9 June 2006
The CAA has launched a ‘Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment’ consultation, aimed primarily at GA pilots, covering the use of Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) Mode Select (Mode S) and its interaction between ATC and airborne collision avoidance systems (ACAS).
The Authority is proposing to make carriage of Mode S Elementary Surveillance (ELS) transponders mandatory within all UK airspace from 31 March 2008, probably with a two-year transition period during which exemptions will be granted to aircraft operators who are unable to equip their aircraft by the deadline.
The CAA says it is aware that some light aircraft will have technical difficulties being fitted with currently available Mode S transponders and is working with the aviation industry to develop the Light Aviation SSR Transponder (LAST) and Low Power SSR Transponder (LPST) that will meet the needs of specific sectors such as the gliding community.
Details of the ‘Proposal to Amend the Air Navigation Order 2005 for the Purpose of Improving the Technical Interoperability of All Aircraft in UK Airspace’ are available at <a href=’http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=7&pagetype=90&pageid=6476′ target=’_blank’>CAA Mode S RIA</a>
You have until 29 August to respond, either through completing the online response form, or by fax or post to the address given
