Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 4; Flight Crew Total 327; Flight Crew Type 45
Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors; Procedure
This was the first time I had operated at SLC since ASDE-X installation began to call for transponder use on taxiways. The last time I had taken off from this airport was approximately nine years prior. During pre-flight; I identified the transponder usage specification in the AFD. I noted that I'd need to turn on the transponder after getting taxi clearance from ground. I obtained VFR clearance through the airspace from clearance delivery; taxied from the hangar to the edge of the ramp; and called ground for clearance. However; upon receiving taxi clearance; I forgot to activate the transponder. Ground reminded me ('verify...') to activate my transponder shortly thereafter; and I complied. It appears that habit from previous operations at the airport (I had done my primary and instrument flight training at this airport before taxiway transponder use was effective) won out over my pre-flight review of the changed procedure.
C172 pilot reports being aware of the requirement to turn on transponder upon receiving taxi clearance at SLC; but then forgetting to do so. ATC provides a reminder.