Squawk in position report
 

Dear Aviators: ATC and Pilots,

I have heard on radio in Taiwan and Japan airspace some airlines (AHK,SQ), report squawk in position report.
Is it new ICAO rule or some pilots try to confuse ATC and the rest of us?

Many thanks in advance,

moon

Some Far Eastern and Middle Eastern carriers (mainly) report their squawk on initial contact with London too, it is not required or requested, however it doesn't bother me too much (but I always check it just in case, especially if they give aircraft type as it is sometimes different to that on the flight plan)

Thanks phantom,in my opinion reporting squawk is of 0 (zero) importance
to other pilots and only cause radio congestion on frequency.
Somebody can think that is unsafe also,because more important info as altitude may evaporate from the other pilots memory.

Side track a bit, does ATC requires pilots to say "maintaining FL XXX" on reaching assigned FL in radar environment?

Are these flights 'handed over' ie is a radar ident passed, or are they just calling without a handover? If they're just calling without a handover, then it will be helpful to the receiving controller in order to quickly identify them.

With call sign conversion of the SSR code, this technique on first contact is obsolete. Also wait to be asked to "ident" before doing so, as this is part of the validation process.:)

Vercingetorix: not all of us have the luxury of automatic C/CS conversion; sometimes we transfer traffic to other units saying 'report squawk on first contact' sometimes other units do this to us.

Many thanks gentlemen,it is clear now,
talk to you soon,
best regards,
moon

maybe due to traffic congestion, it would be easier for them to locate you on their screens and if in need give you vectors as soon as possible if they foresee a possible conflict....

just my two cents... :E