Peter S. Lert wrote:
On flights in the last five years or so, I've been
impressed with the fact that the transponder reply light blinks
virtually constantly, all the way across, due to its being interrogated
by the TCAS (sometimes called the "fish-finder" due to its display)
installed in virtually all airliners. Moral: turn off Mode C...
No, do not turn off mode C. Yes, the TCAS interrogates any transponder
operating within range, which shows up on your transponder. But the display
only comes up with any reply within 2,600 ft vertically of the
interrogating aircraft. So if you are below 10,000ft you will not disturb
the equanimity of the pilots cruising above. If you have no height
readout, the cockpit display gives a diamond on the screen whatever the
vertical separation of the two aircraft and this could easily lead to the
crew above spilling their coffee. So, leave mode C on.
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Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3DP
Tel: 01386-710757, Fax: 01386-710777
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