Here we have a case of a low-altitude north bound aircraft receiving radar service from the controller, whereas the south bound aircraft is flying VFR, not talking to Center (or if the pilot wanted to have radar service from Center, the controller wouldn't be able to identify the aircraft, as it wouldn't be displayed). Both aircraft are detected by one-and-only-one radar site (Dansville). The radar data on both aircraft is sent to the computer at Cleveland Center. However, due to the process of selective rejection and the manner in which these sort boxes are adapted in this example, the south bound aircraft is NOT displayed. Hence, the controller can not issue a traffic advisory or safety alert to the north bound aircraft. The fixing of one problem (cone-of-silence) has contributed to another problem (invisible airplane).
Can this problem be alleviated?
[Back] [Forward] [To Slide Show Introduction]
© 2000 by Lusch's Midair Collision Investigations. All rights reserved.