When the transponder malfunctioned on a King Air inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport recently, it sparked a panicked evacuation of the Capitol building … despite the fact that ATC was fully aware of the aircraft and the pilots had complied with all the protocols. So, to prevent future such unsavory scenes, ATC has changed the protocol. In a NOTAM, the FAA said that effective immediately, anyone flying in the D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) who finds their transponder is not doing its job must immediately exit the ADIZ by the shortest, most direct course. Further, any pilot who knows the transponder cannot comply with the ATC requirement to continuously transmit had best stay out of the ADIZ altogether. The only exception is if human life is at stake, and the pilot (upon request) will be required to provide justification of such at the completion of the flight.
Ailing Transponder? Then Get Outta D.C.
Key Takeaways:
- A King Air's transponder malfunction near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport recently caused a panicked evacuation of the Capitol building.
- Despite ATC awareness and pilot compliance with existing protocols, the incident highlighted a need for stricter procedures.
- The FAA has implemented new rules requiring pilots experiencing a transponder malfunction within the D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) to immediately exit.
- Pilots with known transponder issues must avoid the D.C. ADIZ entirely, with the only exception being life-threatening emergencies requiring post-flight justification.
See a mistake? Contact us.
