As we age, we see Less. But don't tell the FAA.. ..so what are the thoughts on traffic avoidance systems...

My GTN750 paired with a Mode S transponder has TIS capability and is nice to have. I once questioned a controller calling traffic at 9:00 when the TIS was showing traffic at about 2:30 but nothing at 9:00. He corrected himself (didn't leave me with much of a warm fuzzy about ATC traffic advisories). No experience with TCAS at all, so I can't comment on that, but I'd rather have TIS than have nothing but Mk-1 eyeballs.

We have TCAS I (Honeywell Skywatch) in the Cirrus and it is very effective. It's an active system which means it actively interogates other aircraft transponders outside of ATC coverage areas. However at $30K (or whatever) I think it's an expensive investment in comparison to what is coming with ADS-B. In my PA-30 I have a little Zaon unit tied into a Garmin aera 510. It works ok but it's a passive system and relies on ATC interrogations of aircraft transponders. It's good about letting me know something is out there but because it is passive the traffic may have moved from where it's shown on the screen so you have to scan more.

All the above said I think ADS-B is the direction. I personally would not go for an active TCAS system. I think money would be better spent on ADS-B out capability (mandated by 2020 anyway) and then get the benefit of better ADS-B in on the traffic side.

Just my 2-cents

- Charles

8871Y has TCAS, it is the Avidyne TAS600 and displayed on the GNS530W. I am based in Pompano Beach Fl which
Enjoys high volumes of traffic here in So. FL. My logic is that you only see about 1/2 of the traffic effecting your
Flight, and 1/2 isn't safe or comfortable. I am safe and comfortable on every flight. That includes the Bahamas all the
way to Seattle WA, where we were this past weekend at the ICS Convention. Life is short enough, and when it ends,
as we all know, we can't take it with us. KB

I agree the active systems are best, but at 30k prices, not very feasible for most of us. I have the Zaon XRX which works very well, coupled to the Garmin 496. I plan to add the Zaon MX1090 which adds ADS-B traffic, all for a price of under 2K, not including the Garmin. I consider the handheld Garmin a go/nogo item even though I have a panel mount 530, since the 496 has the XM weather. Unless it is clear VMC, I would almost give up every other piece of Avionics in the plane. The XM is even much better than my on board radar and I will not fly wothout it.