09-30-2015, 07:21 PM
How will the FAA know how high people are flying? First, I don't know that every aircraft at low altitude is visible on radar 30 miles away from the airport. When flying inter-island, even at a couple thousand feet, HCF has frequently lost me on radar until I got closer to one of the islands. Passing Upolu Point they often tell me they'll lose me until I get closer to Hilo. Also there is the issue of workload. When you get any distance at all from the airport they have you squawk VFR unless you have specifically requested flight following. Sometimes if they get busy they'll cut you loose and terminate radar services. Point is down low and out of the way like over Puna where some people feel the need to track the helicopters, radar isn't that effective. You're asking for a whole 'nuther level of service. Is there anyone keeping track of cars in similar fashion? Would you propose starting to do so? It could solve a lot of issues with problem drivers. Most of us would not pursue that due to the general sense that it would not be worth it. Most recognize that the the technology for that is not in place. Mostly, most people generally tolerate the mayhem on the roads out of a sense that if rigorous controls were put in place (like anything even remotely similar to pilot certification and aircraft maintenance) it would affect them negatively.