Can I avoid squawking?

[ludwigkessler 0]

Hiya JD and all,I'm using a prgram called around the world in 80 flights from First class simulations, and their aircraft in the program is a Lockheed Electra which doesnt have a transponder. Is there a way for me to use RC still? A long winded way around it is to start the flight with another aircraft and then obtain clearance and squawk, then switch to the Electra, but this isnt ideal. Also, is version 5 of RC out yet or is it still being worked on?Cheers,Rory

[Ray Proudfoot 8,903]

Hiya JD and all,I'm using a prgram called around the world in 80 flights from First class simulations, and their aircraft in the program is a Lockheed Electra which doesnt have a transponder. Is there a way for me to use RC still? A long winded way around it is to start the flight with another aircraft and then obtain clearance and squawk, then switch to the Electra, but this isnt ideal. Also, is version 5 of RC out yet or is it still being worked on?Cheers,Rory

Hi Rory,I haven't tried this myself but if you hand over comms to your co-pilot the 'virtual' transponder may be set for you. Give it a try. You'll know as soon as you get airborne if it works or not. :(

[ludwigkessler 0]

Hiya Ray,Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a try and let you know if it worked.rory

[Brent 2]

Hiya Ray,Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a try and let you know if it worked.rory

RoryI have done this and can confirm that the co-pilot does change the squawk code when he has the comms.CheersBrent

[jd 57]

RoryI have done this and can confirm that the co-pilot does change the squawk code when he has the comms.CheersBrent

that's almost a bug :-)i'll have to ask my controller-buds, what happens when the plane doesn't have a transponder. i can't imagine they get very far.jd

[ludwigkessler 0]

Hi guys,Yes, Brent, I too tried it and it does work, so thanks Ray. I wouldnt have thought of it myself as I dont use the co pilot facility, preferring to do things myself. JD, I guess flying in the 30's was a bit like driving on the roads in the early 50's over here - not much traffic to crash into!Cheersrory

[ilarikousa 0]

that's almost a bug :-)i'll have to ask my controller-buds, what happens when the plane doesn't have a transponder. i can't imagine they get very far.jd

The answer to your question is, they won't be cleared into airspace requiring a transponder. Along with their airspace definitions, ICAO includes a transponder requirement (yes/no) for each class of airspace they have defined. The FAA follows basically these definitions as well. From a pilot perspective in the modern airspace system, this means terminal airspace is out of the question. A basic transponder with mode C (pressure altitude transmission) is the practical minimum for operations in radar (APP/DEP/ACC/Center airspace). Lack of one does not block access to most towered airports outside terminal airspace though AFAIK. Another question is, how would RC detect whether the user plane is transponder equipped -- checkbox, maybe?