L3 SkyWatch

Cirrus Transition Course

1/30/07

The system information, procedures and guidelines found in this presentation are for Reference Only.

The information & procedures in this presentation have been taken from the FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual and Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH). The Information & Procedures in this presentation DO NOT SUPERSEDE the Information & Procedures in the POH. In the event of conflict, the POH shall take precedence.

System Description

The SkyWatch model SKY497 is an airborne Traffic Advisory System (TAS). SkyWatch monitors a radius of approximately 11 nautical miles around the aircraft by interrogating transponders in the monitored area and determining if a collision threat exists.

To determine if a collision threat exists, SkyWatch calculates the range, altitude, bearing, and closure rate of all transponder equipped aircraft within the 11 nautical mile range.

SkyWatch can track up to 30 aircraft, but displays only 10 of the most threatening intruders.

System DescriptionSkyWatch will issue a Traffic Advisory (TA) when it detects an intruder aircraft within:

0.55 nautical mile horizontal distance

±800 ft relative altitude

Or detects an intruder aircraft that is on a course that will intercept the SkyWatch airplane’s course

within 20 seconds (non-altitude reporting intruder aircraft)

Or 30 seconds (altitude reporting intruder aircraft)

System DescriptionTraffic Advisories are indicated on the Avidyne MFD and the GNS 430 displays as well as an audio advisory:

“Traffic-12 O'clock High – 3 miles” Warnings are announced in the headphones and over the cabin speaker.

System DescriptionThe SkyWatch System consists of a Transmitter Receiver Computer (TRC) installed under the copilot’s seat just forward of the spar tunnel and a directional antenna installed on the airplane exterior above the cabin.

The system also utilizes inputs from the altitude encoder, the aircraft heading system (PFD’s Magnetometer), and a speed switch plumbed into the pitot system.

Electrical power for system operation is 28 vdc supplied through the 2.5-amp SKYWATCH Circuit Breaker on the Avionics Non-Essential bus.

InitializationSelf-Test

Automatic at power up

Requires 25 seconds to complete

Error messages are displayed on MFD

The SkyWatch system will annunciate the aural test pass only if the self-test is initiated by the pilot

NOTE

InitializationSelf-Test

In addition to the power-up self-test, an automatic self-test is performed several times each minute.

If the SkyWatch is in STBY or FAILED modes, an operator initiated self-test may be performed using the Avidyne MFD setup page as described below:

1. Select the MFD SETUP page.

2. Press the Traffic Self Test Button on the left hand side of the MFD page.

3. About 10 seconds later there will be a aural announcement.

Traffic TypesTraffic Alert (TA)

Intruder will be displayed as a TA for 8 seconds after threat has passed as well as the audio of traffic location relative to aircraft when traffic conflict is issued.

The SkyWatch system does not provide conflict resolution (RA). Any maneuver to avoid traffic must be made by visual contact or at the direction of Air Traffic Control.

WARNING

Traffic TypesProximate Traffic

Traffic within 4 NM and within 1200 feet

Other Traffic

Within 11 NM and within 9900 feet

GPS display allows a view out to 12 NM, however the system is only capable of displaying traffic within 11 NM.

NOTE

Traffic ZonesUnrestricted

+/- 9900 feet

Look Up (ABV)

- 2700 feet

+ 9000 feet

Look Down (BLW)

+ 2700 feet

- 9000 feet

Normal (NRM)

+/- 2700 feet

NomenclatureYellow Circle – Traffic Advisory

White Circle – Proximate Traffic

White Diamond – Other Traffic

Data Block – Absolute altitude of target from antenna (your altitude)

Trend Arrow – Indicates target climb or descent of 500 fpm or greater

Does not show rate of climb or descent, only trend

NomenclatureAvidyne MFD Display

Moving Map Overlay

Text Advisory

OperationDuring the takeoff run, SkyWatch will automatically switch to operational mode approximately 8 seconds after 35 KIAS is achieved.

During the landing roll out, SkyWatch will automatically switch back to STBY approximately 24 seconds after the airplane slows to 35 KIAS or below.

OperationWhen the SkyWatch issues a TA (Traffic Advisory), visually scan outside for the intruder aircraft. Call ATC for Guidance. If you visually acquire the intruder aircraft, use normal right-of-way procedures to maintain separation.

SkyWatch is a Traffic Advisory System (TAS), it should not be referred to as TCAS (Traffic Collision Alert System).

No Recommended avoidance maneuvers are provided nor authorized as a direct result of a TAS intruder display or TAS Alert.

Do not maneuver solely on traffic information shown on the display. Information shown on the display is provided as an aid in visually acquiring traffic.

It is not a replacement for ATC and See & Avoid techniques.

Controlled via GPS 430 interface

MenuSelf Test initiated from the Garmin 430’s does not work for most Cirrus Installations. Refer to MFD Initiated Self Test.

Cursor (PUSH CRSR)Allows Mode Selection, Standby or Operate

Allows View Toggle

Normal

Above

Below

Unrestricted

LimitationsSkyWatch can only detect aircraft that are equipped with operating transponders.

1. Traffic information shown on the GARMIN 430 displays is provided as an aid in visually acquiring traffic. Pilots must maneuver the aircraft based only upon ATC guidance or positive visual acquisition of conflicting traffic.

2. If the pilot is advised by ATC to disable transponder altitude reporting, the SkyWatch must be turned OFF.

3. The L3 Communications SkyWatch Traffic Advisory System Model SKY497 Pilot’s Guide P/N 009-10801-001 Rev B (6/6/00) or later must be available to the pilot during flight with the SkyWatch operating.

4. The GARMIN 400 Series Pilot’s Guide Addendum for “Display Interface for Traffic and Weather Data” P/N 190-00140-13 Rev E or later revision must be available to the pilot during flight with the SkyWatch operating.