Aircraft Equipment Suffix: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:19, 9 November 2024

Separation Standard	Navigation Capability	Transponder Capability	Suffix
RVSM	Any	Failed transponder	/H
	Any	Failed Mode C	/O
	No RNAV, No GNSS	Transponder with Mode C	/W
	RNAV, No GNSS	Transponder with Mode C	/Z
	GNSS	Transponder with Mode C	/L
Non-RVSM	No DME	No transponder	/X
		Transponder, no Mode C	/T
		Transponder with Mode C	/U
	DME	No transponder	/D
		Transponder, no Mode C	/B
		Transponder with Mode C	/A
	TACAN	No transponder	/M
		Transponder, no Mode C	/N
		Transponder with Mode C	/P
	RNAV, no GNSS	No transponder	/Y
		Transponder, no Mode C	/C
		Transponder with Mode C	/I
	GNSS	No transponder	/V
		Transponder, no Mode C	/S
		Transponder with Mode C	/G

Reference: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7110.65Z_ATC_Bsc_w_Chg_1_dtd_12-2-21.pdf

Note: Despite this simple nomenclature, RNAV capability is not a simple "yes or no" proposition. Different RNAV technologies, installations, and certifications represent different levels of capability, and these one-letter equipment suffixes do not convey this nuance.

On VATSIM, it is reasonable to assume that RNAV-equipped aircraft are capable of Basic RNAV procedures, flying Q- and T-routes, RNAV SIDs & STARs, and RNAV approaches. Additionally, all aircraft and crews may be assumed to possess qualifications for RNP and SAAAR procedures. However, pilots may advise they have a different level of equipment capability, so be prepared to work with them to find a mutually compatible solution.

@@ Line 80: / Line 80: @@
 ''Reference:'' https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/7110.65Z_ATC_Bsc_w_Chg_1_dtd_12-2-21.pdf
-''Note:'' (COC reference for Mode C?)
+''Note:'' Despite this simple nomenclature, RNAV capability is not a simple "yes or no" proposition. Different RNAV technologies, installations, and certifications represent different levels of capability, and these one-letter equipment suffixes do not convey this nuance.
-''Note:'' Something about Basic RNAV capability and not necessarily being able to do RNAV SIDs/STARS/IAPs but Q/T routes maybe ok?
+On VATSIM, it is reasonable to assume that RNAV-equipped aircraft are capable of Basic RNAV procedures, flying Q- and T-routes, RNAV SIDs & STARs, and RNAV approaches. Additionally, all aircraft and crews may be assumed to possess qualifications for RNP and SAAAR procedures. However, pilots may advise they have a different level of equipment capability, so be prepared to work with them to find a mutually compatible solution.