Originally Posted by
AeroBoero
Unfortunately these sorts of procedures are not uncommon between the pilots here. Switching of the transponder and going to a different altitude or level than the one assigned is not uncommon.
I've never heard it before with airplanes flying on upper levels and under radar control, and sorry mate, but based on your statement all Brazilian pilots are a bunch of irresponsible and stimulate that kind of procedure...
There was a Brazilian pilot inside the Legacy.
When an aircraft has any problem with its transponder Brazilian ATC controllers immediately request a check and if it remains on primary mode they usually inform to all essential traffic including its altitude and direction. Ok, Brazil has many problems including poor English communication but so far its reputation in terms of aviation safety is still one of the best of the world.