---
title: "SERA.13020 SSR transponder failure when the carriage of a functioning transponder is mandatory — ANNEX: Rules of the Air, SERA · Avioverse"
description: "In case of a transponder failure after departure, ATC units shall attempt to provide for continuation of the flight to the destination aerodrome in…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/sera/annex-rules-of-the-air/section-13/sera-13020"
---

# SERA.13020 SSR transponder failure when the carriage of a functioning transponder is mandatory

ANNEX: Rules of the Air · Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 · EAR revision 26 Aug 2025

IR Implementing rule

## SERA.13020 SSR transponder failure when the carriage of a functioning transponder is mandatory

(a) In case of a transponder failure after departure, ATC units shall attempt to provide for continuation of the flight to the destination [aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome) in accordance with the [flight plan](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/flight-plan). Pilots may, however, be expected to comply with specific restrictions.

(b) In the case of a transponder which has failed and cannot be restored before departure, pilots shall:

(1) inform ATS as soon as possible, preferably before submission of a flight plan;

(2) insert in Item 10 of the ICAO flight plan form under SSR the character ‘N’ for complete unserviceability of the transponder or, in case of partial transponder failure, insert the character corresponding to the remaining transponder capability; and

(3) comply with any published procedures for requesting an exemption from the requirements to carry a functioning SSR transponder.

IR · SERA.13020 — Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 · Regulation (EU) 2016/1185 · SERA Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 26 Aug 2025

GM Guidance material

## GM1 SERA.13020(a) SSR transponder failure when the carriage of a functioning transponder is mandatory

TRANSPONDER FAILURE AFTER DEPARTURE

When an [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft) experiencing transponder failure after departure is operating or expected to operate in an area where the carriage of a functioning transponder with specified capabilities is mandatory, the ATC units concerned should endeavour to provide for continuation of the flight to the [aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome) of first intended landing in accordance with the [flight plan](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/flight-plan). However, in certain traffic situations, either in terminal areas or en-route, continuation of the flight may not be possible, particularly when failure is detected shortly after take-off. The aircraft may then be required to return to the departure aerodrome or to land at the nearest suitable aerodrome acceptable to the operator concerned and to ATC.

GM · GM1 SERA.13020(a) — Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 · ED Decision 2016/023/R · SERA Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 26 Aug 2025

GM Guidance material

## GM1 SERA.13020(b) SSR transponder failure when the carriage of a functioning transponder is mandatory

TRANSPONDER FAILURE BEFORE DEPARTURE

In case of a transponder failure which is detected before departure from an [aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome) where it is not practicable to effect a repair, the [aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aircraft) concerned should be permitted to proceed, as directly as possible, to the nearest suitable aerodrome where repair can be made. When granting clearance to such aircraft, ATC should take into consideration the existing or anticipated traffic situation and may have to modify the time of departure, flight [level](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/level) or route of the intended flight. Subsequent adjustments may become necessary during the course of the flight. Note that Article 4(4) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1207/2011 also addresses this issue.

GM · GM1 SERA.13020(b) — Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 · ED Decision 2016/023/R · SERA Easy Access Rules · EAR revision 26 Aug 2025

[All rules in SECTION 13 SSR Transponder and ADS-B transmitters](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/sera/annex-rules-of-the-air/section-13)

Consolidated from the EASA Easy Access Rules (revision 26 Aug 2025, extracted 13 Oct 2026) for convenience. Not the official publication — verify against the Official Journal of the European Union and the EASA publications before operational use.