NEW MODE S TRANSPONDERS

[Admin]

Airservices Australia has requested that our members program the Flight ID field of Mode ‘S’ Transponders in the following format and be used for Aircraft Identification when lodging a flight plan with Airservices:

 

“RXXXX” where XXXX = the last 4 digits of the aircraft registration, example “R1234″.

 

The “R” advises an Air Traffic controller that the aircraft they are observing on their screen is being operated under the auspices of RA-Aus. However, your callsign remains the same (e.g. As per Section 4.02 of the Operations Manual, aircraft type and last four digits of rego number).

 

It is likely that if ATC attempts to make first contact with one of our aircraft fitted with a Mode ‘S’ Transponder, that they may utilise the Flight ID callsign initially (e.g. “Romeo 1-2-3-4”). However, when replying to ATC, use your normal callsign (as described above) clearly stating your aircraft type.

 

Prior to using a Transponder in the Mode ‘S’ function, a registered HEX code must be obtained from by emailing CASA .

 

Once issued with a HEX Address from CASA, please email the number to Operations to assist RA-Aus in maintaining a register of the HEX codes which will allow Operations to assist Airservices with data verification upon request.

 

Zane Tully

 

RAAus Operations Manager