Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot mistakenly entered the altimeter setting (3012) into their transponder instead of their assigned squawk code (4020).
  • New York Departure control identified the incorrect transponder code and questioned the pilot.
  • ATC clarified the error, distinguishing between the altimeter setting and the required squawk code, and instructed the pilot to correct it.
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Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air”

While cruising through New York’s class B airspace on a busy Friday evening I heard this:

Cherokee:
“New York departure control, Cherokee One Two Three Four Five off Teterboro: 1,000′ climbing to 3,000′.”

New York Departure:
“Cherokee One Two Three Four Five, why are you squawking 3012?”

[pause]

Cherokee:
“Umm. I don’t know, sir.”

New York Departure:
“Cherokee Three Four Five, 3012 is the altimeter setting; you’re supposed to be squawking 4020.”

Cherokee:
“Roger, New York. Squawking 4020.”


Lin Weeks
via e-mail

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