Need for a MODE S
Transponder in the UK GA Fleet
There
seems to be great confusion concerning the installation and use of Mode S
transponders in the UK General Aviation Fleet.
There is
a consultation paper at:-
http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1350&pagetype=90
In
essence this says that in the UK, provided you have a Mode A/C transponder
installed before 31 March 2008, this exemption
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ORS4_670.pdf
applies.
This means that you do not require Mode S until 31 March 2012 unless you are
flying in the London TMA (for which you've needed Mode S for the last year
anyway).
BUT you need to fill in
this online form
https://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=form&id=3038
with your
Aircraft Reg and serial number for your exemption to be granted.
In
effect, any new transponder installed after 31 March 2008 needs to be Mode S
(unless it is not used to satisfy the legal requirement for a transponder), but
if you have Mode A/C fitted already then just fill in the exemption form and
you are o.k until 2012
As for
flights to foreign parts ………there seems to be some further
confusion as to legitimate flight in other European airspace with only Mode
A/C. I hope I can update this page when
more is known.
The following is
extracted from a posting on the Flyer FORUM Website by Rod:-
I
received at the meeting with the CAA at LAA HQ today (15th March 2008)
The CAA’s Understanding of Mode S carriage
requirements in Europe.
(check with appropriate European regulator when planning
your flight)
France
Mode S is required for all IFR flight. For VFR flight Mode
a/c transponders are currently required in class B,C and D airspace, on
notified roughts and for non-local night flights. My be introduction of Mode S
for flight in TMA’s, but not before 09. (my own research indicates this
may happen for the Paris area but is not a certinty)
Belgium
Copy of the Belgian AIC 17/2003 is available on the
Eurocontrol website. This is the most up to date info available.
(my summary – IFR and VFR you need one, but 2003 was
a long time ago)
Germany
Copy of the German AIC VFR 9 dated 11 dec 03 is available
on Eurocontrol website.
(my summary you need mode s under normal circumstances but
exemptions are available For example aircraft which cannot practically carry a
transponder) Again this data is old.
Netherlands
Copy of Duch AIC B 04/04 dated April 04
(my summary - mandatory for all IFR flights, mandatory for
VFR above 1200ft, except over the north sea and in Transponder Free Zones)
Again this data is quite old.
Switzerland
Arrangements as now, mandatory s delayed due to equipment
issues until 09