert and symbology on the Garmin flight deck screens to inform the crew that action may be required. The system works independently of radar services, which may be not present, due to
location e.g. shielding by mountains or areas not served by radar, even in the UK. By highlighting potential threats, the system allows pilots to visually acquire other aircraft and take avoiding action, even if the other aircraft is not in communication with either the DEA aircraft or ground based radio facilities.

Commenting on the completion of the program John Dundon, head of DEA's flight operations said "TCAS 1 capability adds a significant enhancement to DEA's safety systems. Although the probability of two aircraft colliding is statistically remote, it has happened, especially in procedural airspace where aircraft are flying very precise tracks only separated in time, and sadly it has happened even in airspace where radar services existed. Given that we are often flying in relatively close co-operation with other DEA aircraft on the same mission and also flying on special operations where our intent and purpose is not necessarily understood or appreciated by other aircraft, TCAS functionality is a major enhancement to safety and situational awareness." The TCAS upgrade program follows on from DEA's WX500 Stormscope upgrade program that adds the ability for all DEA's aircraft to see and avoid thunderstorm related activity and DEA's satellite tracking program that adds at least one and often two different real time satellite tracking systems to all DEA aircraft. Looking forward Peter Bondar, DEA's ceo added "Since our inception we have pre-emptively pioneered new technologies, regulatory authorities have acknowledged this strategy by readily granting increased operation privileges and operational coverage. In addition will be adding ADSB (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) support to all our aircraft as soon as the new hardware is available to further improve our ability to interact with complex and heavily populated airspace, this will also allow improved tracking of aircraft for both DEA and also our partners."