Navigating Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR) over Aspen without Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar support
In an unusual turn of events, a flight departing from Aspen recently attempted to navigate through Class B airspace around Denver International Airport without a transponder, a device typically required for aircraft operating in such controlled airspace and above 10,000 feet MSL.
The flight, which was operating under an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan, contacted each Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility by phone to seek permission for the special arrangement. Each ATC facility granted the flight permission to make the flight without a transponder, citing specific FAA regulations that allow for such exceptions under certain circumstances.
According to FAA regulations, aircraft operating within Class B airspace and above 10,000 feet MSL are required to have a Mode C transponder with altitude reporting (Mode C or Mode S) for enhanced surveillance and safety. Additionally, aircraft must have ADS-B Out equipment installed and operating when flying in Class B airspace, and above 10,000 feet MSL anywhere in the U.S.
However, in this case, the flight was following the provisions of FAR 91.213(d), which outlines the requirements for flying with inoperative equipment, as the flight did not have a Minimum Equipment List (MEL). The flight also placarded the transponder as inoperative, as required by FAR 91.213.
The flight's journey was not without its challenges. Aspen's primary radar was out of service, and the flight was in and out of radar contact periodically throughout the flight due to the 14,000-foot mountains. The flight was tracked by Denver Approach and handed over to Centennial tower for the final approach and landing.
The flight's transponder remained inoperative during the flight, and the term "squawk" originated from the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, where crews were told to "squawk your parrot" when transponders were on, and "strangle your parrot" when they were off. The secondary radar system, officially known as the "Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System," started as IFF during World War II.
The flight's unusual journey highlights the flexibility of the FAA regulations, which allow for exceptions in certain circumstances, and the importance of clear communication between pilots and ATC to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management.
- The cockpit of the airplane was deserted of a transponder, a device usually necessary for flying in Class B airspace and above 10,000 feet MSL.
- Despite the missing essential gadget, the flight requested and gained permission from each Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility to take off and navigate through the controlled airspace.
- Operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the pilot adhered to specific FAA regulations that granted exceptions for flights without transponders in certain conditions.
- According to these regulations, aircraft in Class B airspace and above 10,000 feet MSL require a Mode C transponder with altitude reporting, ADS-B Out equipment, and a Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
- In this particular flight, the aircraft did not have a MEL, enabling the flight to proceed with the inoperative transponder, as required by FAR 91.213.
- The flight's course was fraught with challenges, such as periods of intermittent radar contact due to Aspen's primary radar being out of service and the towering 14,000-foot mountains.
- Despite these difficulties, the flight was safely tracked by Denver Approach and handed off to Centennial tower for the final approach and landing.
- To communicate the status of their transponder, the pilot utilized aviation terminology like "squawk your parrot" when transponders were on and "strangle your parrot" when they were off.
- This antiquated yet memorable term originated from the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, a World War II relic that eventually led to the development of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System.
- This unusual encounter demonstrated the adaptability of FAA regulations, emphasizing the need for effective communication between pilots and ATC for secure and efficient air traffic management.
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