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Squawk Codes

Old 4th Feb 2010, 08:19
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Squawk Codes

Hello there !

So, Squawk codes. How do they get assigned ?
What's the rhyme or reason behind them ?

Just curious.....

Thanks !

FFP
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Old 4th Feb 2010, 09:21
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Originating Region Code Assignment Method

The idea is that areas that use the same codes should be far enough apart that there is little or no possibility of wrong radar identification

Now developing further into
CCAMS: Centralised SSR Code Allocation and Management System (in evaluation mode)

Aimed at improving safety, CCAMS assigns SSR codes to flights in the IFPS zone automatically and more efficiently than the current ORCAM rules. A more efficient use of SSR codes will prevent flight delays and increase safety (e.g. due to less code switches). CCAMS functions include: receiving and processing 4D flight data, assigning SSR codes to flights while preventing code conflicts, identifying crossed ATSUs and distributing them the allocated SSR codes.
With the CFMU 12.2, the CFMU is ready to start operational evaluations with volunteer ANSPs.

For more details, consult the Releases Deployment Plan in the CFMU website’s Library.
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Old 4th Feb 2010, 09:29
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Transponder codes are assigned in the UK by a section of the CAA in the Directorate of Airspace Policy (DAP). If they are not ORCAM codes, eg are assigned to individual airfields or ATSU's, DAP have to ensure they are not duplicated by with the assignment to neighbouring units in order to avoid the two units assigning the same code to different aircraft in the same area, for instance, the Farnborough 04XX allocation is also assigned to Lakenheath and Birmingham, all three being deemed to be far enough apart to avoid confusion.
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Old 4th Feb 2010, 18:02
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Thanks for info.

Some areas of the world I fly in will leave my squawk when I change FIR's (example is UAE to OMAN) and other's will change it. And sometimes the change differs to, if that make sense (May be a 6*** or a 4***).

Would there be a reason for not changing the squawk on an aircraft coming into your sector as opposed to changing it ?
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Old 5th Feb 2010, 12:27
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That's great topupper. Answers my question. Thanks !
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Old 7th Feb 2010, 04:16
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I find it quite interesting that my transponder code very rarely changes flying across S-E asia. Does the region have a similar code allocation scheme and are there enough codes for all of us?

Also on initial contact most ACCs want us to report the transponder code as a means of identification, again something I haven't seen in Europe or N. America. Any specific reasons why ident or a code change isn't used?

S.

Edit to say I'm referring to Lumpur, Kinabalu/Kuching, Singapore, Jakarta, Ujung, Bali, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Phen, Hong Kong, Manila, Taipei, Guangzhou ACCs.

Last edited by babotika; 7th Feb 2010 at 09:44. Reason: Added detail
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Old 7th Feb 2010, 06:37
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In Australia the Eurocat-X system assigns codes automatically when filed flight plans become "pre-active", 45 minutes before ETD. These are displayed to controllers in the Electronic Strips. Hence if you are flying into an Aussie FIR with a code you will be asked to change it.

The reason being that the code that was available in the previous FIR may not be available, that is it is already being used, in the receiving FIR. Everyone is striving for seamless transfers however the limited number of SSR codes makes that very difficult.

When we finally move to a world wide ADS-B system each aircraft can be identified by it's 24 bit ADS-B code so I think transponders may become obsolete.
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Old 8th Feb 2010, 05:40
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The medium to long term aim in europe is to get rid of individual squawk codes for all IFR flights and use the Mode-S downlinked flight id (callsign) instead. That is currently under liive test at least in germany on certain domestic routes. All flights on that route get assigned the same quawk (2000 iirc) and the ATC system allocates individual information via the mode s flight id.
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Old 8th Feb 2010, 06:38
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Denti.. I hope it proves reliable as a significant number of aircraft transmit no callsign or an incorrect one..... or will the hex code be used instead?
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Old 8th Feb 2010, 08:53
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Just to add up on what babotika said.

When i fly from Mumbai FIR to Oman FIR, Muscat CTR allocates a new code depending on destination. But on the way back, Mumbai FIR is happy with the code allocated by Oman / UAE FIR. Just wondering why is it so.

Cheers
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Old 9th Feb 2010, 10:05
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ORCAM and mode S work OK as long as the aircraft remains within controlled airspace. But as soon as it leaves it becomes just another conspicuity code as it does not indicate which ATC unit is providing the aircraft with a service. This is important where you have several units operating in the same airspace.
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Old 9th Feb 2010, 21:57
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I think Toadpool is referring to the UK. In UK controlled airspace you can usually work out who is providing a service to an aircraft by it's position. Outside controlled airspace it's not so easy as an aircraft may be receiving a service from one of several local units, from one of several military units or not receiving a service at all. To cope with this the UK allocates blocks of Mode A codes to units which allows other controllers to identify who is controlling traffic which may affect their own aircraft. As Toadpool says this easy useful scheme won't work with Mode S and NATS and the Military are currently figuring out what to do instead.
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Old 10th Feb 2010, 10:28
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I was indeed referring to UK class G airspace, where you can have several units controlling traffic in the same airspace. In this case an ATCO would need to be able to quickly identify which other unit is working conflicting traffic for co-ordination purposes.

This isn't possible with ORCAM or mode S.
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Old 10th Feb 2010, 17:27
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class G airspace, where you can have several units controlling traffic in the same airspace
More significantly, this isn't possible in most countries!
 
Old 11th Feb 2010, 00:51
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Indeed, the rest of the world have found some benefits from letting one ATS unit only provide service in any given airspace block.

Also means it will never catch on in the UK I guess
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Old 11th Feb 2010, 01:54
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Considering, once you leave Muscat, no one ever contacts Mumbai on HF, Mumbai is probably too busy figuring who's who entering their FIR to assign codes.

GF
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Old 11th Feb 2010, 10:13
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@HD, the field trials were only allowed to start when the failure rate of entered call signs dropped below 1%. Allocation via the hex adresses is pretty much impossible as there is no central hex adress database, each CAA has its own adress pool and manages it on its own. So callsign it is.
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