Air sense doesn't seem to be on these models. However, don't feel bad its been busted on the M3 since the last few updates
Yes, there is. Sight. And that's a significant reason for the VLOS requirement. Fundamental to the safety of VFR flight is the idea that every VFR pilot must observe enough of the airspace around the aircraft to see and avoid other potentially conflicting aircraft.
There is no legal requirement for hearing for pilots under Part 107, nor for operators under 44809. There is, however, a requirement to maintain the ability to see your aircraft.
I guess I should have expanded on my inquiry. I fly in a rural area and often times I launch from a clearing or small field. I always maintain VLOS and in those cases where I launch from a small clearing I only climb straight up to 200'-400', take my video and I'm down again. Although VLOS is kept the entire flight, having a visual on an approaching aircraft is very limited. I was hoping that there was some utility that would provide an additional method to warn me.
My winter home is just over a mile from an active hospital helipad. Trust me when I say that MedFlight helicopters are loud. There is no doubt when one is inbound and I hear every time one starts up on the pad. They are heavy with all the life support equipment they carry so their power plant is quite robust.
"See and Avoid" is drilled into all manned aircraft students. No it is not perfect but the concept is good and your best shot. You are to keep your eyes outside the cockpit most of the time for several reasons including collision avoidance. Staring at the controller most of the time is not the best idea or they would call it CLOS (Controller) and not VLOS. Others have mentioned limitations to the see and hear but again you have to give your best effort to keep all safe.
I take most on the forum as safety orientated and appreciate your cautious approach. There is a small fringe that will think it is too cautious. Very rare scenario that "too cautious" exists in aviation.
Doesn't really matter. The helicopter has priority regardless and if there is any doubt the onus is still on you to deconflict as a precaution. If you don't have a dedicated spotter who can quickly locate the aircraft for you and advise then the simplest option is to descend to a safe altitude ASAP and wait until you can either get a fix on the helicopter or it's clearly gone past. You could also bring it back to you at a low altitude and land if preferred.
I agree with that as long as they have it for that heliport.
