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The Clock is ticking - Mode "S"
All aircraft below 5700Kgs, IFR controlled airspace. March 31st 2005
SSR Mode S is a co-operative radar surveillance system that employs ground-based interrogators and airborne transponders. Mode S has been designed as an evolutionary improvement to the existing SSR system operating in Modes 3/A and C. It will provide the necessary improved surveillance capability required to overcome the limitations of existing SSR and meet future traffic demands. Ground and airborne Mode S installations are backwards compatible with current 3/A and C ground and airborne installations.
The successful introduction of Mode S will enable more efficient airspace utilization and it will improve safety while coping with increased traffic growth. The implementation of Mode S will be a phased enhancement to existing radar based surveillance services in Europe over a period of time.
AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR - AIC 49/2005
Fixed wing aircraft with a maximum take-off mass not exceeding 5700 kg and a maximum cruising true airspeed capability not exceeding 250 kt when flying IFR/GAT within Mode S Airspace are required to carry and operate Mode S Elementary Surveillance (ELS) airborne equipment
The transition period is a two-year period from 31 March 2005 to 31 March 2007 to allow operators who are experiencing genuine problems in the supply, installation and certification of Mode S transponders to equip. The transition arrangements described within this Circular represent an extension of the period permitted in which to fit Mode S, rather than a slip in the equipage mandate and should not be used as an opportunity to delay equipage.
Eurocontrol statement
Mode S Elementary Surveillance (ELS) Implementation Timescales
IFR Airborne Implementation
For aircraft flying IFR as General Air Traffic (GAT), the latest dates for the carriage and operation of Mode S ELS airborne equipment in designated airspace are as follows:
New production aircraft to be compliant by 31 March 2007
Completion of aircraft retrofits by 31 March 2007.
VFR Airborne Implementation
All aircraft flying VFR in designated airspace are required to carry and operate Mode S ELS airborne
equipment by 31 March 2005 with the following Transition Period:
New production aircraft to be compliant by 31 March 2005, although there is now a general relaxation until 31 March 2008.
Completion of retrofits, irrespective of date of first C o A issue by 31 March 2008.
ATL’s statement
Now is the time to contact ATL for a fixed price quotation for the provision of a modification for an installation into your aircraft.
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