Mode S requirement in UK and France?

[FlyingGoat]

I've spent an hour buried in Eurocontrol's website, without coming up with the Mode S transponder requirement for GA, non-commercial under 5,000 kilo a/c. I've sort of found it, but it's hedged with dates, West/East French airspace and obscure acroynms.

Could anyone please relieve the pain and offer a plain English interpretation for both IFR and VFR?

This (http://www.eurocontrol.int/msa/public/standard_page/implementation_els_ehs.html) is where I started, and then lost hope.

Thanks.

[172driver]

Last time I checked (earlier this year), France was mandatory Mode S for IFR but not for VFR.

[bookworm]

In the UK (http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadbasic/pamslight-0A8F1EA4240A8E06CFDFEE4B1A207E6A/7FE5QZZF3FXUS/EN/AIP/GEN/EG_GEN_1_5_en_2010-05-06.pdf), Mode S Elementary (the standard installation for light aircraft) is required (with a few limited exceptions):

* in class A, B and C
* in class D and E under IFR
* at or above FL100
* in a TMZ (Currently Scottish TMA > 6000 ft and under the two Stansted CTA stubs)
* when flying for public transport (or CAT)

Aircraft already equipped with Mode A/C at 31/3/2008 may continue to operate with it until 31/3/2012 provided they have registered for an exemption.

All fixed wing either 5,700+ kg or 250+ KTAS must have Enhanced Mode S in the London TMA.

[FlyingGoat]

172Driver, thanks - Reading this (http://www.eurocontrol.int/msa/public/standard_page/nv_france.html)it may only be Eastern France so far, but researching further.

Bookworm - thanks - I'm going through your 18-page link, but haven't found that dated exemption to 31.3.12 yet.

Will report back.

[bookworm]

5.3.5.2 ... and text to make it at least 10 chars

[FlyingLapinou]

According to this (http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transpondeur) I think 172Driver has it right for France.

Mode S mandatory for IFR flight since 31 March 2007, and may become so from 2014 for VFR in certain airspace and on certain routes.

Don't all shoot at once if I've got it wrong...:{

[patowalker]

See 3. Surveillance equipment here:

https://www.sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/aip/enligne/fr/..%5CPDF_AIPparSSection%5CAIP%20FRANCE%5CGEN%5C1%5C1013_GEN-1.5.pdf