So what's all this sqwawking about anyway??

[spleisher]

In case anyone has been reading any of the other threads and wondered about what we're talking about when we discuss "squawking", "transponders" and "airspace", I thought I would offer a brief, cursory explanation.

Aircraft are equipped with a transponder, which is basically a device then continuously transmits a small amount of data so that Air Traffic Control can know who you are. When given clearance by ATC, you are given a code to "squawk". It's usually a 4 digit code that you dial into the transponder. Once the transponder is on, ATC can identify you by matching the code your transponder is sending out with the information you gave them in your flight plan.

When you are outside of controlled airspace, you generally still use the transponder, only you squawk a standard code that is set aside for aircraft flying VFR.

Speaking of controlled airspace, you may have noticed some of us talking about class B,C,D, etc. airspace. Basically, the different levels of airspace are determined by how much control Air Traffic Control exerts on that particular chunk of air.

The neat thing about airspace is that it is three dimensional. Without getting too techincal, not only can you fly THROUGH airspace, but also under or over it. For example, the immediate area around a large airport may be class "B" airspace no matter how high you are flying. In other cases, however, you may be flying in uncontrolled airspace, but have CONTROLLED airspace above you. So not only can you travel into controlled airspace laterally, you could also CLIMB into controlled airspace above you. This would usually result in a talking-to from ATC as thy look at the code you are squawking from your transponder and realize you are not where you are supposed to be.

Just some tidbits for you....

Scott

[Passenger Mark]

Hey Scott, that is good info!

Good to know the terms when reading some of these posts.

We have, at last count 8 pilots on board here. So we can tend to talk in our own language.

Thanks for being the interpreter!

[spleisher]

Thnks for the compliment... Actually, I think that's a really good pilot-to-Fearful flyer ratio. This board truly is a great resource. Spread the word. The Taking Flight board is COOL. All the ool kids hang out here! :ray

[xiknal]

We are on a regular flyway for migrating Canada geese here in central Texas. Every fall and spring (but especially fall), they come through in flocks dense enough that ATC often sees them as 'primary targets'--meaning their radar returns are hard or impossible to distinguish from aircraft which have no transponder. So, when we're out maneuvering in the practice area we'll sometimes get traffic advisories on these targets from ATC. Then, when one of the pilots out there identifies the target as a flock of geese, they'll announce it, with an approximate altitude for them. What tends to follow is radio chatter about whether or not geese can squawk their altitude. It's a recycling joke around here. :lol

[spleisher]

I wonder what they are squawking? VFR?

[xiknal]

must be...if they had flight following, Austin ATC would have gotten them as a handoff from FW Center and there'd be no question as to altitude, type, tail numbers and so on. Gotta wonder, though...are they registered only in Canada? :\