On 28 Aug 2006 07:31:54 -0700, wrote in
.com:

We have had TIS in three of the planes in our partnership for a while
now. I consider it a safety of flight issue. When it is working the
number of unseen planes around you it displays is amazing.

I didn't realize this was service was provided by the FAA:

http://www.tc.faa.gov/act310/projects/modes/tis.htm


AIM 4-4-16. Traffic Information Service (TIS)

a. TIS provides proximity warning only, to assist the pilot in the
visual acquisition of intruder aircraft. No recommended avoidance
maneuvers are provided nor authorized as a direct result of a TIS
intruder display or TIS alert. It is intended for use by aircraft
in which TCAS is not required.

b. TIS does not alter or diminish the pilot's basic authority and
responsibility to ensure safe flight. Since TIS does not respond
to aircraft which are not transponder equipped, aircraft with a
transponder failure, or aircraft out of radar coverage, TIS alone
does not ensure safe separation in every case.

c. At this time, no air traffic service nor handling is predicated
on the availability of TIS equipment in the aircraft.


http://www.aopa.org/members/files/pi...ction0108.html
A traffic information service (TIS) feature is also available.
This uses Bendix/King's $5,000 KT 73 datalink transponder to hook
up with air traffic control radar to depict nearby air traffic on
the KMD 550 or 850. TIS shows position, altitude, altitude trend,
and course information on up to eight target airplanes within a
chunk of airspace seven miles horizontally and 3,500 feet
vertically of the TIS-equipped airplane. TIS is currently
available from 80 FAA sites throughout the United States.

http://www.forecastinternational.com...rs/rs12814.htm

It looks like these folks are in charge of TIS:
http://www.tc.faa.gov/act310/Welcome.html

You can contact them he
http://www.tc.faa.gov/act310/staff/staff2.htm

To find out more information about the Mode S Surveillance
Program, contact:

Communication/Navigation/Surveillance
Engineering and Test Division
Surveillance Branch

Federal Aviation Administration
William J. Hughes Technical Center
Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405
Phone: (609) 485-5392
Fax : (609) 485-5995