Communicating ICAO Equipment Codes to ATC

Palmpilot

Palmpilot

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Richard Palm
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When calling ATC for flight following, practice approaches, etc., they used to want to know whether we were /A, /G, or whatever. Now that domestic flight plan forms are going away, how should pilots convey this information? The ICAO equipment codes seem like they might be kind of cumbersome for this purpose.
 
You say /A or /G or whatever. The controllers don't see all the lovely ICAO codes. Their computer maps them into the traditional ones.
 
I’m surprised they cared even before. Equipment codes are irrelevant for VFR flight. I don’t tecall ever giving it or being asked to.
 
Whatever program you use to file, should have a suffix box allowing you to select the appropriate equipment. If ATC asks, then simply tell them. It’s pronounced “slant alpha, slant uniform” etc., at least that’s how I’ve always said it.
 
midlifeflyer said:
I’m surprised they cared even before. Equipment codes are irrelevant for VFR flight. I don’t tecall ever giving it or being asked to.
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How about when requesting a popup IFR clearance? I'm sure I've been asked when doing that.
 
Ryanb said:
Whatever program you use to file, should have a suffix box allowing you to select the appropriate equipment. If ATC asks, then simply tell them. It’s pronounced “slant alpha, slant uniform” etc., at least that’s how I’ve always said it.
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Are those valid choices on an ICAO flight plan?
 
By the way, the scenario I mentioned is just an example. In the decommissioned VOR thread, Nate mentioned frequently having to tell ATC that he isn't equipped for some of the direct clearances that he receives while IFR.
 
Almost positive the computer "FIDO" requires an equipment suffix or it won't spit out a code for VFRs. We used to just put /U if the pilot didn't provide it.
 
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midlifeflyer said:
I’m surprised they cared even before. Equipment codes are irrelevant for VFR flight. I don’t tecall ever giving it or being asked to.
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If the flight is entered into the Flight Data Processing computer an equipment suffix indicating a transponder must be entered or the computer will not assign a beacon code. If the pilot didn't state the code I just entered /U.
 
midlifeflyer said:
I’m surprised they cared even before. Equipment codes are irrelevant for VFR flight. I don’t tecall ever giving it or being asked to.
Click to expand...

I can see where they would care for VFR that was navigating a Class B or something, cause they can issue GPS vectors.
 
I've always been given compass vectors, even when I'm /G. :)
 
Like said above a suffix code is usually needed to get a code 'assigned' in the 'system.' Not always depending on the Facility. Some can just give you a 'non discrete' code, ending in 00, identify you and provide service. They can also do this with 'discrete' codes in a 'block' assigned to them making sure they don't duplicate one that is already being used to 'track' a plane in the 'system.' If your going to leave their airspace and get handed off they'll usually want to get you on a 'discrete' code and entered into the 'system.'
 
When I get flight following and I normally in include it in my type.

"Requesting flight following present position direct XYZ, 6,500, and were a PC12 slant G"
 
N1120A said:
I can see where they would care for VFR that was navigating a Class B or something, cause they can issue GPS vectors.
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I've received "direct" to an airport, waypoint, or fix from ATC even while /U...and IFR.
 
Direct POPPR isn't a vector. As far as ATC is concerned, /G implies you can take off-airway routes like that. Otherwise, they might give a vector and "Direct POPPR when able."
 
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