ATC
Europe’s mode-S mandate creates confusion
A European mandate calling for mode-S transponder upgrades in transport-category airplanes is causing confusion for some U.S.

A European mandate calling for mode-S transponder upgrades in transport-category airplanes is causing confusion for some U.S. business jet operators as they struggle to interpret the rule’s fine print and decide whether it applies to them.

The March 31 deadline requires changes to mode-S transponders to meet specifications for two upgraded levels of functionality, elementary (ELS) and enhanced (EHS) surveillance. Both levels will be required over certain parts of Europe at the end of the month, but some operators can apply for exemptions to the EHS portion of the mandate, giving them until March 31, 2009, to comply. The confusion apparently stems from misunderstandings about which airplanes are eligible for exemptions and which are not.