The Obstacle Collision Avoidance System (OCAS®)
Rather than providing unnecessary continuous lighting of an aviation hazard or obstacle, the OCAS solution allows the lights to stay off until an aircraft approaches while also providing a superior warning capability for general aviation.
The OCAS solution is an on demand obstruction warning system using advanced 3D radar technology and standard obstruction lighting. OCAS provides both visual and audible (optional) warnings to pilots on a potential unsafe heading towards the aviation obstacle (such as wind turbines, over head power lines, and towers). OCAS improves the environmental profile of these obstacles, by eliminating light pollution caused by unnecessary lighting. OCAS also vastly improves flight safety when the audio capability is utilized.
For example, the OCAS solution will keep a wind farm “dark” at all times until an aircraft is on an unsafe heading towards it. In this case, the initial warning is the activation of medium intensity red strobe lights. The second (and in some cases optional) warning is an audio broadcast to the pilot's already on board VHF radio. The VHF warning range is adjusted based on local requirements and terrain.
With both the visual and audio warning capabilities, the system provides 24/7/365 warning functionality and is unencumbered by adverse visual conditions. In addition, the OCAS Control Center (OCC) provides 24/7/365 monitoring of the system that meets the tough reporting and compliance requirements of aviation regulators.
OCAS requires no additional installation in the aircraft.
BENEFITS OF THE OCAS SOLUTION:
• Flight Safety - OCAS meets and often exceeds the toughest flight safety requirements
• Decreased Environmental Impact – reduced light pollution and overall decreases the visual impact of an obstacle
• Improve ROI: reduced maintenance and replacement costs for lighting system, shorten permitting cycles with increased community acceptance, increase the potential for taller obstacles which in the case of a wind farm can increase the energy produces while still meeting increased lighting requirements.
• Improved Risk Management – documented surveillance records of aircraft near the park for future permitting and incident reporting
• Environmental Group Approval - International Dark Sky Association approved
• Regulatory Approval – US, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and complies with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines
