User's Manual

SKY899 Pilot’s Guide

Preliminary

Eyes That Never Blink

™

Early Traffic Alert/Advisory Systems

In the early days of flight, pilots were equipped with all they

needed for effective collision avoidance–a sharp pair of eyes.

But increasing traffic at higher speeds led to the development

TCAS I and II (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems)

which were too expensive for most regional airlines, business

aircraft, and general aviation aircraft.

SKYWATCH

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. recognized the need for an

alternative to expensive

TCAS systems and developed the

SKYWATCH model SKY497 Traffic Advisory System (TAS) and

the

SKYWATCH HP model SKY899 TAS/TCAS I.

The

SKYWATCH HP can be installed as a TAS to provide most

of the capabilities of

TCAS I, but at a significantly lower cost,

making it practical for small aircraft. The

SKYWATCH HP can

also be installed as a

TCAS I.

In addition to its

TCAS I capability, SKYWATCH HP improves

upon the

SKY497 by adding ADS-B surveillance, a larger display

range (

15 nmi), and a higher maximum closure rate (1200 kn).

Proven Experience

BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. has been involved in the

development of collision warning programs since the early

1980’s. In 1985, BFG began development of an enhanced

collision warning system for the

Navy’s T-34C training aircraft.

Based largely on the success of the

Navy project, BFG was

selected to validate the specifications for

TCAS I. As a result,

BFG’s original TCAS I unit, the TCAS791 was the first TCAS I to

TSO’d, first to receive a full, unrestricted STC, first to fly,

and first to be delivered.