The FAA has issued a notice that equipment suffixes used in the US will change effective 10/24/2013.
The FAA is simplifying the suffixes, as follows:
/Q /J and /K are being removed and combined with (the existing) /L, which is GNSS with RVSM
/E /F & /R are being removed and combined with (the existing) /G, which is GNSS without RVSM
For awareness purposes, the following 2 issues will probably arise (courtesy of Will Lewis):
1. Squawkbox users will likely rely on using a code associated with the old definitions of the suffixes
2. /L is not available option in Squawkbox, making it impossible to file the correct suffix from the client
3. Many pilots are already unfamiliar with equipment suffixes causing a large number of pilots to file incorrectly*
*Currently many Squawkbox users do not file a suffix while FSinn users continue to file T/xxxx/F which is the default setting
Pilots should learn and file (if able) the new suffixes to the best of their ability.
Controllers should be willing to assist pilots with editing their suffixes, as requested.
I will leave it up to ARTCCs if they wish to create policy with respect to mandatory updating of flight plans for invalid suffixes. Personally, I don't see the value, but I will leave that up to you.
The FAA notice can be found here:
www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_JO_7110.640_GNSS-TBL_6-2-5_Guidance_for_Identification_of_Suffix_to_Aircraft_Type.pdf
