What's Happening?
A US Air Force KC-135 aircraft narrowly avoided a collision with a glider during an approach to RAF Mildenhall. The glider, which had its transponder deactivated to conserve battery, was undetected by the KC-135's collision-avoidance systems. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding glider operations near busy military airspace. The UK Airprox Board emphasized the importance of transponders and criticized the practice of turning them off, despite the availability of advanced battery technology.
Why It's Important?
This incident underscores the critical role of transponders in ensuring air safety, particularly in areas with high military activity. The practice of deactivating transponders poses significant risks, potentially leading to catastrophic collisions. The event may prompt regulatory reviews and changes in aviation safety protocols, affecting both military and civilian aviation sectors. The incident also highlights the need for improved communication and coordination between different types of aircraft operating in shared airspace.
