Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A vintage, non-electrical Piper Cub from 1945 requested to transit Bozeman's controlled airspace.
  • Bozeman Tower initially requested a transponder squawk, unaware of the aircraft's limitations.
  • The Piper Cub pilot informed ATC that the aircraft, being non-electrical and from 1945, lacked a transponder.
  • Bozeman Tower approved the transit despite the inability to squawk, acknowledging the aircraft's vintage nature.
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Piper Cub 12345:
“Bozeman tower, Cub 12345 is with you 10 miles to the west. I would like to transit through your airspace to the west.”

Bozeman Tower:
“Cub 345, squawk 0123.”

Piper Cub 12345:
“Bozeman Tower, Cub 345 is unable to comply as this is a non-electrical Cub. Those transponders were not invented in 1945.”

Bozeman Tower:
“Cub 345, those transponders are all the rage nowadays! Transition approved.”


Bob Sneberger

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