FAR DECODED — GLOSSARY

TRANSPONDER

Definition

TRANSPONDER

The airborne radar beacon receiver/transmitter portion of the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) which automatically receives radio signals from interrogators on the ground, and selectively replies with a specific reply pulse or pulse group only to those interrogations being received on the mode to which it is set to respond.

  • See: ICAO term TRANSPONDER

Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (verbatim from the Federal Aviation Regulations).

Where This Term Is Used