Should transponders be wired on for flight?

[UALjan15]

In a recent discussion about the Malaysia 777, I was asked when an airline pilot would ever need to kill the squawk inflight. Other than a comically unlikely electrical fire in the transponder unit, I couldn't think of a reason why I would ever turn it off inflight. Change the code? Sure. But I think I could make a case that when weight is off wheels, the aircraft should squawk, regardless of what the crew does with the box. It would be a game-changer for situations where the transponder is intentionally turned off for nefarious purposes.

 

[steamgauge]

Ever heard "squawk standby" from ATC?

 

[Sluggo_63]

In a recent discussion about the Malaysia 777, I was asked when an airline pilot would ever need to kill the squawk inflight. Other than a comically unlikely electrical fire in the transponder unit, I couldn't think of a reason why I would ever turn it off inflight. Change the code? Sure. But I think I could make a case that when weight is off wheels, the aircraft should squawk, regardless of what the crew does with the box. It would be a game-changer for situations where the transponder is intentionally turned off for nefarious purposes.

You wouldn't have a circuit breaker for your always on transponder?

 

[Dumb Pilot]

LoJack.....! Good lord, what's next?

 

[Hugh Johnson]

STBY is not OFF