FALSE MARKER

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00115144
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: September 12, 2023
• Document Release Date: June 26, 2023
• Case Number: F-2020-01550
• Publication Date: April 8, 1968

Approved for Release: 2023/03/31 O00115144
MEMORANDUM
TO
FROM
SUBJECT:
41,C via DFD DSAFE
A/DOED
False Marker
DSAFE
TairTi
12 APR 1968
RECE177)
DATE:
REF. No.
8 April 1968
DOED-68-043/MS
The enclosed statements cover five cases of false marker
beacon reports experienced by various pilots of this
Company at various times and dates over three separate
sites on the northern portion of Taiwan:
Site A
Site B
Site C
:
:
120� 491E 240 24'N
121� 29'E 25� 02'N
(Taichung Area, North)
(Taipei Area, Southwest)
(Linkou Area, West)
121� 22,E 25� 041N
Case I
:
Capt. Ralph E. Adams
Site A and C
Case II
:
Capt. B. Coleman
Site A
Case III
:
Capt. K. Chiu
Site A and B
Case IV
:
Capt. D. Kern
Site A and B
Case V
:
Capts. H. S. Chang &
Site A
G. V. Smith
It should be bourne in mind that reports - official and by
personal complaint have continually been made by CAT, USAF
and Transient International Pilots over the past several
years, mostly to no avail. The CCAA should be asked to
produce these past complaints and the consequent remedial
work (if any) undertaken. Have we contacted FAA, ALPAI
NWA, PAL and USFAA in an effort to secure additional
complaint material covering defective aviation radio facilities
on Taiwan?
Att.: as stated
cc: DSAFE-""
File (2)
GVS/hk
G. V. Smith
r �
A tiA-1-
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CASE I 8 April 1968
Site A:
I received a signal on my marker beacon light at the following location:
J. 491E, 24 241N, which site is located approximately 15 NM. and 040 MHDG.
from Taichung Airport. I was flying at an altitude of approximately 30001
climbing out of the Taichung area, returning to Taipei on CAT round Island
flight on 5 March 1968. I noted the position on this occasion but had
observed the phenomena on several, previous flights extending thru the past
6 years. No standard aviation radio facility exists within over 10 miles
of this site. The signal was visual and steady for several seconds, then
flickered twice before cutting out.
Site C:
(Linkou as will trigger the MB)
On numerous flights I have noticed that the aircraft marker beacon will
be activated by electronic influences in the vicinity of Linkou air station.
This may occur any where from 3 to 6 miles west of Linkou radio beacon. The
last specific example of this phenomena was on 12 March 1968.
72,
Captain Ralph E. Adams
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CASE III 8 April 1968
Site A:
Statement by Captain K. Chiu regarding faulty transmission of marker beacon
on March 3, 1968:
While flying the CAT domestic schedule on that date I took off from Taichung
airport for the final leg of the day returning to Taipei. The weather at
the time aloft was clear and visibility over 7 miles as it is necessary to
remain clear of CCK Air Base while transiting this area, I kept well to the
right of course during my climb out. Suddenly I was surprised to notice
that my marker beacon light was on. It was steady (intermittent) for 2i
seconds. I took notice of this strange item because there is no airfield
or airport facility anywhere near this location. I reported this on the
flight report of the day (Form 006).
Site B:
Just after take�off from Taipei while making the standard instrument
departure, I noted a false marker beacon flash of seconds over the Sw.
area of the city at (Site B) on March 4, 1968. I reported this on the CAT
Form 006 (Flight Report).
Signed: /
pta1n Kaiser Chiu
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CASE IV 8 April 1968
Site A:
On February 10, 1968, I flew CAT RIF return to Taipei. After take-off
at Taichung, I kept to the right of course in order to avoid the traffic
pattern at CCK Air Base. When I reached Site A, I noticed that my marker
beacon was flashing. I took notice of the area and made sure that there
was no airway facility in the area. I did not report this occurrence.
Site B:
On March 8, 1968, I took off at 0800 LCL from Taipei airport on C-46 RIF
flight to Taichung. I received a positive marker beacon flash from an
area on the southwest edge of the city of Taipei. This point is at Site
B. I did not make a report.
Sigp. ed:
Citptain David tern
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CASE V
APR 8
p.
On March 2, 1968, on return CAT round Island flight after take-off
from Taichung Airport, Captain H. S. Chang called my attention to
a very unusual occurrence at (Site A). The marker beacon light
came on and renamed lit for 2 seconds, it then flickered two times
and went off. Captain Chang remarked that this happened quite
often over that position. No official report was made. I was in
the cockpit and flying as check pilot, although I was not giving a
formal check ride at the time.
Signed:
(;;;:iin Gordon V. Smith
C ptain H. S. Chang
Approved for Release: 2023/03/31 C00115144