FR24 Flights

[Anmer]

I spotted two slow moving "flights" this morning, both over southern England.  Both with unusual flight IDs/callsigns and travelling around 25 knts.  No other flight data but shown as ADS-B (not MLAT) and using hex codes not found on the CAA website.  And now one more at Stansted. Flight ID and hexz codes as shown:

EYELASH 425142
ROADSTER 425173
LSCAPES 424A52

Has anyone picked these up on their local receiver and/or know what they are?

[rikgale]

Hi Mike

Hopefully this message posted in ModeS-Groups will help, or at least help explain.

https://mode-s.groups.io/g/mode-s/message/28060

Top 2 could be drones and the last one looks like it is a ground vehicle of some sort.

R

[jonboy1081]

425xxx are sort of dynamic, they are registered to a user and not an A/C, they tend to be used on PPG, SSDR, drones etc.

I have had a good look around and can't find a database for the 425xxx series anywhere, I'm trying to build my own info is limited unless you actually see it, quite a few seem to be names of people.

PPG is up at the moment on the south coast.

https://www.flightradar24.com/PARAIAN/2b3fcbe8

[jonboy1081]

And another, SUB70 C/S so that would suggest this one is a sub 70kg SSDR.

https://www.flightradar24.com/SUB70/2b3fe67b

[Anmer]

And another, SUB70 C/S so that would suggest this one is a sub 70kg SSDR.

Thank you, and rikgale.

I now know that SSDR is an acronym for a "single seat deregulated" microlight and PPG for a "Powered paraglider" 

Does anyone know who is responsible for allocating hex codes to individuals?  The CAA website returns:

"No records matched your search criteria."

[jonboy1081]

I think it's the CAA and related to this, more of a safety drive I think.

https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/Electronic-Conspicuity-devices/

[jonboy1081]

https://www.flightradar24.com/FLEXWING/2b3fe285

[Anmer]

I think it's the CAA and related to this, more of a safety drive I think.

https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/Electronic-Conspicuity-devices/

Thanks again.  Making progress.

Found this on the link:

How to use 24-bit addresses with EC Devices
EC devices use a 24-bit address in the same way as a transponder. This usually forms part of an aircraft's Certificate of Registration. However, as an EC device is designed to be portable and to also be used by unregistered aircraft, the 24-bit address will be programmable by the user. You can find details on how to perform this function in your EC device's operating handbook.

For use on an unregistered aircraft
If you are using an EC device on an unregistered aircraft, you need to contact the CAA Infrastructure Section and provide the following:

Your contact details
The details for your EC device, including:
Make
Model
Serial number
We will then allocate the EC device a unique ICAO 24 bit address to enable it to be used on multiple unregistered aircraft without re-programming.

For use on registered aircraft
If you are using your EC device on a registered aircraft with an existing ICAO 24 bit address, then this address shall be used.
If you need to move the device between registered aircraft, it should be reprogrammed with the new aircraft's ICAO 24 bit address (as appropriate).

Selling your device
If you sell your EC device, you need to clear any registered aircraft 24 bit address before the sale. The new purchaser must contact us with their contact details and we will issue a unique 24 bit address if necessary.

[rikgale]

Jon - have you considered putting in an FOI to the CAA. See if they will release who/what is assigned to the ICAO Hex they have registered. I can't see why they would not release this as G-INFO allows searching by ICAO Hex.

[jonboy1081]

I wouldn't even know where to start to be honest but it would be useful, although as it's assigned to a person maybe that will be a GDPR issue....

I have 23 in my list, happy to share the info if you guys want it.

[rikgale]

If you're happy to post. I would be interested. Thanks

[Anmer]

Since the transmitters can be moved from one SSDR or PPG to another, retaining the same hex code, we're in the realms of tactical codes as used by some military aircraft.

A moving feast?

[jonboy1081]

Just tried to post, format is all wrong.

Rik I will email it over to you, Anmer drop me a PM with your email if you want it and I will email it over.

[Anmer]

Just tried to post, format is all wrong.

What file type were you trying to post?

[jonboy1081]

I tried to attach an excel but that file type was not supported, I tried to paste the text but it all went crazy. 😄