SAA Block 1 Task 10

Define “Transponder”

The airborne radar beacon receiver/transmitter portion of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) which automatically receives radio signals from interrogators on the ground, and selectively replies with a specific reply pulse or pulse group only to those interrogations being received on the mode to which it is set to respond.

Define “Interrogator”

The ground-based surveillance radar beacon transmitter-receiver, which normally scans in synchronism with a primary radar, transmitting discrete radio signals which repetitiously request all transponders on the mode being used to reply. The replies received are mixed with the primary radar returns and displayed on the same plan position indicator (radar scope). Also, applied to the airborne element of the TACAN/DME system.

Define “Radar”

A device that provides information on range, azimuth, and/or elevation of objects by measuring the time interval between transmission and reception of directional radio pulses and correlating the angular orientation of the radiated antenna beam or beams in azimuth and/or elevation

Describe the beacon radar identification methods

1.      Request the pilot to activate the “IDENT” feature of the transponder/ADS−B and then observe the identification display.

2.      Request the pilot to change to a specific discrete or non discrete code, as appropriate, and then observe the target or code display change.

3.      Request the pilot to change their transponder/ADS−B to “standby.” After you observe the target disappear for sufficient scans to assure that loss of target resulted from placing the transponder/ADS−B in “standby” position, request the pilot to return the transponder to normal operation and then observe the reappearance of the target.

Describe the transponder requirements for Class B airspace and Special Use Airspace

The aircraft is equipped with the applicable operating transponder and automatic altitude reporting equipment

Describe radar beacon changes for military aircraft in IFR conditions or at night

·         Give instructions early enough to allow the change before the aircraft reaches the approach fix or handoff point.

·         Keep frequency/radar beacon changes to a minimum below 2,500 feet above the surface.

·         Avoid requiring frequency/radar beacon changes during the time the aircraft is making a turn.

·         When traffic volume requires, a frequency other than the one used by aircraft making approaches may be assigned for use in transferring control to the approach control facility.

·         If practicable, use a frequency common to both the GCA unit and approach control to minimize frequency changes.

·         When a GCA unit is not able to communicate on a common frequency, a change to a GCA frequency may be authorized.

State the mode designated as the common military/civil mode for ATC beacon system use

Mode 3A

State the beacon code assignments for emergency aircraft, radio failure, UAS lost link, and hijack

1.      Emergency Aircraft: 7700

2.      Radio Failure: 7600

3.      UAS lost link: 7400

Hijack: 7500

State who to notify for an inoperative or malfunctioning ADS-B transmitter

When an aircraft’s ADS−B transmitter appears to be inoperative or malfunctioning, notify the OS/CIC of the aircraft call sign, location, and time of the occurrence (UTC). Except for DoD aircraft.

Describe beacon code monitoring at Luke.

All terminal control sectors must select display of the 02XX and 12XX associated mode 3A beacon code subsets. The beacon radar mode button (BEACON MODE-2) on the DCB must be deselected at all times to allow monitoring of limited and partial data block beacon codes.

What are the Beacon Code subsets for Luke?

 

·         Glendale Tower 0240-0247

·         Goodyear Tower 0250-0257

·         VFR North Departures 0201

·         VFR West Departures 0202

·         VFR South Departures 0203

·         LANTIRN Pattern Checks 0277

·         Helicopters Ops below 500 AGL in SATR (LOA) 0260

·         Glider Operations 1202

State the beacon code for the last aircraft during non-standard formation flights

The last aircraft in the trail will squawk Mode 3: 4000 and Mode C, until rejoined in a standard formation.

Describe the information passed to tower for aircraft departing Luke VFR requesting flight following

Tower will obtain and pass to RAPCON the following data on all aircraft departing Luke VFR requesting radar services NFR flight following: callsign, type and number of aircraft, direction of flight and requested altitude. RAPCON will provide Tower with a beacon code.

State beacon code allocations for GYR/GEU Tower, VFR departures, Helo ops below 500 ft. AGL in SATR

• Goodyear Tower: 0250-0257 

• Glendale Tower: 0240-0247 

• VFR Departures: VFR North 0201, VFR West 0202, VFR South 0203. 

• Helo Ops Below 500 AGL in SATR: 0260