Reader's Question—Mode S transponders

Clive Brown writes:

The CAA have provided for temporary exemption from Mode S which our group has applied for and obtained.  Obviously, this only applies to the UK, however.

What is the position about flying in France without Mode S?  Is it yet required for controlled airspace?

Do you have a source that can provide similar information about other European countries, in particular Holland and Germany?

Comments

[susan Virr]

Hi Clive

The situation is the same here in France,the DGAC has postponed compulsory use of Mode S transponders until 2009 for VFR flight.

I regret that I do not know the answers for other countries but I think that the JAR website has information on this subject but I have not explored this site recently.

[Frank de Munck]

Hi Clive,
In The Netherlands, mode S will be compulsory as from June 5th, 2008 including class G airspace above 12oo ft.(I am told)
Frank.

[susan Virr]

MODE S TRANSPONDERS
This is an extract from the FFA website which I have translated into English.

"The various exchanges that we have with the DGAC, however, show that the situation continues to evolve, albeit at a pace slower than expected.The need for equipment Mode S for VFR is likely to become necessary in certain airspaces in the coming years (TMA Paris, Nice and Marseilles in 2009", TMA Lyon in 2010).