When will the wing turn on the TCAS and transponder to ALT?

When will the wing turn on the TCAS and transponder to ALT?

• A. If flight separates due to weather or PEL
• B. When taking off in formation
• C. During landing only
• D. At the discretion of the pilot

Answer: (A)

The correct answer highlights a specific operational context for the utilization of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and transponder functions. The TCAS is designed to enhance situational awareness and provide alerts for potential conflicts in airspace, particularly in scenarios where flight paths may converge, such as during weather avoidance or engine-out situations like a Precautionary Engine Loss (PEL). When flights are separated due to weather or a PEL, the wingman or flying formations must engage the TCAS and switch the transponder to ALT mode to ensure that altitude reporting is accurate and continuous. This allows the TCAS to function effectively in monitoring traffic and detecting any potential collisions, as the system relies on altitude data for proper alerting. In this case, the other scenarios do not necessitate the same level of vigilance. For instance, merely taking off in formation typically does not involve the same risk of conflict that would require activation of these systems unless a specific situation arises, such as a course change due to poor weather. During landing, standard procedures already dictate specific transponder settings, hence this option does not accurately reflect the necessary operational criteria. Finally, leaving the decision to the pilot's discretion would not guarantee adherence to safety protocols established for conflict avoidance and proper altitude reporting

The correct answer highlights a specific operational context for the utilization of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and transponder functions. The TCAS is designed to enhance situational awareness and provide alerts for potential conflicts in airspace, particularly in scenarios where flight paths may converge, such as during weather avoidance or engine-out situations like a Precautionary Engine Loss (PEL).

When flights are separated due to weather or a PEL, the wingman or flying formations must engage the TCAS and switch the transponder to ALT mode to ensure that altitude reporting is accurate and continuous. This allows the TCAS to function effectively in monitoring traffic and detecting any potential collisions, as the system relies on altitude data for proper alerting.

In this case, the other scenarios do not necessitate the same level of vigilance. For instance, merely taking off in formation typically does not involve the same risk of conflict that would require activation of these systems unless a specific situation arises, such as a course change due to poor weather. During landing, standard procedures already dictate specific transponder settings, hence this option does not accurately reflect the necessary operational criteria. Finally, leaving the decision to the pilot's discretion would not guarantee adherence to safety protocols established for conflict avoidance and proper altitude reporting