Transponders (again)

[ZULU1]

I am opening this thread as I have been speaking to my neighbour. His position is as a technical adviser to the Namibian ATC as well as other countries.

I have it on good authority that Namibia will be one of the first countries to enforce transponders and usage. It appears that "off the official record" that the Namibian Government may be aiding Pilots and Aerie owners with purchase of these devices to make the skies a safer place. They will all be Mode S (as well as A / C). I believe 200 aeries affected in Namibia ??

I also understand from "over the fence chats" that the George and East London areas are cited as problem areas and will be receiving attention first in our country.

I believe half all aeries flying in SA are microlights ??

Please don't respond to me in a "attack Zulu1 manor" its for everyones awareness and I will update this thread as I get more "official off the record info".

My info source is excellent.

eish Zulu1

[Dobbs]

Hi Zulu1, you would'nt happen to be launcing a Mode S transponder in the new future now would you :D

ps - I am in need of a stand alone chatter box, do you sell them seperately, as I have fitted your system in my trike, and now want to use it in my Bushbaby, using the existing headsets?

[ZULU1]

Hiya Dobbs

Yes we sell sepeartely and they fit behind the panel, so you just have two sockets one each side. Need cable lengths and your radio in the BB please.

As regards Modes S it is on the agenda as we are bust with Bomb disposal toys at present !!

Cheers Paul

[skybound®]

Hi ZULU1

This has been a rumour for a long time, but with no official documentation, I think best to leave a sleeping giant

Your source may need to check their facts as East London does not even have a SSR presently. George, I dont think is covered yet either. So transponders are useless there.

The issue was more of a push from the airlines and ATNS and not any of our 'governing' agencies from what I recall.

Dont think there is any Mode S services in SA yet either - only Mode A/C. Mode S is flippin expensive even for TCA's.

[Arnulf]

Since when does Windhoek have secondary surveilance radar?

[skybound®]

Just as a matter of interest a Mode S transponder is around R30 000 - double the cost of a Mode A/C.

Namibia must be rich - that is a cost of R6 000 000 (excluding installation, aerial, and power sources) to help out the micros only. Then they only need the one oke to forget to turn it on