Mode S code

Patrick

Patrick

Well-Known Member
So.... having a conversation with a client today that involves a new aircraft purchase, and trying to avoid one state in particular. If he were to fly through said state, VFR, on a 1200 squawk, getting no services from ATC, as far as I know, the mode S code would still show his tail #, registration, etc. So, to "stay off the radar" in the sense of the state's records, I assume he'd have to just fly with the transponder turned off.

Discuss....
 
Just leave the transponder off and avoid B, C & (A if applicable) airspace and you should be good.
 
Not sure. The MX500 I fly behind displays people squawking 1200 as 1200 usually. It also shows tail numbers. But I haven't paid enough attention when it shows 1200 to see if it also shows a tail number. I'll keep my eye on it. Maybe ask in the controller forum.

Edit to add: I don't think the state tracks such things anyways.
 
Wow, I've been out of the GA loop too long! Mode S now shows N-numbers on MFDs/ATC scopes? Anyone have a screenshot?
 
unless the FFA in the last year put in some new patch on the ATC computers ,there is no way a controller can get you ID if your on a 1200 code if it is a mode S box, thats not to say the computer dosent store it some where, just controller cant access it on the radar (that is in the lower 48).

also its a FAR violation not to have a txp on if it is working and you are in class E airspace.another thing i dont know of any state that has access to FFA radar data just to see whos flying over,this data isnt given out unless there is a need for it.


OG
 
I'll ask the obvious question... WHY does he want to avoid a state?


I would say he should just fly around that state.

I know nothing about Mode S transponders showing registration info.
 
dc3flyer said:
I'll ask the obvious question... WHY does he want to avoid a state?


I would say he should just fly around that state.

I know nothing about Mode S transponders showing registration info.
Click to expand...


"Son, your on a need to know basis, and You don't need to know" is what I'm guessing the answer will be.
 
Yes, GTX330. Yes, you're on a need to know basis. :)

Since Mode S has the tail number and registration "tied" to it during certification, I believe even on a 1200 squawk this information comes through, and the FAA stores it somewhere.

I find this mind boggling as well, but apparently, once a month, several states that have sales and use taxes download the previous month's data from the FAA, and cross-check aircraft in the state for tax liability purposes. For him to avoid this liability, he needs to stay out one state in particular.

Best I can figure, is he needs to make the few and far between trips into this state (which his destination is just at the edge of anyway) VFR with the transponder off.
 
Xiph said:
91.215(c)

Might it be possible to disable the Mode S functions of the transponder but still leave the Mode C functions intact?
Click to expand...

Don't think so, but you could change the Flight ID on the Mode S data (though I'm sure that's a FAR violation too).
 
Xiph said:
91.215(c)

Might it be possible to disable the Mode S functions of the transponder but still leave the Mode C functions intact?
Click to expand...

Ok, I'll be the slow one today. .215(c) says "airspace as specified in paragraph (b)." Paragraph (b) says A, B, C, above 10,000 ft, and within 10nm of any airport listed in Appendix D, section 2.

How does that make it illegal to fly with the transponder turned off in class E?
 
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