Originally Posted by
Yoda2
As far as the second question, I have seen several airports that want you to leave the transponder on, even at towered. I always figured it would just be extra clutter but some want it...
True, but it's in the ATIS, it's not something to worry about. Can definitely be worse for other people if you leave it on at a place that doesn't require it.
To pilotman: Where those pilots likely got the impression to run a transponder all the time on "alt" was an airport with ASDE-X, which is quite neat if you've ever been in the tower of such an airport when visibility is low. This would be a totally awesome field trip to plan with a student. It's essentially "ground-radar". It's getting more common at busy class B type airports as well as ones that encounter frequent low visibility.
Love the last bit about the landings though.
