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Transponder Code

Filed Under: Human Factors - Gliders

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assigned transponder code 1202 for use by gliders not in contact with an air traffic control (ATC) facility with an effective date of March 7, 2012. The notice was published in JO 7110.577, a copy of which is available on the FAA website at www.faa.gov. Gliders operating in areas where there is an agreement with local ATC to use a different code should contact the agreement sponsor for guidance on which code to use.

Definitions

  • SQUAWK: The 4-digit code set in the transponder, such as 1202.
  • IDENT or SQUAWK IDENT: A controller may ask you to “ident” or “squawk ident” to verify your location on the radar screen. Do NOT push the ident button unless they ask you to. When asked, push the button on the transponder marked IDENT. This causes the target on the controllers radar screen to change, identifying your transponder location.
  • Tow planes are to Squawk 1200, as normal.

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