Randolph Jr./Sr. High, Randolph, MA



Our entry provides a solutionto the problems of flight hazards, such as towers, in low-visibility conditions.We have proposed four tower proximity warning transponder system designs forpossible prototype use on the Quincy tower. Our system would function well aseither a primary or supplementary source of collision warning data.

TheFederal Aviation Administration has never required the use of a relativepositioning system or collision warning system in a small, noncommercialaircraft. Many helicopters and small planes, without Global Positioning Systemreceiver equipment, use a flight path within a half mile of the controversialtower. Were one of these aircraft to collide with the tower, perhaps dozens oflives and millions of dollars would be lost.

Considering feasibleeconomics, maintenance, technical efficiency and easy integration, we havecreated a system, the TPWTS 2, which would function well as either a primary orsupplementary source of collision warning data. With our easily affordable TPWTS2 receiving equipment, pilots would be able to detect the relative position ofany nearby obstructions, with pre-installed TPWTS 2 antennas. Through basicresearch and analysis of our theoretical TPWTS 2, we have planned out thepossibilities for a nationally standardized system of aircraft obstructionwarning transmitters.