Airbus ATC AUTO mode
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It is recommended to select TCAS off while on ground (and not on a runway) because otherwise mode A and C will also be active and lots of returns from many aircraft on ground in close proximity creates problems for ATC secondary radar.
Which transponder mode is used depends on the transponder mode switch, which should be in AUTO on the ground. In that case it transmits only in Mode S with the ground flag set, which excludes it from any TCAS and unwanted ATC display. Unlike ON which does indeed switches to Mode S/C regardless if on the ground or not and will usually lead to very fast complaints by your friendly local ATCO.
Setting TCAS to TA/RA does not override the transponder mode selector, try it out next time you're in the aircraft.
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t is recommended to select TCAS off while on ground (and not on a runway) because otherwise mode A and C will also be active and lots of returns from many aircraft on ground in close proximity creates problems for ATC secondary radar.
Last edited by underfire; 20th Sep 2016 at 04:29.
Originally Posted by Safelife
It is recommended to select TCAS off while on ground (and not on a runway) because otherwise mode A and C will also be active and lots of returns from many aircraft on ground in close proximity creates problems for ATC secondary radar.
Originally Posted by Underfire
Yes, and in effect, uses up bandwidth which is limited. Currently, ATC has to null out the ac on the ground, but the bandwidth is still being used up. With increasing ground ops managing surface flow, it will become critical to turn systems off.
Bandwidth overload, maxxed out SSR??
Last edited by Capn Bloggs; 20th Sep 2016 at 12:08. Reason: Grammar
Hey Bloggsy.......we go further, the TCAS switch is never touched out of the TA/RA position unless directed by a non normal checklist or possibly if you desire during a PRM app in SYD to TA.
The Transponder is switched to Auto before start and back off after shutdown. Turning off the Txpd shuts down the TCAS at the same time.
Besides, in the AUTO mode the TCAS is inhibited on the ground anyway.
The Transponder is switched to Auto before start and back off after shutdown. Turning off the Txpd shuts down the TCAS at the same time.
Besides, in the AUTO mode the TCAS is inhibited on the ground anyway.
TCAS is not inhibited on the ground, it is in ground mode (not causing RAs).
But Mode A and C will be active.
We used to keep TCAS on before, but some years ago there was a request by ATC here in Europe to PLEASE keep it to mode S on ground only.
It is also in almost any airport briefing here.
I will try to dig out the respective notice.
But Mode A and C will be active.
We used to keep TCAS on before, but some years ago there was a request by ATC here in Europe to PLEASE keep it to mode S on ground only.
It is also in almost any airport briefing here.
I will try to dig out the respective notice.
Only half a speed-brake
ACAS Guide Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (incorporating TCAS II versions 7.0 & 7.1 and introduction to ACAS X)
May 2016
p.42 INTERFERENCE LIMITING
p.70 TCAS II/TRANSPONDER OPERATIONS ON THE GROUND
The techical explanation is not provided in that particular document, but guidelines are very clear.
--- edited ---
And a leaflet straight out of my flightbag, where a copy is stored for no apparent reason since 2004.
This brochure describes transponder operating procedures from departure gate to runway line-up, and landing to gate.
Full dedicated webiste here:
EUROCONTROL Documents on SSR Mode S | Eurocontrol
May 2016
p.42 INTERFERENCE LIMITING
p.70 TCAS II/TRANSPONDER OPERATIONS ON THE GROUND
The techical explanation is not provided in that particular document, but guidelines are very clear.
--- edited ---
And a leaflet straight out of my flightbag, where a copy is stored for no apparent reason since 2004.
This brochure describes transponder operating procedures from departure gate to runway line-up, and landing to gate.
Full dedicated webiste here:
EUROCONTROL Documents on SSR Mode S | Eurocontrol
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Bandwidth overload, maxxed out SSR??
We used to keep TCAS on before, but some years ago there was a request by ATC here in Europe to PLEASE keep it to mode S on ground only.
It is also in almost any airport briefing here.
It is also in almost any airport briefing here.
Thanks for once again, trolling my posts! I have a stalker!
Originally Posted by Underfire
Bloggs, time to evolve. If and when AUS adds ground ops, or the airspace gets closer to capacity, you will begin to see the same.
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TCAS is not inhibited on the ground, it is in ground mode (not causing RAs).
But Mode A and C will be active.
But Mode A and C will be active.
Just weird that on my previous type it was actually the OEM that changed our SOPs after a fleet audit at "my" outfit to always have TCAS on instead of switching it off and on. According to the OEM all that achieved was wearing out the switch. No complaints from any ATC unit and we are a medium sized legacy carrier in the middle of europe.
I can't recall the exact reasons given but for 6 months we selected the TCAS ON before line up and OFF after vacating. That lasted 6 months until our Fleet Tech office determined that the TCAS systems fitted were updated to the latest software/mod and we can leave it switched on all the time.
Now, as per Airbus standard, we switch the TXPDR to SBY at the gate.
A330.
Now, as per Airbus standard, we switch the TXPDR to SBY at the gate.
A330.
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A-SMGCS in operation at YMML, YSSY with TCAS/transponders going full bore. Obviously no bandwidth issues there. Stop making grandiose, sweeping statements that don't apply everywhere.
Again, time to READ, evolve, and stop stalking, stop inserting yourself where you are irrelevant.
Did you figure out that Perth only has one AWOS, and when you get TCH winds, it is simply because they give the winds per runway end with the corresponding headwind/tailwind component? Or do you really think they measure they winds at each TCH?
