[JYO] 1234 transponder code implemented at towered airports in ADIZ areas

from AOPA..

1234 transponder code implemented at towered airports in ADIZ areas
AOPA-suggested solution provides some relief for flight training

Apr. 9 — Late today the FAA issued two notams (<A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2762";>3/2762</A> and <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2763";>3/2763</A>) allowing 
pilots operating at towered airports in the Washington, D.C., and New York 
City air defense identification zones (ADIZs) to fly in the traffic pattern 
without filing a flight plan. All pilots will use transponder code 1234 for 
closed traffic pattern operations. The notams were based on the successful 
tests of an AOPA suggestion to use one squawk code for pattern operations. 
The new procedure goes into effect on Friday, April 11, 2003, at 0600 local 
and will remain in effect until further notice.

"This provides some relief, particularly for flight training operations, but 
it doesn't go far enough," said Andy Cebula, AOPA senior vice president for 
Government and Technical Affairs. "On busy weekends, ATC still runs out of 
transponder codes, causing unnecessary delays and inconvenience for pilots."

AOPA and the FAA had hoped to permit use of the 1234 code at both towered and 
nontowered airports in the ADIZ areas, but the Department of Defense and U.S. 
Customs Service, which are responsible for patrolling the areas, balked at 
the idea of operations at nontowered airports.

Under the new notams, closed pattern operations at towered airports within 
the ADIZ will not require a flight plan. Pilots will make their request for 
closed pattern work prior to taxiing and will squawk 1234 continuously.

Pilots are reminded that prior to exiting the traffic pattern and conducting 
other flight operations within the ADIZ, a flight plan must be filed with an 
AFSS, pilots must obtain and continuously transmit an ATC-assigned discrete 
transponder code, and two-way communications must be established prior to 
ADIZ penetration. See AOPA's <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2003/031403_check.pdf";>checklist 
for ADIZ operations</A> and list of <A 
HREF="http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#3/2126_qna";>
frequently asked questions</A> for additional ADIZ information.

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