Originally Posted by
A Squared
So how does that work exactly, with a 1200 squawk and a plane that is not currently talking to ATC?
As zkdli has said if you have a modern secondary radar fit with Mode S you will be squawking the equivalent of your airframe number - like a MAC Address - in response to every interrogation. ATC knows who you are.
In the UK if you start playing on a distress frequency auto-triangulation (often now called multi-lateration) will link to your secondary and primary radar position. It is completely routine action for the D&D controllers to identify aircraft on radar that have just transmitted on VHF or UHF guard. There may not be many transmissions from an aircraft with an emergency so immediately pinpointing where they are from their transmissions is essential.
So if you start making funny noises you are easily identified and your equipment is helpfully broadcasting your Mode S identity from which your airframe number and registration can be obtained. Of course if you are IFR and working with an assigned SSR code then it is all that much easier your surveillance track will have a label that tells everyone who you are and where you are going at what speed and level and of course who your current controller is. The D&D controller can contact your current controller and ask that you be told to desist.
Big brother is watching you.