Ban mode A only transponders above 1500ft
Chilli Monster,
I agree the SR22 driver should be slowed to circuit speed, and thats easy in a Cirrus, she will happily fly along at 90knots!
I also agree that mode "alpha" is next to useless. It not only causes the ATC confusion you speak of but also causes us frights also!
Worst one I got was while I was practicing holds once, and suddenly got "Traffic Traffic" 0.3Nm 12o'clock.... no mode charlie!!!
Looked for ages for the traffic then noticed a helicopter starting his rotors in a field way way below me!!! If he had Mode C I would not even have seen a target on the scope (as the threat level would have been too low)
I would personally like to see "mode a" phased out and quickly. and as a start I propose that the CAA ban flight above 1,500feet if you have no Mode Charlie. That way if we see a return with no altitude on our scopes, then we know he should be below 1500ft.
Anyone that refuses to fit mode C in their aircraft is probably more happy flying low anyway......
Okay now you can all "flame me".....
Ian