? for Scot ATC re VFR flight

[Bearcat]

group of us flying cubs from dublin (eiwt) to glenforsa(mull) soon.One of the cubs is neg transponder equipped. What are the implications here and is it best it travels with in formation with a tx equipped mode c cub?

[benedictus]

If you're flying VFR then negative transponder is not an issue for the flight you propose. You'll basically get a FIS all the way, so no need to worry

[Bearcat]

many thanks for your reply....

[BOAC]

Enjoy Glenforsa and don't forget to chase the sheep off the strip!

Edited to say do NOT get Mummy sheep on one side of the strip and baby on t'other or you'll be there all day

[Lock n' Load]

You'll probably stay well to the west of the Glasgow zone, but just note that Class D zones (not sure what class Prestwick and Belfast have) require transponder use. Having said that, a call ahead to ATC by phone to see if they'll let you through will usually result in a yes, especially if flying in formation with transponder equipped aircraft. In that case, they'd want only one of you squawking anyway!

[Bearcat]

roger...all advise gratefully received.....

[Eric T Cartman]

Prestwick airspace is class D & a transponder is not required, however I would suggest that unless you plan to fly east of Arran, you'd be advised to get a FIS from ScATCC on 127.27 or 119.87.

[Tower Ranger]

Belfast City airspace is also class D but there`s no requirement to be transponder equiped and we`re primary radar only so you all look the same to us.

Alot depends on where you intend to leave the N.I. coast at. If you`re going to route Groomsport - Stranraer and up the coast that way you`ll see our traffic dropping to 2500 on left base rw22 and you should be able to get two way with EGPK approach about 10 miles north of Stranraer.

If you`re going to coast out further up the north coast near Cushendun and route towards Macrihanish you`ll cross both Belfast City and Aldergroves Fat`s which can be a little more " entertaining " and you`ll ebd up working Scottish info 127.27.

[NorthSouth]

Class D zones (not sure what class Prestwick and Belfast have) require transponder useNo they don't. Unless you're flying IFR in CAS or you're a public transport flight or you're flying above FL100, the UK only requires transponders in airspace that is specifically designated. At the moment that only includes:
- the Scottish TMA between 6000ft and FL100
- Sumburgh CTA and CTR
and even there, the requirement does not apply if you're receiving an approved crossing service.

Even Heathrow, Gatwick and City Zones don't require transponders.

Mandatory transponders for VFR flights are only due to come in from 2008, and that's in ALL airspace, not just control zones.

So relax, have a lovely flight and just stick to good old Scottish Information who will tell you all you need to know and look after you without any fuss about transponders.

[Bearcat]

thanks a mill re the info, very much appreciated....Glenforsa here we come!