FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A pilot plans to depart the U.S. mainland and fly westbound over the Pacific, crossing an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). According to 14 CFR Part 99, what must the pilot do before penetrating the ADIZ?
- AFile a DVFR flight plan, maintain two-way radio communication, and operate a transponder with altitude reporting capability
- BObtain a special ADIZ permit from Customs and Border Protection at least 24 hours in advance
- CSimply announce position on the emergency frequency 121.5 upon crossing the ADIZ boundary
- DNothing additional; ADIZ requirements apply only to IFR flights, not VFR
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. File a DVFR flight plan, maintain two-way radio communication, and operate a transponder with altitude reporting capability
Under 14 CFR Part 99, any aircraft, including VFR flights, penetrating an ADIZ must file a Defense (DVFR) flight plan, maintain two-way radio communications, and operate a functioning transponder with automatic altitude reporting, to be positively identified for national security purposes.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. There is no 'ADIZ permit' from CBP; the requirement is the DVFR flight plan process.
- C. Simply announcing on guard frequency does not satisfy the ADIZ identification requirements.
- D. ADIZ requirements apply to VFR aircraft too via the DVFR flight plan requirement.
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
An ADIZ is airspace over land or water in which aircraft identification is required for national security, per 14 CFR Part 99.
- VFR aircraft must file a DVFR flight plan before penetrating an ADIZ
- Two-way radio communication must be maintained
- Transponder with altitude reporting (Mode C) is required
Memory trick: 'ADIZ = Always Declare, Identify, Zap-transponder'