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Old 31st Dec 2009, 13:04
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HEATHROW DIRECTOR
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Berkshire, UK
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I think there's some confusion here. The usual callsign labels are derived from flightplan info linked to the transponder setting given to the aircraft. However, I believe that Mode S "callsigns" are set by the crew. Otherwise why would many of them be in error, or contain nonsense and even "rude" words? Plus, a significant proportion of aircraft do not transmit callsigns. Until about 12 months ago transmitted callsigns were unreliable but they have improved of late, possibly as a result of publicity to crews?

I'm currently looking at Mode S info from 50+ aircraft in the London area, of which around 15 are not transmitting callsigns.
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