Obstacle Collision Avoidance System

About Obstacle Collision Avoidance System

The Obstacle Collision Avoidance System (OCAS) is a ground-based safety solution designed to prevent aircraft collisions with stationary obstacles like wind turbines, power lines, and buildings. The system uses low-power radar to detect and track an aircraft's speed, heading, and altitude as it approaches an obstacle. If a potential collision is identified, OCAS activates a multi-stage warning protocol.

Initially, the system triggers medium-intensity visual warning lights on the obstacle, which remain off until a threat is detected. This feature is designed to minimize light pollution, earning the system approval from the International Dark Sky Association. If the aircraft continues on its course without altering its flight path, a secondary audio warning is broadcast directly to the pilot via a programmable VHF radio frequency. This layered approach enhances pilot awareness and provides crucial time to avoid a collision.

The developer of OCAS was acquired by Vestas, a wind turbine manufacturer, in 2011. The system is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and is operational in several countries, including the US, Canada, Norway, and Germany. OCAS provides a critical safety measure for low-flying aircraft, particularly in the vicinity of wind farms and other tall structures.