Update re international requirements on Mode S transponders.

[Rod1]

The following is from a CAA hand out I received at the meeting with the CAA at LAA HQ today (15th March)

The CAA’s Understanding of Mode S carriage requirements in Europe.

(check with appropriate European regulator when planning your flight)

France

Mode S is required for all IFR flight. For VFR flight Mode a/c transponders are currently required in class B,C and D airspace, on notified roughts and for non-local night flights. My be introduction of Mode S for flight in TMA’s, but not before 09. (my own research indicates this may happen for the Paris area but is not a certinty)

Belgium

Copy of the Belgian AIC 17/2003 is available on the Eurocontrol website. This is the most up to date info available.

(my summary – IFR and VFR you need one, but 2003 was a long time ago)

Germany

Copy of the German AIC VFR 9 dated 11 dec 03 is available on Eurocontrol website.

(my summary you need mode s under normal circumstances but exemptions are available For example aircraft which cannot practically carry a transponder) Again this data is old.

Netherlands

Copy of Duch AIC B 04/04 dated April 04

(my summary - mandatory for all IFR flights, mandatory for VFR above 1200ft, except over the north sea and in Transponder Free Zones) Again this data is quite old.

Switzerland

Arrangements as now, mandatory s delayed due to equipment issues until 09

Hope this helps

Rod1