MODE S AND 8.33 RADIO

[Brian Hope]

I agree Chris, but unfortunately the battle over the rights and wrongs of whether the extra frequencies are actually required and whether they could have solved the problem by better allocation has been fought and lost. We are now faced with how that affects us and as things stand we are going to have to bin our existing radios and buy 8.33 replacements. My advice would be to wait and see what happens as Dec 2017 approaches, maybe concessions will come that you can work with; it will probably depend on what and how you fly.
As ever, GA got the chitty end of the stick while the airlines get everything they want. Is it any wonder that sporting aviation is in such a parlous state.
Rgds, Brian.

[howell]

Hello Brian,
The 8.33 debate lumbers on as 2017 creeps closer.
Might it be possible to publish an update article in the LAA Magazine regarding 8.33 in particular now we are departing from EASA Control.
May it also be possible to formulate an article on the horror stories that GA pilots are being victimised by our European Border Control colleague's when travelling to Europe now the UK is saying cheerio.
Chris Howell. G-SAGE

[Ian Melville]

I don't think there are any plans to depart EASA?

[Brian Hope]

Hi Chris, Ian is correct and nothing is likely to change re the 8.33 radio requirement. You will need on by the end of 2017.
I have not heard any horror stories concerning Border Force UK or their equivalents. Please enlighten me.
Best rgds, Brian

[Chris Martyr]

Christopher , Old Chap,
You really do have to put all of this into perspective mate ! All we are talking about here is a VHF bandwidth change !
Now,,,the way it currently stands is that EASA will probably require all EASA administrated aircraft to have 8.33Khz capability after 01/01/18. It is probably a good idea for even nationally regulated aeroplanes to be on "hot stand-by" for the 8.33Khz bandwidth changeover after this date , but there is a ghost of a chance that some of us old dinosaurs might just get away with keeping our 25Khz radio installations , although you may only be restricted to flying in this country if that is the case.
As far as EASA and the EU are concerned , make no mistake , we are no more detached from these institutions now than we were prior to the referendum , except for a lot of "smallprint issues".

Have to say , I'm a little mystified about UK GA pilots being given a hard time since "parting of the ways" took place ! You sure that this isn't the Daily Mail's aviation correspondent working his magic here ?

[howell]

Chris Many Thanks for your response.
With regard to pilots having a hard time at border control this may well be connected to the increased level of security following recent terrorist attacks on mainland Europe.
Chris G-SAGE.

[tnowak]

Zero issues regarding border control for us when we route via Kortryjk, Belgium, en-route to/from Diest.
Formalities took no more than 30 secs and personnel very friendly.
Tony Nowak