FPL equipment

[FlyingStone]

Since Garmin GNS 430/530 has the 8.33 capability, do you put Y into equipment when filing flightplan for usual VFR flight (below FL100)?

Also, for example if aircraft isn't equipped with ADF, do you then put LOV (ILS, VOR and VHF) or simply S for Standard?

[IO540]

Since Garmin GNS 430/530 has the 8.33 capability, do you put Y into equipment when filing flightplan for usual VFR flight (below FL100)?

It does no harm.

Your other Q I don't have a proper answer for.

I always file SYRG/S.

There is no evidence that anybody in Europe cares what equipment you declare, except that Eurocontrol will reject a flight plan if

- you file above FL195 without a Y (8.33)

- you file above FL270 (?) without RVSM

- you file a FL which is above the ceiling for that type in their database

but I see no indication ATC uses, or even sees, the declared equipment.

[FlyingStone]

ATC probably sees it, since equipment is in part of FPL (items 7 through 18) which ATC sees, but I guess they don't use it.

OK, will try to file 8.33 on couple of next flights - as you said, it really can't do any harm :)

BTW, I've searched through Eurocontrol's page for implemention of 8.33 channel spacing below FL195 that will require for all aircraft that operate inside Europe to have 8.33 capability by 2018. Will we really have to throw away all that steam avionics from 70's and 80's that still works flawlessly (more or less), which cannot be modified for 8.33?

[IO540]

I am not sure that ATC does see the flight plan as a whole, generally. But it depends on which "ATC".

The 8.33 proposal is completely nuts because it is 100.000% driven by job protection in the national CAA frequency allocation offices.

I am not aware of a cheap solution. One can replace the KX155/155A radios with a KX165A but that costs US$4k plus installation (which is nil if replacing a KX155A). The Garmin x30 units are 8.33 also, and quite popular. My guess is that somebody will bring out a cheap radio with 8.33 - it doesn't cost anything to do that (it is just software) since all the stuff is synthesised anyway off one crystal.