Pilot Institute
DECEMBER 27, 2024
If youre flying, your transponder shares important details like your altitude, speed, and identification with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Air Traffic Control (ATC): ATC uses transponder signals to track aircraft and ensure safe separation between them both in flight and on the ground.
Flying Magazine
JUNE 27, 2025
The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act would limit the use of ADS-B data to air traffic controllers (ATCs) for purposes of safety and efficiency. A group of congressional lawmakers has introduced a bill that would block government agencies and private companies from using ADS-B data to impose fees on pilots.
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Flying Magazine
MAY 26, 2025
Even if you have a datalink weather capability in the cockpit, dont give up on your air traffic controllers. A ribbon display mounted near the air traffic controllers sector suite or in the tower cab provides any recent microbursts alerts. In comparison, the lowest scan from the TCLT radar is only 315 feet.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 28, 2025
Lets say youre cruising at 10,000 feet when Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructs you to “squawk 1200.” The transponder is the airborne portion of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS). If you plan to fly in: Group I Terminal Control Area (TCA). What Are Transponder Codes?
Pilot Institute
MARCH 6, 2025
AGL Above Ground Level AGL is simply a way to tell the basis from which any given height or altitude is measured. Simply put, 400 feet AGL means that the 400 feet is measured from the underlying ground surface above the specific airspace. This is as opposed to other altitude measurements, such as AMSL or above mean sea level.
Pilot Institute
JUNE 27, 2025
Know what special scenarios still require a waiver, such as flying BVLOS operations, flights above people, or flights that exceed the standard 400 feet AGL. What Is Controlled Airspace? Controlled airspace is where air traffic control (ATC) services are provided to aircraft to safely and efficiently guide flight operations.
Pilot's Life Blog
JUNE 18, 2025
Be mindful of controlled or restricted airspace and coordinate with air traffic control as necessary. Fly parallel to your intended landing point at pattern altitude (1,000 feet AGL). Emergency Procedures Integration: The power off 180 simulates an engine failure landing. How do I set up a power-off 180?
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