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From Where We Came...

Identify..  Friend or Foe

 

By Robert Ezell 

October 14

The Transponder --The forerunner to today's Air Traffic Control (ATC) Radar Beacon System was developed during Would War II to enable military radar operators to Identify aircraft as friend or enemy. That system was known as IFF (identification friend or foe). Utilizing both ground and airborne equipment the system's ground transmitter sent a Signal to the aircraft transceiver which in turn replied in a set code depending upon how the pilot had tuned his selector. Only a few codes were used at that time and these were changed daily or more often.

When radar was first implemented in the Air Traffic Control System the normal radar echo return from the metal surfaces of aircraft seemed to be sufficient to identify an aircraft on the radar scope. But as traffic increased, particularly in the high density terminal areas, the need for positive means of identification was soon recognized. The old World War II IFF, 10 code, system seemed to be the answer or at least a beginning for the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System The first ATC transponders developed for the system had a Capability of 64 different codes There are now 4,096 individual codes and in addition by using a transponder with mode IC attachment the system is capable of reporting the aircraft's altitude.

Who Needs a Transpondor? Pilots normally prefer to fly VFR and will continue to do so in most of the U.S. airspace in the foreseeable future. They may continue to fly VFR and still enjoy the advantages of the FAA radar service network without being under the control of ATC.

When flying within an area of radar coverage, and the aircraft can be identified, pilots may request radar assistance or service providing they have a two-way radio for communicating with the radar facility. This does not place them under positive control but they can receive radar assistance and surveillance especially when their aircraft is transponder equipped. The transponder is simply an electronic device that aids the controller in making faster and more positive identification of aircraft.

Aircraft without a transponder can normally be detected by radar but not as distinctively and may require the pilot to alter course so the radar operator can establish positive identification. With radio communications and a transponder, a pilot knows that the controller at the radar facility has an immediate, electronic picture of the aircraft's identity, speed, and direction of flight. And with the mode C attachment the controller also knows the altitude of the aircraft which greatly reduces the need for communication between pilot and controller. The transponder is your best ticket for sharing the advantages of the FAA's Air Traffic Control network especially in busy terminal control areas.

Terminal Radar Service

There are currently three stages of terminal radar service:

Stage I - provides traffic information and limited vectoring to VFR pilots when the controller's workload permits. Stage II - offers traffic information and vectoring, plus sequencing of arriving VFR aircraft into the traffic pattern and traffic advisories for departing aircraft Stage III - provides all of stage I and II plus separation service for VFR pilots from IFR and other participating VFR traffic within a Class B area.  

Procedures for operation within or through a Class B are:

  1. Plan during pre-flight preparation for alternative routes and altitudes in the event that you are unable to obtain your desired clearance. Refer to your Sectional Aeronautical Chart or VFR Terminal Area Chart for Class B boundaries.
  2. Do not enter a Class B without specific clearance.
  3. Contact the controller far enough from the Class B boundaries to permit altering your course if traffic conditions do not permit your immediate clearance into the Class B.
  4. When you contact the controller state the following:
    1. Your full call sign
    2. Make/model of your aircraft
    3. Whether or not your transponder has Mode C capability
    4. Your position
    5. Your destination
    6. Your route
    7. The altitude you are requesting

VFR flight following will give you another set of eyes to get you to your destination. You are still responsible for avoiding other aircraft, clouds, and obstacles--so keep scanning.  Most controllers will often remind the pilot using flight following to remain VFR.  Never get complacent while flying.  You’re still Pilot In Command and you’re responsible for everything that goes on while the plane is airborne.  Look out the window.

 

Copyright 2010