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A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

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Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 02.10.06

In aviation, a "squawk" may be a mechanical discrepancy. It also refers to use of the airplane’s transponder.

IFF

Transponders as we know them today trace their roots back to the Second World War’s Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. Crews of incoming aircraft would have been pre-instructed to "squawk" a signal that, when interrogated by a ground-based transceiver, sent out a coded signal. If the code was correct the aircraft was a "friendly."  Squawk the wrong code (or none at all) and the reception might not be as welcoming.

This system evolved into the transponder system we use today.

Squawk Terms

Various controller terms require we perform specific actions:

• SQUAWK (number):  Tune the four-number code given and turn the transponder ON (in ALTITUDE mode if equipped)
• IDENT:  Push the transponder’s IDENT feature
• SQUAWK STANDBY:  Switch transponder to the STANDBY position (usually when controllers detect a transponder malfunction)
• SQUAWK LOW/NORMAL: Turn off the transponder’s ALTITUDE mode
• SQUAWK ALTITUDE:  Turn on the transponder’s ALTITUDE mode
• STOP ALTITUDE SQUAWK: Turn off the transponder’s ALTITUDE mode (alternative to SQUAWK LOW/NORMAL)
• STOP SQUAWK:  Turn off transponder
• SQUAWK MAYDAY:  Operate transponder tuned to code 7700
• SQUAWK VFR:  Retune transponder to code 1200 

(Note: Even if accidentally directed by ATC, do not SQUAWK VFR in the Washington DC ADIZ. Do and you’ll learn all about the transponder’s IFF roots).

Aero-tip of the day:  Know the terminology used by controllers regarding transponder use.

FMI: Aero-Tips