As I was unsure about the XPDR settings in Europe I just looked up the German AOPA and they state in classes C, D, TMZ, night and flights above 5000 MSL/3500AGL even VFR Mode-S is mandatory. Is the UK so different and wasn't there something with SERA and unified airspace?
I also spent time to read on RMZ and am confused. When looking at EASA settings I see a mandatory lock in to the frequency and listen, but when I see at the AIPs I find "initial call mandatory", which is not in the original frame. Am I wrong or the local people sattling rules on top of otherwise unified regulations are just sabotaging the unified approach?
I know in the US is is quite easy and may of my old friends sell their pulled Mode A/C equipment to there, but within Europe I am still amazed to see all that "flexibility" ... I guess I have to take some theory lessons b4 flying there again.