[Scan-DC] Interesting Incident

[Rapbep at aol.com]

All,

This morning in the late 1100 hour (EDT) two KC-135Rs from the 459th ARW at 
Andrews (DC 51 & DC 52) departed Andrews for an AAR mission.  Shortly after 
take off, while still with Potomac Departure (125.65) DC 51 developed a 
transponder problem which they couldn't correct in the air. DC 51 tried to split off 
from the formation and RTB Andrews. Potomac control would not let DC 51, with no 
transponder, RTB to Andrews by himself. Oviously due to the very crowded 
airspace around Andrews/Washington DC.

The formation decided, in consultation with 459th Ops (351.2), to have DC 52 
(with a good transponder) assume the lead and RTB Andrews as a formation. The 
decision was to have DC 52 lead them in, drop off DC 51 back at Andrews and 
then DC 52 would proceed out to their scheduled AAR. 459th Ops would coordinate 
the delay in AAR with the receivers. DC 51 landed without incident.

In the end the situation was worked out but it was a unique insight into the 
close workings between the aircraft in the air, Potomac controllers on the 
ground and the Operations folks at Andrews.  The Potomac controller was " first 
class" and in my estimation handled the situation very professionally and 
smoothly considering the very busy local air situation at the time.


RON
MARYLAND, USA
PRO-2045 W/D-130J DISCONE