Seems The Governor's Lack Of Transponder Rattled A Few Cages

Pilots flying in the Washington (DC) Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) need to know this: another unique operational requirement has been added to the whole procedure.

The FAA has issued a NOTAM directing that a pilot exit the ADIZ by the most direct route if he or she becomes aware that the aircraft's transponder is NOT continuously transmitting the assigned ATC "squawk" code. This requirement is different than the guidance provided in the Aeronautical Information Manual and applies specifically to the ADIZ.

This comes after the US Capitol and Supreme Court were evacuated earlier this month just as the body of former President Ronald Reagan was arriving. Those in both buildings heard police loudspeakers blare, "You have one minute to impact," as they rushed from the government buildings.

As it turned out, the aircraft was flying Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher to the Reagan memorial service. Fletcher's staff said the governor's King Air 200 lost its transponder shortly after take-off. Even though staffers say the governor's flight crew was in touch with controllers and had been directed to enter the ADIZ, someone apparently forgot to tell security officials. That prompted the evacuations as two F-15s were scrambled to meet Fletcher's King Air.

FMI: www.faa.gov