The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reserved a series of discrete codes for visual flight rules (VFR) helicopters operating in the heavily congested airspace around Los Angeles, Calif. The move to implement the voluntary beacon codes will help heighten situational awareness for air traffic controllers in the region, according to FAA.
During a test period starting in September 1 and running through Feb. 27, 2015, FAA is asking general aviation/private VFR helicopters to squawk Mode 3 Code 1205 and law enforcement/EMS aircraft to Squawk Mode 3 Code 1206 when operating VFR below 6,000 feet msl. The agency is also reminding all aircraft, both helicopters and fixed-wing, to use the Mode 3 Code 1201 when operating in the LA Special Flight Rules Corridor. For further information, contact Mindy Wright at 425-203-4530 or Victoria Roach at 425-203-4567.
