Non transponder a/c in CAS.

[magpienja]

Hi all what is the current position with a GA aircraft requesting a CTR class D zone transit not equipped with a transponder, I seem to remember reading that things change this month.

Nick.

[AlanM]

Really, what are the changes then?

[magpienja]

Well that's what I am asking, as I said I seem to remember that maybe it will not be allowed but maybe I am mistaken, its not something I have had to think about before never needing to enter CAS but possibly may need to request it in the near future for a flight I am thinking of doing.

Nick.

[loubylou]

To be honest - I wouldn't be very keen on clearing traffic through my airspace unless it can squawk anyway - whatever the rules say!

louby

[NorthSouth]

If you want an IFR clearance through a Class D zone you already have to have a transponder. The difference from 31-3-08 is that your transponder must be Mode S. But if you have a Mode A/C transponder you can apply for an exemption from the Mode S requirement from the CAA.

If you only want a VFR clearance through a Class D zone there is no imminent change in the requirements, although there is a CAA proposal out to consultation which would require all aircraft in CAS (irrespective of flight rules) to have a Mode S transponder from 31-3-09, with a transition period to 31-3-12.

NS

[magpienja]

NorthSouth thats what I was after but I could not remember the details,

Many thanks.

Nick.

[Radarspod]

NorthSouth,

You shouldn't need an exemption for using Mode A/C only transponder after 31/03/08, it is an acceptable means of compliance for aircraft already fitted until 2012. New aircraft and new installations must be Mode S.

[Julian Hensey]

This is a major scare for the hot air balloon community. It is both technically impossible (Mode S tiny transponders are not in existence yet as far as my research finds) and not wanted by the majority of ATCOs (from what we hear in pub chat), but it seems to be on the CAA "to do list".

Since most balloons that do fly in controlled airspace have specific access agreements with their regional airports, then the sledgehammer approach by the authorities seems entirely out of proportion.

The British Gliding Association have invited all pilots from different air sports to meetings with the CAA in April to put forward the case.

[Roffa]

Balloons operating out of the LHR and City Zones are required to have r/t and transponders and they seem to manage okay.

If they can currently power those can they not also power a Mode S txpdr instead of an A/C one?

As an aside, where I work I don't mind if traffic is using Mode A/C or Mode S but I do support a mandatory altitude reporting txpdr for all.

[2.5 miles]

Mode S, fantastic on jets, we can tell if they are cheating on speed compliance plus added safety net of checking levels/altitudes selected. Can't believe that controllers wouldn't want it. Same info from a balloon? Not quite as useful to a controller tho. A/C is useful wherever

[NorthSouth]

Radarspod:

You shouldn't need an exemption for using Mode A/C only transponder after 31/03/08, it is an acceptable means of compliance for aircraft already fitted until 2012

So what's this for then?
NS

[Radarspod]

I stand corrected , much to my annoyance