The VATSIM Code of Conduct officially comes into effect on 2024-10-01T00:00:00Z. To comply with the new regulations under Section B10 of the Code of Conduct, starting from AIRAC cycle 2410, we will be checking aircraft equipment and surveillance codes during clearance issuance.
Note: The corresponding FAA regulations will be removed from VATSIM, and all pilots must submit flight plans that conform to ICAO standards.
!! Both equipment code and transponder items have to be filled!!
For equipment codes, VATPRC controllers will check:
- RVSM capability. Aircraft without RVSM capability will not be allowed to enter RVSM airspace.
- RNAV1 capability. Aircraft without RNAV1 capability will not be assigned RNAV departure or arrival procedures and will be radar vectored. Conventional procedures may only be used with ATC approval.
RVSM: RVSM stands for Reduced Vertical Separation Minima. In the VATPRC airspace, the RVSM altitude range is between 8,900 meters (29,100 feet) and 12,500 meters (41,100 feet) inclusive, with altitude layers separated by 300 meters. To enter this airspace, your flight plan must include W in the Equipment field.
RNAV1: RNAV stands for Area Navigation. RNAV1 means that the total system error does not exceed 1 NM for 95% of the flight time. RNAV1 is used for RNAV departure and arrival procedures and may also be used for area navigation routes. However, VATPRC controllers currently only check RNAV1 capability for departure and arrival. Navigation standards for en route phases are not checked at this time. For RNAV1, your flight plan must include P in the Equipment field and D1 or D2 in the PBN/ field.
In addition, you should fill in the correct surveillance code (Transponder field) in your flight plan. Incorrect codes may prevent controllers from properly identifying your aircraft on radar.
Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) Modes A and C:
- N - No transponder
- A - Mode A transponder
- C - Mode A and Mode C transponder
Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) Mode S:
- S - Mode S transponder with pressure altitude and aircraft identification capabilities
- P - Mode S transponder with pressure altitude, but no aircraft identification capability
- I - Mode S transponder with aircraft identification, but no pressure altitude transmission
- X - Mode S transponder without aircraft identification or pressure altitude capability
- E - Mode S transponder with aircraft identification, pressure altitude transmission, and extended squitter (ADS-B) capability
- H - Mode S transponder with aircraft identification, pressure altitude transmission, and enhanced surveillance capabilities
- L - Mode S transponder with aircraft identification, pressure altitude transmission, extended squitter (ADS-B), and enhanced surveillance capabilities
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B):
- B1 - ADS-B with dedicated 1090 MHz “out” capability
- B2 - ADS-B with dedicated 1090 MHz “out” and “in” capability
- U1 - ADS-B using UAT with “out” capability
- U2 - ADS-B using UAT with “out” and “in” capability
- V1 - ADS-B using VDL Mode 4 with “out” capability
- V2 - ADS-B using VDL Mode 4 with “out” and “in” capability
- D1 - ADS-C (Contract-Based Surveillance) with FANS 1/A capability
- G1 - ADS-C with Aeronautical Telecommunications Network capability
Note 1: Choose either SSR Modes A and C or SSR Mode S, and only one code may be selected.
Note 2: If you select “B1” or “B2,” you must pair it with one of “E,” “L,” “H,” or “I” for complete information, e.g., LB1 or LB2.
Note 3: If you’re unsure or find it too complex, you can simply fill in LB2 in the transponder field.
Note 4: ADS-B and ADS-C can coexist, e.g., LB1D1.
For the complete guidelines on filling out a flight plan, please refer to VATSIM Learning Center.
September 30, 2024
VATPRC Operations and ATC Training Department