All operations within Class C airspace must be equipped with what equipment?

All operations within Class C airspace must be equipped with what equipment?

• A. Transponder with 4096 code and mode C encoding
• B. Mode S transponder only
• C. Two-way radio
• D. No transponder required

Answer: (A)

In Class C airspace, radar surveillance is used to provide air traffic services, so aircraft must be visible to ATC. A transponder that can reply with altitude information (Mode C) and be set to a discrete code assigned by ATC is essential for that radar identification and separation. The Mode C data gives ATC the aircraft’s altitude, while the discrete code allows the controller to distinguish your aircraft from others on the same radar screen. This combination is what enables safe sequencing and separation in this busy airspace. Note that two-way radio communication with ATC is also required to enter Class C, but the question focuses on the equipment that ensures radar visibility.

In Class C airspace, radar surveillance is used to provide air traffic services, so aircraft must be visible to ATC. A transponder that can reply with altitude information (Mode C) and be set to a discrete code assigned by ATC is essential for that radar identification and separation. The Mode C data gives ATC the aircraft’s altitude, while the discrete code allows the controller to distinguish your aircraft from others on the same radar screen. This combination is what enables safe sequencing and separation in this busy airspace. Note that two-way radio communication with ATC is also required to enter Class C, but the question focuses on the equipment that ensures radar visibility.