Light Aircraft Association

I have just bought a used Microair transponder and Ameri-King encoder. Keen to see if it works, I fitted the transponder in my panel but not the encoder because it needs the static line tube which did not come with the package...Question: should it work in Mode Alpha without wiring up the encoder, or does it need the encoder wired up? The display flashes "R" but our local ATC could not see a return?

Hi,

I hate to sound negative, but if it's not Mode S (and I expect not) then I believed you can no longer licence it as a new figment, only as a replacement if you already had the same model fitted. There's conflicting information around on the subject as the use of mode S is only mandated (at the moment) for IFR in classes A-C airspace so do check before believing me.

This is one of those areas where common sense would suggest that fitting a used mode C transponder to a permit aircraft gives a big safety and conspicuity benefit compared to having no transponder.

It would be good if the New GA friendly CAA took a more pragmatic view and accepted that not everyone can afford to buy a new mode S transponder and provided a concession that would actually increase the use of transponders outside of controlled airspace if those many perfectly good Mode C devices now being replaced in IFR equipped aircraft were recycled here, rather than being sent to the USA and Australia as many are.

Surely they could do that for operations outside of EASA land? I think this has all been aired here years ago though and the LAA fought that fight with the CAA and lost.

Regards,

Colin