Change Goes Into Effect September 1

The FAA's Western-Pacific Region has issued a letter to airmen requesting helicopter pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) in the Los Angeles Basin to use specially assigned transponder codes. Civil general aviation rotorcraft are requested to use Mode 3 transponder code 1205 when operating within a specified area. Law enforcement and first responder helicopters are asked to use 1206 when operating in the same area. The change goes into effect on Sunday, Sept. 1, at 0500 local time (1200 UTC).

According to a report posted by HAI on their website, operators are asked to use the appropriate codes when operating VFR at and below 6,000' MSL while in the lateral confines of: Starting at approximately the Northwestern tip of Santa Catalina Island, on a line to California Route 27, following California Route 27, to California Route 118, to US Interstate-210, to California Route 210, to US Interstate-10, to California Route 79, to California Route 74, to US Interstate-5, to California Route 1, to San Juan Creek then, to the Southeastern point of Santa Catalina Island, along all Western coast of Santa Catalina Island, to the Northwestern tip of Santa Catalina Island.

The stated reason for asking helicopter pilots to use the codes is to increase situational awareness. But it will also help the FAA collect data on which helicopters are operating within the designated area, as well as where and when. The agency is required by congressional mandate to determine if voluntary measures and best practices can address community concerns about helicopters' sound footprint.

The FAA plans to use the discrete codes for 180 days (Sept. 1, 2014 to Feb. 27, 2015).

The letter also reminds both rotary- and fixed-wing pilots to squawk 1201 when flying in the LA Special Flight Rules Corridor.

FMI: www.faa.gov