Mode S transponder display to ATC?

Michael Huber writes:

I'm going to violate my rule against replying to MXS and reply to
this, since I think it's an easy mistake to make. It isn't, as the ATC (and
any transmitting pilots) are fully aware that all pilots are listening in.
Thus, it is not an invasion of their privacy, since the transmitting party
is aware of these listeners.

In that case, since pilots and ATC are also generally aware that people on the
ground are listening in, spotters and others listening to the communications
aren't breaking the law, either.

Further, it is actually beneficial and
intended for all pilots to listen, since listening to all transmissions can
enhance the pilots' situational awareness - they know what the other guy is
doing.

It is beneficial for people on the ground to listen in as well, as it improves
their situational awareness of the state of flights in the air.

So, the argument is that while only one plane is specifically
adressed, the intended recipients are really planes on the frequency.

So is it legal for United to have a channel on the aircraft that allows
passengers to listen to ATC? Why, or why not?

Anthony, don't worry, you don't have or need a mode S transponder, or for
that matter a transponder of any kind. These devices are used by people who
actually fly airplanes, and are used in actual airplanes. They are not a
factor for gamers, like yourself. So, don't worry.

If you need to hear any other voices in the dark, you can always communicate
with your imaginary controllers and fellow game players via the net.

Everything will be alright, don't worry. The demons will go away soon.

Mxsmanic wrote:

In that case, since pilots and ATC are also generally aware that people on
the ground are listening in, spotters and others listening to the
communications aren't breaking the law, either.

That case has been made, but has not stood up in court. If you are really
that interested, you could dig out the court records.

So is it legal for United to have a channel on the aircraft that allows
passengers to listen to ATC? *Why, or why not?

It is not legal in Germany, and, in fact, UA turns that channel off here.

Michael Huber writes:

It is not legal in Germany, and, in fact, UA turns that channel off here.

I wasn't asking about Germany, I was asking about the UK. Does United turn
the channel off there?

Mxsmanic wrote:

Michael Huber writes:


It is not legal in Germany, and, in fact, UA turns that channel off here.


I wasn't asking about Germany, I was asking about the UK. Does United turn
the channel off there?

Are you going to turn it off in MSFS?

On Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:23:14 +0200, Michael Huber
wrote:

It is not legal in Germany, and, in fact, UA turns that channel off here.

This is contrary to my experience on several UA flights (FRA-IAD).

Tobias