New Transponder Code (1202) for Gliders (Effective Feb 9, 2012)

JO 7110.66D is the current iteration of FAA orders on transponder
codes which was sent out to all air traffic facilities - that is when
the folks at the puzzle palace can remember to send them out (which is
what did not happen when the above mentioned order was originally
generated.)
Those towers and centers which did not already have a letter of
agreement with local glider operators in place were more often than
not confused when asked by local glider pilots about the change in
beacon codes specifically for gliders because they had not yet
received their copy of JO 7110.66D or they had not read it and gotten
the information out to the controllers at the radar positions.
IF, and that's a big IF, the folks at Independence Ave. do their job
correctly, ATC facilities will continue to adhere to the current order
(JO 7110.66D) until such time as it is up dated with JO 7110.66E.
So, let's not muddy the waters by getting out information to the
unwashed masses (read glider pilots) about changes in squawk codes
until such time as the Feds say the order has been changed.
I hope that doesn't make too much sense.


Bill Hill