The Remain Well Clear (RWC)

  • Decision support system to help reduce the risk of mid-air collisions and to assist the RPAS pilot in navigating potential hazards
  • RWC is part of the Detect and Avoid (DAA) framework for RPAS systems
  • RWC is a mid-to-long term function. It enables the aircraft to maintain a safe minimum distance. In case collision risk escalates, then a second function called Collision Avoidance (CA) is triggered. If RWC is triggered, a preventive resolution is performed
  • ”Well Clear” is defined by the ICAO Annex 2 but it no exact minimum distance is specified. Good for manned aircraft because the pilot can make a judgment but for unmanned systems, a rigid mathematical definition should exist
  • No standard definitions exist as of now