ads-b disabled during aerial refueling

[eorange]

I've been noticing the receiving airplane disables ads-b just before AR starts and enables it just after AR completes. The tanker always transmits. What's the reason?

 

[mtindor]

They do it just to give you something to ponder lol

 

[reconrider8]

My thinking was they cut it off A) because they are so close only 1 needs to run it B) they are already so close together they may be afraid of the other one interfering with the other

 

[murphcc1]

I guess when there are connected by the boom they are actually ONE aircraft, requiring only ONE ADS-B transmit......a flight of two becomes a flight of one.

 

[waterbwuk]

Per FAA 7110.65 9-2-13 Military Aerial Refueling:

During aerial refueling, tanker aircraft are responsible for receiver aircraft communication with ATC and for their navigation along the track.

When issuing an initial air refueling clearance, you may request a receiver to squawk standby when the receiver reaches a point 3 miles from the tanker.

Receiver aircraft will squawk normal when separation from the tanker is greater than 3 miles.

That's not all of it, just the relevant parts I copied and pasted. Full text here: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/chap9_section_2.html#Z?J29eJACK

 

[eorange]

Per FAA 7110.65 9-2-13 Military Aerial Refueling:

Good reference, thanks!