Use the Correct Transponder Mode

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 08:14 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) now recommends turning transponders to "ON" or "normal altitude reporting position" before moving on the airport surface, departing from the old practice of using STBY while taxiing.
This updated guidance ensures aircraft are visible to ATC surveillance systems during all ground operations.
Pilots must actively override automatic transponder features that may default to STBY mode when avionics are turned on, manually selecting "ON" for taxiing.
Modern transponders can often be reconfigured to default to the "ON" setting for ground operations, which is typically an easy or inexpensive adjustment.

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The mnemonic lights, camera, action reminds pilots to turn the transponder to ALT before lifting off in controlled airspace. But did you know that the FAA recommends activating the transponder while on the ground? You may have been trained to put the transponder in STBY mode while taxiing. But this practice no longer satisfies the recommendations of the AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual).

The wording in the AIM regarding the use of transponders was modified last year. Regarding ground operations the AIM states: “Civil and military transponders should be turned to the “on” or normal altitude reporting position prior to moving on the airport surface to ensure the aircraft is visible to ATC surveillance systems.”