SC-209, ATCRBS/Mode S Transponder, established January 7, 2005, to develop Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System/Mode Select (ATCRBS/Mode S) Airborne Equipment.

Mode Select, (Mode S), and the associated technologies that support it provide the basis for aircraft surveillance within the National Airspace System (NAS), in the US and around the world. Mode S is also the basis for ADS-B, the next generational step in aircraft surveillance technology. There are a number of tangible benefits that FAA customers (e.g., airlines and the flying public) and service providers (e.g., air traffic controllers) realize using Mode S and its associated applications.

The benefits of Mode S are enhanced safety, increased aviation efficiency and an increase in the capacity of all air and ground space used by the aviation industry. As the demands and requirements of the NAS change over time, Mode S standards must also be periodically updated to keep up with the dynamic aviation environment. To satisfy the need for providing an industry baseline for Mode S capabilities, SC-209 has been established to recommend industry standards for Mode S that can be made available to governments, industry and other organizations. Version update releases are planned to support the dynamic nature of the aviation and surveillance industry.

Currently, SC-209 is in Active Monitor Status, which means they are not meeting on regular basis but will reconvene if the documents the committee has developed require updating, or if new documents need to be developed.

For additional meeting summaries, please contact the Program Director: Brandi Teel