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Let's Not Get Into A Tizzy Over TIS
You may have heard rumors that the FAA's MODE S Traffic Information System (TIS) is about to be shut down. TIS, as you probably know, is a system that allows pilots of aircraft with a Mode S transponder and a multi-function display unit (MFD) to see basically the same display of aircraft around them that the air traffic controller sees--and at the same time he sees it! TIS displays the estimated position, altitude, altitude trend, and ground track information for up to eight intruder aircraft within seven nautical miles horizontally and +3,000 and -3,000 feet vertically.
So why would the FAA discontinue a service so valuable to pilots? Well, as is often the case, the rumor is unfounded and based on incomplete knowledge of the facts. According to data published by the FAA, dated May 8, 2003, Mode S (TIS) systems were installed at 144 operational sites and 4 support facilities across the United States. Additional data we acquired from the Aircraft Electronic Association (AEA) in Washington, D. C. shows that the TIS radar sites listed for decommissioning are located at only 23 airports throughout the U. S. Of these, three were shut down in 2004, one is scheduled for shutdown in 2005, five in 2006, four in 2007, three in 2009, four in 2010, and one in 2011 and the last one not until 2012--over six years from now.
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When your airplane is equipped with a TIS transponder and an MFD, you won't have to wait for the approach controller to call traffic for you. You'll see, as soon as he does, where the traffic is, whether it's above or below you, and whether it is climbing or descending, as seen in this Garmin GNS 530 view. |
The documents obtained from the AEA also show that the TIS systems to be shut down are ASR-7 and ASR-8 radars which will be replaced by ASR-11 digital radars that do not employ the Mode S technology. So much for rumors. TIS is a long way from dead.
If your aircraft is not equipped for TIS, give us a call about having it installed. If you have ever had a near miss--and most of us have--TIS can be good insurance against another one. For more information, call us at 801-539-8412. Ask for Doug or Jim.
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