What is Electronic Conspicuity?
Electronic Conspicuity (EC) is an umbrella term for the technology that can help pilots, unmanned aircraft users and air traffic services be more aware of what is operating in surrounding airspace. Identifying an aircraft by electronic means involves the use of electronic devices such as ADS-B systems and other technologies to enhance aircraft visibility and situational awareness.
EC includes the devices fitted to or carried on aircraft and unmanned systems that send out the information, and the supporting infrastructure to help them work together. Airborne transponders, air traffic data displays, ground-based antennas and satellite surveillance services are all examples of EC. The information generated by these can be presented to pilots and air traffic services visually, audibly or both to provide them with information on other traffic nearby. EC strengthens the fundamental safety principle of ‘see and avoid’ by adding the ability to ‘detect and be detected’. To be most effective it needs 100% of users operating in a designated block of airspace using compatible EC devices that can be detected by others.
EC can play a vital role in four key areas to support the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy objectives (AMS):
- Enabling the on-going modernisation of the UK’s airspace structure and route network.
- Helping to mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions in Class G airspace, and infringements of controlled airspace.
- Enabling the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft
- Providing the ability to share accurate navigation position data between airborne devices and ground (or indeed space-based) systems.
More information
Airspace Modernisation Strategy
Information on EC devices CAP1391
978 MHz Frequency
In March 2025, we published a joint statement with Ofcom that makes the 978 MHz frequency available for airborne transmission onboard Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) applications.
Electronic Conspicuity and Airspace Modernisation
In December 2022, we published a joint statement with the Department for Transport (DfT) on the development of a national specification for Electronic Conspicuity (EC) alongside a report commissioned by the DfT from Egis, an independent aviation consultancy .
We have always advocated for the development of a clear national specification for EC and support the recommendations included in the Egis report for aircraft to be equipped with regulated EC devices that meet the proposed specifications. The potential volume and intensity of future air operations in the UK requires a step change in how airspace users safely operate in relation to each other, this EC work is a step towards understanding how that will work and supports the integration of airspace users as described in the Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
We are now focusing on working transparently with manufacturers and the GA community to ensure both specifications and the detail of how, and where, equipment will be mandated can be fully appreciated.
Checking your EC Device has a valid declaration
An EC device that operates using ADS-B at 1090MHz must have a Declaration of Capability and Conformance from the manufacturer before you can legally use it on board an aircraft. The pilot in command of the aircraft is responsible for ensuring that the EC device has a valid declaration.
Declared devices
| Ref No | Issue No | Manufacturer | Type No | Category |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000001 | Issue 0 | uAvionix Inc | Ping1090-20 | Basic/transmit only |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000002 | Issue 0 | uAvionix Inc | Echo ATT-20B | Basic/transmit only |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000005 | Issue 0 | f.u.n.k.e. Avionics GmbH | ATOM-(000)-(000) | Basic/transmit only |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000006 | Issue 0 | f.u.n.k.e. Avionics GmbH | LPAT-(000)-(000) | Intermediate |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000003 | Issue 1 | f.u.n.k.e. Avionics GmbH | PNLMGE71.stp | Intermediate |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000004 | Issue 1 | uAvionix Inc | SkyEcho | Intermediate |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000007 | Issue 0 | uAvionix Inc | SkyEcho 2 | Intermediate |
| UK.CAA.DoCC.000008 | Issue 0 | uAvionix Inc | Ping1090i | Basic/transmit only |
Understanding how your EC Device can be used
EC devices are intended for voluntary carriage on registered and non-registered UK Annex II aircraft, non-complex aircraft of <5700kg MTOM and for gliders and balloons (including those covered under ELA 1 and ELA 2) within uncontrolled UK airspace.
How to use 24-bit addresses with EC Devices
Most EC devices use a unique 24-bit address in the same way as a transponder. This usually forms part of an aircraft's Certificate of Registration. However, as an EC device is designed to be portable and to also be used by unregistered aircraft, the 24-bit address will be programmable by the user. You can find details on how to perform this function in your EC device's operating handbook.
For use on an unregistered aircraft
If you are using an approved EC device on an unregistered aircraft, you should contact the National IFF/SSR Committee secretary and provide the following:
- Your contact details and UK postal address
- The details for your EC device, including: Make, Model and Serial number
- Brief description of how the device will be used (e.g. on multiple unregistered aircraft)
Where appropriate, the NISC will allocate the EC device a unique ICAO 24-bit address. It could take a minimum of 4 weeks for the CAA to allocate a 24-bit address.
For use on registered aircraft
If you are using your EC device on a registered aircraft with an existing ICAO 24 bit address, then this address shall be used.
If you need to move the device between registered aircraft, it should be reprogrammed with the new aircraft's ICAO 24 bit address (as appropriate).
Selling your device
If you sell your EC device, you need to clear any registered aircraft 24 bit address before the sale. The new purchaser must contact us with their contact details and we will issue a unique 24 bit address if necessary.
Ensuring you have the correct WTA License to use an EC Device
To operate any radio equipment, aircraft owners/operators must hold a valid Wireless Telegraphy Act (WTA) Aeronautical Radio Licence. 1090MHz EC devices are radio-transmitting equipment, so are subject to this regulation.
The WTA usually requires anyone operating a transmitter/receiver, on this frequency, to have or be under the direct supervision of someone who possesses a Flight Radio Telephony Operator's Licence or FRTOL. This was because when this radio licence condition was introduced, it was assumed that all aircraft radio stations would include a voice telephony function.
A General Exemption has been issued so that while a WTA licence is still needed, the pilot need not hold a FRTOL if the transponder is the only radio equipment on the aircraft. However, the WTA licence must be varied formally to remove the need for the FRTOL. Variations are available free of charge. They are available from the on request by completing the form here. You must keep the variation with the WTA licence.
Approved transmitting EC devices will be included under the licensee's WTA licence as standard once notified.
When you buy an EC device, it is the responsibility of the aircraft owner/operator to complete the relevant application form to obtain a WTA Aircraft Radio Licence from Ofcom.
If you are a manufacturer wishing to submit a Declaration of Capability and Conformance go to the Aircraft Equipment page and read CAP 1391.
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