Mode S Transponders

[mickypitch]

Just been e-mailed an article on modes s being a mandatory requirement in light aircraft by 2008.
This will include gliders, balloons as well as light aircraft. It will not restricted to controlled airspace but in the open FIR as well!
Can someone tell me what the great leap forward will be in having mode S for everything flying?
How much will it cost and how will a radar operator be able to see anything at all on his screen with about a 100% increase in traffic showing up on it?
Hate to think of the cost...........
Ah well happy days, someone must see the sense in this-anybody any idea who he is????

[Flybywyre]

What was the article that you have read?
I'm involved with some mode S trials soon and from the pre-amble that I have read I would be very suprised if GA came into the frame at all.
Regards
FBW

[mickypitch]

This is the article I was sent........?It clearly states that it will include GA in VFR.
'The mode-s transponder will be required for all IFR operations from 2003!! AOPA as been making the case for GA as the current European approach is to see all aircraft equip with Mode-S by 2005 for both IFR & VFR operations.So far it seems that we have been able to get the date for VFR operations extended to 2008 however we are still questioning the logic of applying the carriage and operation of Mode-S transponders in the open FIR.If this proposal goes ahead many light GA aircraft will be grounded.This rule also affects Microlights, gliders and balloons etc. However there is an urgent need to get the proposal amended in the case of GA IFR operations. AOPA believes that a solution could be the redrafting of the legislation, if it was done along the line of the GPWS (ground prox warning systems)requirements.
What is not certain yet is whether the Mode - A/C transponders will cease opertaion in 2003! Watch this space.'

[Flybywyre]

Mickeypitch..............
What publication did you see this article in?
Was it dated April the 1st?
Regards
FBW
PS I would disregard it.

[Flybywyre]

Anyone else having problems with posts not appearing?

[This message has been edited by Flybywyre (edited 09 April 2001).]

[AC-DC]

FBW
Pilot Mag. (or Flyer?) wrote that mode S will be required in French airspace as of 2005 for IFR and 2008 for all other ops. including open FIR.

[Flybywyre]

AC-DC........................

Those dates seem a little more realistic but I would anticipate some slippage.
As far as the UK is concerned I would wait and see how it pans out with commercial traffic, then add 3 years for IFR traffic.
GA will have to follow because the 4096 are to be phased out completely. As to when, absolutely no idea.
Regards
FBW

[A and C]

Bendix/king now have a mode-s transponder for panel mount it is the KT70 it uses 13-28VDC power and costs around $5000.

[mickypitch]

This article came from the AOPA website so I do not think it was a wind up for April fools day.........
A fool may have thought of the idea in the first place though but that is probably the only connection!

[mickypitch]

Oh yes I forgot to ask,
What is the benefit of mode S to GA ????
Or anyone else for that matter...
As someone who may potentially have to fit one to my aircraft in the future I would like to think I was getting something in return for the expense!
Anybody any ideas?
Happy days

[Flybywyre]

I can't think of any benefit for GA and I would think it will be a very long time before/if it ever became mandatory for GA.

One of its main operating benefits is the interface with ATC, of which certain ATC developments / projects are already based on mode S interrogation.

I'm certainly not contemplating any upgrade for the Cherokee that I fly.

Regards
FBW

[Flybywyre]

I can't think of any benefits for GA. and doubt very much that it will become mandatory (for ALL GA) for a very long time...if at all.

One of the main attractions of mode S is in its interface and interaction with ATC. Indeed some ATC projects/developments are already based on mode S interrorgation.

I don't anticipate having to upgrade the Cherokee that I fly.

Regards
FBW

[Genghis the Engineer]

I agreed with you all three times FBW.

Unfortunately this is a real ICAO proposal, which they'd like to impose upon everybody (down to hang-gliders even).

The result, if it were to happen, is obvious. Huge unnecessary cost to owners, and enormous clutter on Radar screens which could only be solved by filtering out, leaving us no better off than before.

All the main associations are aware of it, and are working hard at persuading the CAA to file an exception.

G

[AC-DC]

A question.
What will Skycope ask us to select Mode ‘C’ or Mode ‘S’?

Skycop, just because that you have asked nicely I use the ‘C’


[This message has been edited by AC-DC (edited 13 April 2001).]

[wobblyprop]

I can see that radar screen might start to look a bit crowded if they want to make this one mandatory

With the ever shrinking LARS service will there be any point in having one at all? except maybe the odd zone transit?

[Skycop]

AC-DC(e),

Charlie would be jolly dandy, ta (and only if you are squawking something else as well).

SC(e)