1202 Transponder Squawk Code - In a Tow Plane?

Just wondering about something.

Those of us with transponders in our gliders squawk 1202. Hurrah for our unique code. As I understand it other VFR aircraft with transponders typically squawk 1200.

I would assume that at many gliderports few of the gliders have a transponder due to the cost and them not being required (but the trend is towards getting them). On the other hand tow planes would be more likely to have a transponder.

I suppose that the answer will be "no" but I thought it might be interesting to ask the question Is it legal for the tow plane to squawk 1202 instead of 1200? This could let the controllers know GLIDERS are in the area and might "scare away" the heavy traffic. Plus the non-circling tow plane would be less likely to be confused for a flock of circling birds!

I anticipate that someone will mention that their operation always calls the FAA before each day's operation to alert them. Good idea! But having actual "glider" traffic being seen on radar might be even better.

Humbly Submitted in My Ignorance,
Let the Hazing Begin,
John OHM Ω

I will start with......I don't know.

I will say, your idea may have valid points that are worthwhile. Agreed, I don't believe any of our ships (tug, club ships, private ships) have transponders. Letting NY TRACON (or whomever controls your area, I fly in the NY metro area) see "gliders" may help keep heavy iron above cloud base until closer to their destination.

When we were using a tow plane with a transponder, I spoke with Vero Beach tower and they agreed that having the tow plane squawk 1202 made sense if it was on a towing mission. And, no need to switch to 1200 when the glider is released and the tow plane is heading back to the gliderport. They prefer to know who you are and what kind of operation you are doing. Thus, 1202 helped them sort us out from other GA traffic.

If in doubt, contact your closest tower or Tracon.

Paul A.

Not unless your local ATC assigns it

All three of our towplanes have unique ATC assigned (by letter) squawks, to be used when actively towing gliders.

Transponder-equipped private gliders use the standard 1202 code.

Kirk
SLSA

On Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 12:48:16 PM UTC-5, kirk.stant wrote:
All three of our towplanes have unique ATC assigned (by letter) squawks, to be used when actively towing gliders.

Transponder-equipped private gliders use the standard 1202 code.

Kirk
SLSA

Kirk - So those are permanently assigned squawks? How did you go about that?

On Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 1:11:14 PM UTC-5, OHM Ω

Kirk - So those are permanently assigned squawks? How did you go about that?

We have several members in the FAA or who work closely with the FAA. I assume they coordinated with our TRACON to establish the individual unique codes for each of our 2 Pawnees and Supercub. We have a letter on file with the codes, which are only to be used when actively towing gliders.

Kirk

On Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 12:48:16 PM UTC-5, kirk.stant wrote:
All three of our towplanes have unique ATC assigned (by letter) squawks, to be used when actively towing gliders.

Transponder-equipped private gliders use the standard 1202 code.

Kirk
SLSA

Correction Kirk SLSA only has 2 towplanes...

On Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 3:59:29 PM UTC-5, RV 6 Driver wrote:
On Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 12:48:16 PM UTC-5, kirk.stant wrote:
All three of our towplanes have unique ATC assigned (by letter) squawks, to be used when actively towing gliders.

Transponder-equipped private gliders use the standard 1202 code.

Kirk
SLSA

Correction Kirk SLSA only has 2 towplanes...

Ha ha. Inside joke, folks...

66

Back in 2012, I coordinated an agreement with the FAA for the Houston area for tow planes to squawk 1202. It was a LONG process, took about 6 - 9 months if I remember correctly. Besides agreeing the policy (more complicated than we anticipated), they needed time to roll it out internally (i.e., to train) all their staff, which meant waiting for their normal training cycles.. A link for a copy of our policy is below. Bottom line – it was a good thing to do, but it does require upfront effort.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...7eNfgGGbI/edit

- Frank Allen