CAA Mode S Consultation

Update - 8 May 2008

There are now just over 3 weeks remaining in which to respond to the CAA Mode S proposals . Hundreds of glider pilots have now responded but we believe that we need many more responses in order to fully press our case (see below and the side box for full details).

As well as responding to the CAA, the BGA is now also asking that PILOTS WRITE TO THEIR MP to bring this matter to their attention. A sample letter and a link to MP contact details are in the side box but, as with your response to the CAA, please use the sample letter as a guide to formulating your own letter.

This threat is real.  Implementation of the proposals will make it uneconomic for many to continue to fly.  A number of clubs may be forced to close. Please respond.

Introduction

The CAA has begun the next stage of consultation over their proposals to introduce Mode S transponders.  Their new consultation document, entitled ‘Proposal for an Incremental Expansion of the Use of Secondary Surveillance Radar Mode Select Transponders in UK Airspace’ is now available on the CAA web site.

The BGA welcomes the fact that this consultation is not proposing that all aircraft in all airspace should carry Mode S transponder secondary surveillance radar (SSR) equipment. However, we are extremely concerned that the proposals contained in this new consultation document represent a disproportional approach by the CAA that will give rise to significant burdens to individual pilots and to businesses, including clubs, that operate in the gliding area. We believe that the proposals have the potential to threaten the fundamental viability of our sport.

The responses of nearly 3,000 glider pilots were instrumental in persuading the CAA to drop the seriously flawed proposals contained in their earlier round of consultation. The BGA asks all glider pilots to familiarise themselves with the new proposals, understand what they mean to you, and respond to the consultation to ensure that the CAA understands your views.

The consultation runs until 31st May. You can respond via the CAA's online form, by Email, or by post. Links to these are in the box opposite, along with links to other briefing documents, including a draft of the BGA's own response. These documents are provided to help you understand the issues and to form your own opinion. However you respond, please use your own arguments; responses which simply echo the BGA's words will effectively be discounted.

Once you have responded, please would you log this fact with the BGA so that we can track the level of response. A special form has been provided for you to do this. Be assured, we will only use the information collected in aggregate form; your details will not be passed to any third party.

Please respond to help ensure the future of our sport.

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The new proposals can be summarised as:

1.  Unlike the previous set of proposals, the new consultation document does not propose that all aircraft must carry Mode S transponders in all UK airspace.

However:
2.  The carriage and use of Mode S transponders will be mandated within all UK controlled airspace (A-E).
3.  In addition, the consultation proposes the implementation of a formal process to create Transponder Mandatory Zones (TMZs) within uncontrolled (Class G) airspace.
4.  Gliders will be fully included in these proposals – i.e. there will be no blanket exemption for gliders, irrespective of whether or not suitable equipment is available. This move would mean that no glider could enter any airspace above FL100 (whether controlled or not) unless equipped with a Mode S transponder.

The consultation document mentions that local letters of agreement might be put in place to enable non Mode S equipped aircraft to operate within controlled airspace and that specifically agreed non-transponder transit corridors/routes in controlled airspace and TMZs might be established.  However, the consultation document provides no guarantees that this would happen.

Mode S Open Meetings  26th February 2008 UPDATE 29 March

The BGA has asked a number of clubs to facilitate open meetings with all air sport pilots and the CAA regarding the plans for mode S as detailed in the current phase 2 consultation document. This is a great opportunity for our members to engage with the rulemakers, further clarify our airspace needs and to develop personal views on how to respond to the consultation. As such, the BGA urges ALL pilots to try to attend one of the meetings.  The remaining dates and venues (meetings starting at 7pm) are: Lasham Friday 4th April, Pocklington (Wolds GC) Friday 11th April, Shobdon (Herefordshire GC) Saturday 12 April and Husbands Bosworth on Monday 21 April.  Space at the Shobdon meeting is limited so please let Diana King know if you plan to attend.

These meetings are a great opportunity for our members to engage with the rulemakers, further clarify our airspace needs and to develop personal views on how to respond to the consultation. As such, the BGA urges ALL pilots to try to attend one of the meetings. 

Information regarding the BGA position on the mode S phase 2 consultation will also be published in due course.  Details of the CAA consultation, which closes at the end of May, can be viewed on their web site.  Directions etc to the clubs are here.

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