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NO DELAY EXPECTED
29th Jan 2008, 23:47
Call someone help with this please about the
AIRBUS TRANSPONDER MODE S OPERATION
After landing the TCAS selector is set to "Standby " and the ATCselector stays in "Auto" until parked on stand when it is then switched to "Standby" aswell.
The question is :
Do I have to leave the "assigned squawk" code on until on the stand or once taxing in can I set the squawk window to 2000 which is the company SOP or MUST I HAVE TO LEAVE IT AT THE "ASSIGNED SQUAWK" FOR THE MODE S TO SHOW THE CONTROLLER US TAXING TO THE GATE and then set it to 2000 ??
Thanks Guys

Chrome
30th Jan 2008, 00:55
Just leave your squawk code until you've parked at the gate and set '2000' after engine shutdown. It can also be set in 'cockpit preparation' so there's really no rush in setting '2000'.

Hope that helps.

DesiPilot
30th Jan 2008, 17:43
Correct me if I am wrong but in AUTO mode, when on ground, the transponder is as good as being on standby. It gets the signals from LGCIU and if the ATC wants you to turn the transponder on it should be set to ON position.

So after landing does it really matter whether it is set to assigned code or 2000 (of course assuming ATC has not asked for it to be ON on the ground, as a good practice though I set it to 2000 after we park and when I put the transponder to STBY)?

Thunderbug
30th Jan 2008, 18:05
With our outfit we switch from TA/RA (i.e. TCAS ON, TXPR ON) to XPDR (TCAS OFF, XPDR ON) after landing. This is maintained to the parking position and then as part of the shutdown checks we set 1000 and STBY.

Leaving the XPDR ON with assigned squawk means we display our callsign to ATC ground movement radar while taxiing. Setting 1000 apparently sets the transponder to display aircraft registration.

This then satisfies the needs of most airports using Mode S ground surveillance radar.

EGLL AIS
Heathrow Airport is equipped with an advanced surface movement radar utilising Mode-S.
1 Aircraft operators intending to use London Heathrow Airport should ensure that Mode S transponders are able to operate when the
aircraft is on the ground
2 Flight crew should:
Select XPNDR or the equivalent according to specific installation, AUTO if available, not OFF or STDBY, and the assigned Mode A
code.
From the request for push back or taxi whichever is earlier;
After landing, continuously until the aircraft is fully parked on stand
After parking the Mode A code 1000 must be set before selecting OFF or STDBY.
3 Flight crew of aircraft equipped with Mode S having an aircraft identification feature should also set the aircraft identification. This
setting is the aircraft identification specified in Item 7 of the ICAO ATC Flight Plan. The aircraft identification should be entered from
the request for push back or taxi, whichever is earlier, through the FMS or the Transponder Control Panel.

T'bug :ok:

Dream Land
30th Jan 2008, 18:33
Correct me if I am wrong but in AUTO mode, when on ground, the transponder is as good as being on standby. It gets the signals from LGCIU and if the ATC wants you to turn the transponder on it should be set to ON position. I'm not a technician but I believe this to be absolutely correct.

Max Angle
30th Jan 2008, 19:08
I'm not a technician but I believe this to be absolutely correct.When on the ground and set to AUTO our transponders (Airbus 320 and 330) operate in mode S only and in all modes when in the air. Suspect it's the same for any modern mode S gear.

Chrome
31st Jan 2008, 04:26
When on the ground and set to AUTO our transponders (Airbus 320 and 330) operate in mode S only and in all modes when in the air.

True, so if one just leaves it on Auto after landing on the Buses, you should be able to comply with any ATC MSS requirement. Tried and tested personally in VTBS and WMKK.

Dream Land
31st Jan 2008, 05:33
When on the ground and set to AUTO our transponders (Airbus 320 and 330) operate in mode S only and in all modes when in the air. Suspect it's the same for any modern mode S gear. So from the above information, after landing, all one needs to do is turn TCAS to standby and leave the beacon code in until arrival at gate (Airbus), thanks for the info.

kishna
31st Jan 2008, 06:11
My understanding is that after landing, you can assign the squawk to whatever you desire, 2000 in your case & turn the TCAS to STBY. When on stand, select the STBY/AUTO/ON selector to STBY as that is the transponder (Mode S) portion of the box.
(If you have the same unit as us, the TCAS selector is on the bottom right & the transponder switch is top left).

Dream Land
31st Jan 2008, 08:04
Where I operate they want you on your assigned beacon code for the taxi radar, KUL, BKK, HKG.

dartagnan
31st Jan 2008, 15:24
keep it on auto, from pushback to arriving to the gate.

Dream Land
31st Jan 2008, 17:45
keep it on auto, from pushback to arriving to the gateCheers, D.L.