What Is the SkyEcho 2 and Should You Use It? A Guide for UK General Aviation

If you're flying in UK uncontrolled airspace — especially in light aircraft, gliders, or balloons — the uAvionix SkyEcho 2 is your ticket to enhance both your safety and visibility. It's one of the few portable ADS‑B IN/OUT devices approved under UK CAA’s CAP 1391 standard. Here’s everything you need to know for a standout blog post.

1. Why It Matters for UK Pilots

• Learn, then be seen. SkyEcho 2 broadcasts your aircraft’s position, altitude, course, and speed via 1090 MHz ADS‑B Out, enabling other equipped aircraft to “see” you.

• Single device, double duty. It not only transmits but also receives ADS-B traffic (1090 MHz) and optionally 978 MHz UAT or FLARM (Europe) for enhanced situational awareness.

• CAA compliance made simple. CAP 1391 in 2019 cleared devices like SkyEcho 2 for ADS-B Out in addition to regular transponders

2. Key Features & Specs

3. How to Use It

1. Initial setup: Power up the device, connect via the SkyEcho‑generated Wi‑Fi, and set your ICAO hex code, aircraft type, and receiver mode via the settings page uavionix.com

2. Transmit on/off: Enable ADS‑B Out when no ES transponder is used; disable if your aircraft already has a Mode S ES transponder

3. Choose receiver mode: For UK/EU flights, select FLARM if glider traffic is relevant; otherwise use UAT to receive weather/TIS

4. Flight setup: Stick it on your canopy or window with the RAM mount, power it up before engine start, and connect your EFB (e.g., SkyDemon, ForeFlight) to start seeing traffic.

5. Maintain & update: Firmware updates are done via the Wi‑Fi interface — smooth and cable-free aviationinsider.com

4. Benefits in the Cockpit

• “See and be seen” safety: Gain proactive, graphical traffic alerts in your EFB + share your flight position with ATC & other traffic-equipped aircraft.

• Cost-effective fit: No permanent panel install required — switch between aircraft effortlessly.

• FLARM support: Valuable for glider pilots operating in mixed GA environments.

• Minimal cockpit clutter: Battery-operated, wireless, and lightweight.

• Extended flight use: Full-day coverage with 12 hr battery life.

5. Real-World Feedback

• Reliable performance: A Flyer forum user said:

  “I use mine as an ADS‑B In receiver only… I see plenty of ADS‑B and FLARM targets and am very happy with its performance.”

• Longevity is strong: Standalone ADS-B IN use shows no Wi-Fi dropouts over years.

6. UK Regulatory Highlights

• Approved under CAA CAP 1391 since 2019 — approved for ADS-B Out in GA aircraft, gliders, and balloons

• Must disable transmission when an ES transponder is fitted or outside approved regions (USA) due to geofence

7. Is It Right for You?

SkyEcho 2 is ideal if you:

• Fly light GA aircraft, gliders, or microlights regularly in the UK/EU.

• Want a portable safety tool, not permanent avionics.

• Operate without Mode S transponder with ES.

• Use EFBs that support GDL90 traffic feed.

Caveats:

• Unnecessary if you already have certified ADS-B transponder.

• Must manually manage transmitter settings if switching aircraft.

• FLARM reception may require a license via EFB apps in some cases

Final Verdict

The uAvionix SkyEcho 2 delivers top-tier blending of portability, regulatory compliance, and safety benefits — all in a compact device. It's one of the most compelling Spanish‑sized investments every UK pilot should consider, especially as Electronic Conspicuity gains momentum. If you're looking to buy one, you can buy the SkyEcho 2 directly from our UK-based pilot shop: uAvionix SkyEcho 2