FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationMedium
A pilot plans a cross-country flight that will cross an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) near the U.S. border. What is required before and during this portion of the flight?
- AOnly a filed VFR flight plan, since ADIZ rules apply solely to IFR traffic
- BA special ADIZ endorsement in the pilot's logbook from a certificated flight instructor
- CA filed and activated flight plan, two-way radio, and an operating transponder with altitude reporting
- DNothing additional, since ADIZ requirements apply only to aircraft over 12,500 pounds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A filed and activated flight plan, two-way radio, and an operating transponder with altitude reporting
Before entering an ADIZ, a pilot must file and activate an appropriate flight plan (DVFR or IFR), maintain two-way radio communication, and operate a transponder with altitude-reporting capability (Mode C). These requirements apply regardless of aircraft weight and to VFR flights as well as IFR flights.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ADIZ requirements apply to VFR flights too, via a Defense VFR (DVFR) flight plan.
- B. No special logbook endorsement is required for ADIZ operations.
- D. ADIZ requirements apply to aircraft of any weight operating in the zone.
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
An ADIZ is airspace over land or water in which aircraft must comply with special identification and reporting procedures, including a filed flight plan, radio contact, and transponder use, for national security purposes.
- Requires a filed and activated flight plan (DVFR for VFR flights)
- Requires two-way radio communication capability
- Requires an operating transponder with altitude reporting (Mode C)
Memory trick: ADIZ = 'Always Declare, Identify, Zone-in' before crossing the border