Mark, Yes, I know it was outside US airspace and the FAA rules do not apply. My main question was if ATC agencies around the world still use the raw radar return or just transponder digital data to "see" aircraft. I was asking if anyone knew if here in the US the control centers still use BOTH the raw radar image AND the transponder digital data/information. The systems I am familiar with could only use raw radar image that was no further then 60 miles from the transmitter yet the transponder information could be used up to 200 miles away.

(Written on 17.03.2014)(Permalink)

John, I agree to some point however if the FAA or other ATC agencies do not use the "old style" radar imaging, i.e. the "blip" or as I was taught, the raw return image, then turning off the transponder would make the plane disappear from the ATC screen. Again, this is only true if our FAA and other ATC agencies do NOT use the raw radar return whic I'm told is the case. Earlier in this thread I asked if the FAA still uses the "old style" raw radar return in CONJUNCTION with the transponder digital data. I didn't get a reply, or at least one that answered the question. Stealth technology is attempting to remove, or at least make the raw radar return i.e. the "blip" smaller or completely disappear. This is of course assuming the aircraft has it's transponder turned off.

(Written on 16.03.2014)(Permalink)

Well looks like what I asked a few days back might have been what actually took place. Someone turned off the transponder and the plane "disappeared" from ATC radar. I asked if ATC still uses the "old style" aircraft raw return of the radar "blip". I know they use the transponder digital data but what would happen if you turned the transponder off? There goes the aircraft display on the ATC radar screen.

(Written on 15.03.2014)(Permalink)

I understand and agree with what you said Joe. I know the transponder sends digital data such as aircraft ID, and altitude. I also know it is displayed on the controllers screen coinciding with the radar blip, i.e. the echo return. My question is 2 part. Does the FAA, and other agencies, still use the radar return, i.e. the echo AND the transponder data or do they just use the transponder digital data only? If they only use the transponder data what happens on the controllers screen? Doesn't the aircraft "disappear" if the transponder is turned off?

(Written on 11.03.2014)(Permalink)

I know they are two separate functions and that is why I asked the question. Does the FAA still use the radar "blip" or just transponder info only. I remember the equipment we had in the Air Force there was an alignment procedure you went through to make sure the raw radar data, i.e. the "blip" and the IFF/transponder info coincided on your screen at the same point. If the pilot turned their transponder off then the only thing the controller saw was the raw radar return. In fact may times, as a training exercise, the controllers had to handle aircraft only using raw radar returns, no transponder info. So my question remains, what happens if the transponder is turned off? What does the ATC controller see on their screen? Thanks for your input.

(Written on 11.03.2014)(Permalink)

I have a question that I am sure someone on this site can answer. When I was in the Air Force our radar had both raw radar image, i.e. the "blip" (Even though we all know it doesn't make any sound.) and the IFF info from the transponder. I remember, and this is where I may be way out in left field, that the FAA ONLY used IFF, i.e. transponder data and NO real raw radar image. If this is still true today what would happen if you're flying along and someone turns the transponder off. With no raw radar image the ATC controller screen goes blank because you have no transponder info, at least for that one aircraft. Is this true today? Does ATC ONLY use transponder info and no raw radar "blip"?

(Written on 10.03.2014)(Permalink)

I bet some "red-neck Wal-Martian" named Bubba would turn the parts into a "spoiler" for his beat up pick-up truck.

(Written on 24.05.2013)(Permalink)

I agree PDK is a nuisance. Flightpath directly over parts of I-285 which is busy 24/7.

(Written on 24.05.2013)(Permalink)

I agree with jmcf, there's always X-Plane and from what I have seen and heard the new version 10 will be something worth waiting for.

(Written on 20.08.2010)(Permalink)

All I can say is "Reach out and touch the face of God."

(Written on 21.09.2009)(Permalink)